We Just Call Him Gilley

Attorney Christopher M. Gilley (but we just call him “Gilley”) is a dedicated and compassionate lawyer whose career has been shaped by resilience, deep-rooted family values, and an unwavering commitment to his community. Now a proud member of the Garrison Law Firm, Gilley continues to serve clients primarily in Madison and Delaware counties, but covers all over Central Indiana, with the same passion and dedication that has defined his nearly two-decade-long career.

A Resilient Beginning and Strong Family Values

Raised in the small town of Plymouth, Indiana, Gilley’s journey was not without its challenges. Despite a less-than-ideal childhood, Gilley was fortunate to have been raised by his loving and hard-working grandparents, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. These early experiences profoundly shaped his character and continue to guide his approach to both life and law.  Gilley was a top-tier basketball and baseball player in high school and he earned a scholarship to Manchester College.  However, after a sporting injury, Gilley could no longer play and had to work through college while a full-time student.

Chris’s upbringing fostered a strong sense of community and responsibility, which is evident in his unwavering dedication to his clients and his work. These small-town values are the foundation of his legal practice and have helped him become a well-respected attorney in his community.

A Distinguished Career in Criminal Justice

Gilley’s legal education began with a strong academic foundation, earning his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University’s Claude W. Pettit College of Law in 2006. His career was launched with significant roles as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Hamilton, Marion, and Madison counties. This extensive experience as a prosecutor provided Gilley with unique insights into the criminal justice system, giving him the ability to anticipate and effectively counter prosecution strategies as a defense attorney.

He reminds his criminal defense clients his reason to protect defendants stating, “One bad choice shouldn’t become a nightmare.”

Gilley’s practice areas include criminal appeals, drug crimes, expungement, fraud, gun crimes, internet crimes, sex crimes, theft, and violent crimes. He has become particularly known for his expertise in DUI and DWI cases, where his comprehensive knowledge has made him a formidable advocate in the courtroom. Moreover, Gilley has shared his expertise by training law enforcement, attorneys, and judges on the legal principles surrounding operating while intoxicated (OWI) cases.

Gilley often serves as a judge pro tem for various courts such as Elwood Town Court.

A Commitment to Madison and Delaware Counties

Gilley’s deep love for Madison and Delaware counties is evident in his career choices. As a founding partner in Gilley Cogswell, LLP (which later grew into CGS Law Group, and then GDS Law Group), Chris built a successful practice in downtown Anderson, establishing a strong connection with his clients and the community. When his former partners decided to relocate their efforts to Noblesville, Chris made the decision to stay true to his roots, refusing to abandon the clients and community he had grown to love.

Having worked with Cody Cogswell as partners in the past, sharing the values of commitment to their clients and Cogswell’s commitment also to Madison County, Gilley decided to make a strategic and heartfelt move. Gilley joined forces with Garrison Law Firm on August 1, 2024 reuniting with Cogswell.

This collaboration was driven by a shared commitment to expanding access to quality legal representation in Anderson and beyond. Garrison Law Firm recognized Chris’s dedication and the value he brought to the firm, directly influenced by Chris’s passion for the community, and made the obvious choice to expand offices into Anderson.

Comprehensive Legal Services with a Personal Touch

At Garrison Law Firm, Gilley continues to focus on his key practice areas of criminal defense and family law. His services extend to handling complex cases of divorce, child custody.  Gilley is particularly committed to providing legal assistance to those who need it most, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and dedicated advocacy.

With the additional resources and legal expertise from attorneys in different practice areas, Gilley is now better equipped than ever to serve the Anderson and Muncie communities.

Gilley’s paralegal and assistant, who transitioned with him from GDS Law Group, followed Gilley and they continue to ensure that clients receive the highest level of service.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Outside of his professional life, Chris is an avid sports fan who enjoys watching games with friends. His passion for sports is matched by his dedication to his clients, making him a relentless advocate in both the courtroom and the community. The values instilled by his grandparents continue to guide him, making him not only a skilled attorney but also a compassionate and understanding advisor to those he represents.

Gilley’s legal philosophy is straightforward, “Every case is unique, and even the smallest detail can be pivotal.”

Gilley’s continued mission, being a strong advocate as a Father’s Rights Attorney, he tells clients, “I am a divorced dad myself, and parenting time with my daughter is the most important thing to me, so I know what it is like to be in the shoes of Fathers who are worried about that.” For all family law clients, he makes it clear, “My primary concern is making sure a child is growing up in a loving home.”  If you share in that commitment, you will have a difficult time finding an attorney more zealous in his advocacy for your family.

He is committed to listening to his clients, providing them with honest and practical advice, and fighting tirelessly to secure the best possible outcomes. Whether through criminal defense and family law, Gilley works with one goal in mind – to protect his clients’ futures and help them solve their legal challenges with confidence.