J. Gilbert Reese

Retired

In 1952, Mr. Reese earned his law degree from The Ohio State University College of Law, was admitted to the Ohio Bar, and began the practice of law in Newark as an associate attorney in the law firm Flory, Flory & Fitzgibbon. He continually practiced law from then until October 1, 2007. Over the course of his distinguished 55-year career, he earned an impeccable reputation both in this community and throughout the State of Ohio as a preeminent lawyer of the greatest ability and highest ethical standards.

Mr. Reese was our long-time senior partner and the great moving force behind the growth and success of this law firm, which still bears his name.

Mr. Reese's professional accomplishments aside, he is best known as a great community leader who was instrumental in the establishment and development of the Ohio State University Newark Campus and Central Ohio Technical College. In his capacity as Chairman of the Thomas J. Evans Foundation, he was and remains a major philanthropic force in Newark and Licking County, supporting local parks and recreation, community and social services, and area schools.

Mr. Reese is one of a small number of graduates to be honored by The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law as Distinguished Alumnus (1979). He also received the prestigious Community Service Award from Ohio State (2000). In 2002, the J. Gilbert Reese Chair in Contract Law was established in his honor at the Moritz College of Law.