Bio

Based in the firm’s Petoskey, Michigan office, Mr. Gillis focuses his practice on general defense litigation, including ski area liability and risk, product liability, premises liability, automobile negligence defense, property disputes and commercial litigation.

Mr. Gillis also has extensive experience in employment litigation, where he has defended employers in single-plaintiff matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as wage-and-hour class actions on behalf of large health care clients. He has counseled clients on numerous employment matters, including handbook reviews and policy audits. Additionally, Mr. Gillis has provided pro bono legal services to asylum seekers throughout the application process.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Mr. Gillis spent nearly a decade in marketing communications and digital marketing, developing his ability to persuasively communicate to any audience.

Professional Affiliations

  • State Bar of California

Credentials

Education

  • Golden Gate University School of Law, J.D., 2023
    • Lani Bader Award for Academic Excellence
    • Honors Lawyering Program Class of 2023
    • Witkin Award for Excellence in Criminal Law, Contracts, and Property
    • CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Constitutional Law II and Legal Writing & Research
    • Law Review, Executive Articles Editor
    • 2023 Environmental Law Moot Court
    • California Water Law Symposium, Panel Chair
  • Pomona College, B.A, 2010

Admissions

  • California, 2023
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 2024
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 2024
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, 2024