Franklyn Gimbel is the founder of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, WI.
What does being a Fellow mean to you?
Being a Fellow reflects that I have gained recognition for integrity and the practice of law displaying high ethical standards as viewed by my peers. One’s reputation for integrity surpasses the financial accomplishments of a seasoned lawyer.
Where were you born and raised?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What type of law do you practice, and how did you become interested in this area?
My practice involves predominantly the defense of criminal cases and representing plaintiffs in employment matters. As a young lawyer, I served as an Assistant United States Attorney for five years, during which time I prosecuted several hundred cases, taking approximately 75-100 of them to trial.
I have found there is a kinship or relationship between the status of individuals accused of criminal misbehavior by the government, and individuals who are terminated and/or disciplined by employers with significantly greater resources.
I also enjoy the drama and excitement of advocacy in the courtroom.
If you hadn’t pursued a career in law, what would you have done?
I may have entered into elective political office and/or been engaged in high-end sales or advertising.
What do you do when you’re not practicing law?
While enjoying the practice of law the past fifty-seven years, I have also enjoyed the opportunity to engage in professional and community leadership roles. In 1976-1977, I served as President of the Milwaukee Bar Association (a voluntary organization of 2,000 members). In and between 1977 and 1982, I served as a Fire and Police Commissioner in Milwaukee overseeing the expansion of diversification of the police department in the hiring and promotion of minority police officers. In 1986-1987, I was elected State Bar of Wisconsin President (a mandatory membership organization of more than 20,000 licensed Wisconsin lawyers). In 1995-2015, I chaired the Wisconsin Center District, which built and managed a convention center complex in Milwaukee. In 2000, I was elected President of the Downtown Milwaukee Rotary Club, a civic organization with 400 members.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I enjoy being with my family, which consists of my wife, four children, two who reside in different parts of the world, and six grandchildren, who are between the ages of three and twenty years old. I also play golf, exercise and travel with my wife.
Having now entered into my 58th year of being a licensed lawyer, I think that I am the luckiest man in the universe. Being able to support my family and have a feeling that along the roadway of my many years of practicing law, I have helped a great number of individuals face challenges with outcomes that in many instances were life-changing in a positive way.