Living Legends
Founding partner
Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP | Milwaukee
After serving as an assistant U.S. attorney earlier in his career, Franklyn Gimbel founded Milwaukee-based law firm Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP in 1968. Gimbel has expanded his practice over the years into civil litigation, including complex business, employment, communications and First Amendment cases.
Outside of the firm, Gimbel’s community service has been extensive. He served as chairman of the Wisconsin Center District board of directors from 1994 to 2015, a period that included construction and renovation of the Wisconsin Center, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theatre.
He is past president of the Milwaukee Bar Association, past chairman of the State Bar of Wisconsin board of governors and past president of the State Bar of Wisconsin. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquette University in 2015.
Gimbel previously served on the Greater Milwaukee Foundation board, the Greater Milwaukee Committee and Marquette Law School Advisory Board and is past president of the Downtown Rotary Club.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Marquette University Law School
First job: “Jac F. Donges Gloves, a men’s clothing store owned by my great-uncle. I learned that when you are selling services/products, it is essential to create a friendly relationship with the prospective customer.”
Biggest risk you’ve ever taken: “Leaving the U.S. Attorney’s office and opening my own law practice. Fortunately, 55 years later, it was the right thing to do!”
