Columbus Ice Miller Partner Recognized for Pro Bono Service
John Gilligan Receives Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service
Ice Miller LLP congratulates partner John Gilligan, who was presented with the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF) Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service. The award is presented annually by the president of the OLAF Board of Trustees to an individual, firm or organization that has provided outstanding leadership in the delivery of pro bono legal services in the state of Ohio.
“John is deeply dedicated to serving his clients in both private practice as well as those he serves pro bono, via the Legal Aid Society and other similar organizations,” said Richard Barnhart, managing partner in Ice Miller’s Columbus office. “John has served in numerous leadership roles to promote access to justice and legal services, and his efforts have made a tremendous impact both nationally and locally. The OLAF Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service could not have been presented to a more deserving individual.”
The award was presented at the OSBA Council of Delegates meeting on Friday, April 28.
John is the vice chair of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee, whose goal is to promote and encourage the funding of programs, services and entities that provide access to justice, especially for those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
John also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus and was chair of that board for three years. There, he is active in recruiting pro bono volunteers, handling pro bono matters and assisting with fundraising.
In addition, he served as co-chair of the Access to Justice and Legal Services Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers and now is immediate past co-chair.
John began his legal career working for four years as a public defender. Although he entered private practice, John, along with his co-counsel in the Office of the Ohio Public Defender, successfully set aside the murder conviction and death penalty sentence of Derrick Jamison in a habeas corpus action. Today, Jamison is living in Middletown, Ohio as a free man.
In his practice at Ice Miller, John focuses on resolving or trying difficult business disputes, often involving financial services companies or governmental entities. During his 40 years of trial experience, John has tried more than 70 cases to decision, the majority by jury verdict. He has represented clients in federal and state courts, the Ohio Court of Claims and before arbitration panels.
About Ice Miller LLP
Ice Miller LLP is a full service law firm dedicated to helping our clients stay ahead of a changing world. With over 340 legal professionals in seven offices, we advise clients on all aspects of complex business issues across more than 20 practice areas. Our clients include emerging growth companies, FORTUNE 500 corporations, municipal entities and nonprofits. Learn more about Ice Miller and our client commitments.
This press release is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
It took five years to create and fund the first known partnership in the United States between a legal aid law firm and a drug/alcohol addiction treatment center. The partnership has begun in Portsmouth.