Meet John Gillooly

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Meet John Gillooly |

Lifelong Local

  • Born and raised in Grosse Pointe

  • Grosse Pointe South High School Graduate

  • President - Grosse Pointe South Student Association

  • Member - Youth Service Division Task Force

  • Married to Ebony—Attorney and Board Member Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce

  • Four children - three of whom graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School and a fourth in 2026

  • Board Member - Detroit Lions Frank Ragnow’s Foundation - Rags Remembered

Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, John has always been an active member in his community. As Mayor, John will be focused on moving the community forward, building on the strong foundation of experience and passion for leadership that he has cultivated throughout his life. His vision is rooted in enhancing public services, improving community spaces, and fostering a spirit of collaboration that brings people together for the betterment of the Grosse Pointe Farms community.

Unmatched Experience

Since 2017, John has served on the City of Grosse Pointe Farms City Council, where he has demonstrated leadership in numerous roles, including as Chair of the Parks Committee and Chair of the Ordinance Committee. He is also a key member of the committees for the city's new swimming pool and sewer separation projects, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to community development.

  • Law Clerk and Research Attorney in Wayne County Circuit Court

  • Law Clerk to Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Maureen Pulte Reilly

  • Senior Partner and 3-time Past Chairman of Garan Lucow Miller, P.C., a well respected 78-year old multi-state law firm

With over 30 years of experience as a municipal attorney, John brings a wealth of legal expertise and a deep commitment to public service to his campaign for Mayor. As the chairperson of the Municipal Practice Group of his firm for decades, John has successfully defended the interests of public officials, municipalities, and other clients, and has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of municipal law and governance. John has also lectured to countless communities across the State regarding municipal governance.

Highest Attorney Ratings

  • 2025 Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Trial Attorney & Litigators

  • Board of Directors - Detroit Bar Association

  • Best Lawyers, Municipal Law

  • Super Lawyers, Municipal Law

  • AV (highest attorney rating), Martindale Hubbell

  • Past President - Association of Defense Trial Counsel

  • Fellow Detroit Bar Foundation - Recognition for outstanding legal ability and devotion to the public

  • Fellow Michigan State Bar Foundation - Recognition for outstanding legal ability and devotion to the public

  • Fellow American Bar Foundation - Young Lawyer’s Division - Recognition for outstanding legal ability and devotion to the public

Even More Municipal Experience

  • Retained to represent the interests of judges, prosecutors, city officials, and police officers in high profile litigation for more than 30 years

  • General Counsel of Grosse Pointe’s Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority for more than 25 years

  • Representation of local communities of Grosse Pointe Park, the City of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Harper Woods in high profile litigation

  • Numerous presentations to elected officials across the state on timely issues such as: Effective City Government; Avoiding chaos in your City Council; Ethics in Government; Employment Law; Public Purchasing Policies; Open Meetings Act; and many more.

Throughout his career, John has consistently sought to give back to the communities and institutions that shaped him. His leadership experience spans from his time as President of Grosse Pointe South High School’s Student Association in 1980 (Go Blue Devils!) to his role as Vice Chairperson of the Governmental Liability Committee for the American Bar Association. His continued service on the Dean’s Advisory Board at his alma mater, The University of Detroit School of Law, and his time spent on the Board of Directors for the Grosse Pointe Red Barons football team further reflects his commitment to making a positive impact in his community, no matter the role.