John Michael “Mike” Giglio | Lookout Mountain Circuit, Post 1

Candidate Statement

I have been practicing in this circuit for more than 30 years. I have seen many changes in our counties and in the operation of our courts. I have developed relationships throughout the circuit in operating my law practice, handling a mediation practice, coaching and teaching at UTC, and presiding in Juvenile Court. I’d like to offer my insights and experience to improve the relationship between the local bar and the State Bar. That’s really it. I’m in the back end of my career and I’m not resumé building or status climbing. I’ve experienced a lot in my career. If I can help others to maximize their potential through this position, I’d like to do so.

Education

• Covenant College, B.S. (1990)
• Georgia State University College of Law, J.D. (1994)

Personal/Family

• From Ringgold, Georgia. Married since May, 1983, to the former Greta Lynn Bumgarner. I have two children with whom I work in my law practice, Jessi Giglio Nance and John Wesley Giglio. I have five grandchildren with whom I spend a great deal of my free time.
• I’m United Methodist by faith and love to golf and spend time with family on the lake or at the grandkids’ events.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Immediately following law school, I worked for one year in the LMJC District Attorney’s Office and then I opened my own practice in 1996. I have been in the private practice of law ever since.
• Elected secretary, vice president and then president of the LMJC Bar Association. Served four years as president.
• Served since 1998 as a part-time judge in the Juvenile Courts of the LMJC.
• Served since 2004 as the head coach for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mock Trial Team. Very proud that we have won our way to the National Championship Tourney three times.
• Adjunct faculty at UTC since 2002. Course taught—Justice and the American Trial Process. Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, 2011. Part-time Teaching Award, 2013.
• Registered Mediator since 2009.

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

I feel that there is a disconnect between our local bar and the much larger and infinitely more complex State Bar. I’d like to see more of our local members using the State Bar as a resource rather than as a recurring annual bill. I’d like to work with our local bar leaders to have more CLE opportunities and networking events. I think information and education are key to improving this relationship.

As far as the larger bar is concerned, it’s incredibly important in this day and age that we take strong stands supporting the most basic of our shared civil liberties and the rule of law.