Founding Partner
Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP | Milwaukee
Frank Gimbel started practicing law in 1960 after graduating from Marquette University Law School and soon became one of four assistant U.S. attorneys in Milwaukee. A successful trial attorney, Gimbel made a name for himself early in his career by winning a case against mob boss Frank Balistreri.
In 1968, Gimbel established Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP, one of the state’s leading trial and litigation firms, and has tried 200 jury cases over his legal career. He also served as the lawyer for the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriff’s Association for over 30 years.
Gimbel was appointed to serve on the Wisconsin Center District board of directors in the 1990s by then Gov. Tommy Thompson. Gimbel was elected chairperson at its first meeting and served in that capacity until 2015. Under his guidance, the district completed the construction, renovation and financing of the Wisconsin Center (now the Baird Center), UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre.
He’s also served on the board of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, as president of the Downtown Rotary Club and as vice chairman of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, among other appointments.
Gimbel was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquette University and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Milwaukee Bar Association.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Marquette University
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
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!”
