Lehigh University Athletics
From The Basketball Court To The Court Of Law
8/27/2024 11:57:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After graduating Lehigh as a Patriot League champion and at the time part of the all-time winningest class in Lehigh basketball history, Mitch Gilfillan '06 began his journey into the world of coaching college basketball. However, after a few years in the profession, Gilfillan would take his talents to a different court, this one pertaining to the law.
"Competition, strategy, and preparation drives me every day," said Gilfillan. "This works for both sports and law. Critically outthinking your opponent or adverse party is a thorough process with no quick fixes. Coaches understand the journey."
Gilfillan currently works as a partner at the Quinn Johnston Law Firm in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois, a position he has held since 2015. He has worked a multitude of cases in courts at the state and federal level throughout Illinois and the Midwest, including several pertaining to college athletics. Gilfillan's background as a player for the Mountain Hawks has helped him gain clients in and around the sports industry.
"I have been fortunate to work with college coaches and administrators in all levels of college sports," said Gilfillan. "I have a unique perspective as a former student-athlete, NCAA basketball coach and now lawyer to help facilitate professionals looking to take the next step in their careers. Whether it is consultation or professional representation, my experience and perspectives matter to my clients."
After earning his J.D. from Valparaiso University in 2009, Gilfillan didn't take a traditional route in becoming a lawyer. He instead elected to join the Ball State men's basketball coaching staff as the Director of Basketball Operations under his college coach Billy Taylor. Following a year on the job, Gilfillan was elevated to assistant coach, a position he held for three more years before taking an assistant coaching job at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Since Gilfillan has left coaching, many responsibilities of the job have changed, most notably concerning name, image and likeness (NIL). He often advises his clients on the matter in today's ever-evolving college athletics landscape.
"I have advised the coaches and administrators I work with to follow a very flexible and open-minded approach to change," said Gilfillan. "The faster you can embrace change, the better off you will be. College sports is forever changed and there is no going back… I applaud the ongoing NIL changes and cannot wait to see what the future holds."
Despite leaving the world of college basketball, Gilfillan found himself in the center of it this summer. University of Illinois standout guard Terrence Shannon Jr. was accused of sexual assault in September of 2023, which made national headlines. Gilfillan was present in the courtroom, sharing "play-by-play" analysis of what was going on via X, including the below tweet containing information that helped prove Shannon's innocence.
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"The case involving Terrence Shannon Jr. intertwined two worlds I am closely connected to: basketball and the law," said Gilfillan. "I was honored and proud to be a voice of reason to present an objective outlook on what the law requires to prove someone guilty of a heinous crime as the one alleged against this young man. Innocent until proven guilty is not a catch phrase, but a true legal standard. Terrence is a fine young man and I wish him and his family all the best."
Gilfillan's unique blend of athletic and legal experience has allowed him to enjoy a successful career as a lawyer. However, Gilfillan still attributes much of his development and success to his time at Lehigh after winning a Patriot League championship in 2004 along with countless other experiences in Bethlehem.
"Lehigh University laid the foundation for my personal and professional career in unimaginable ways," said Gilfillan. "The relationships and experiences I developed equipped me with incredible national perspective surrounded by highly intelligent and diverse people. The rigorous academic environment along with a full-time job of playing basketball profoundly shaped my ability to manage high expectations with unique challenges on and off the court."
Despite living over 800 miles away from his alma mater, Gilfillan still proudly bleeds brown and white on Lehigh gamedays.
"Our team still keeps and touch and the relationships forged will last a lifetime," said Gilfillan. "There is no greater feeling than seeing my daughters wear Lehigh gear in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Go Mountain Hawks!"
Like Lehigh men's basketball on Facebook, follow on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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"Competition, strategy, and preparation drives me every day," said Gilfillan. "This works for both sports and law. Critically outthinking your opponent or adverse party is a thorough process with no quick fixes. Coaches understand the journey."
Gilfillan currently works as a partner at the Quinn Johnston Law Firm in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois, a position he has held since 2015. He has worked a multitude of cases in courts at the state and federal level throughout Illinois and the Midwest, including several pertaining to college athletics. Gilfillan's background as a player for the Mountain Hawks has helped him gain clients in and around the sports industry.
"I have been fortunate to work with college coaches and administrators in all levels of college sports," said Gilfillan. "I have a unique perspective as a former student-athlete, NCAA basketball coach and now lawyer to help facilitate professionals looking to take the next step in their careers. Whether it is consultation or professional representation, my experience and perspectives matter to my clients."
After earning his J.D. from Valparaiso University in 2009, Gilfillan didn't take a traditional route in becoming a lawyer. He instead elected to join the Ball State men's basketball coaching staff as the Director of Basketball Operations under his college coach Billy Taylor. Following a year on the job, Gilfillan was elevated to assistant coach, a position he held for three more years before taking an assistant coaching job at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Since Gilfillan has left coaching, many responsibilities of the job have changed, most notably concerning name, image and likeness (NIL). He often advises his clients on the matter in today's ever-evolving college athletics landscape.
"I have advised the coaches and administrators I work with to follow a very flexible and open-minded approach to change," said Gilfillan. "The faster you can embrace change, the better off you will be. College sports is forever changed and there is no going back… I applaud the ongoing NIL changes and cannot wait to see what the future holds."
Despite leaving the world of college basketball, Gilfillan found himself in the center of it this summer. University of Illinois standout guard Terrence Shannon Jr. was accused of sexual assault in September of 2023, which made national headlines. Gilfillan was present in the courtroom, sharing "play-by-play" analysis of what was going on via X, including the below tweet containing information that helped prove Shannon's innocence.
Â
EYE-OPENING MOMENT
— Mitch Gilfillan (@mitchgilfillan) June 12, 2024
When ESPN article broke on 12/28/23 of TSJ allegations, group text messages offered into evidence show:
Friend: (ESPN article link shared) OMG
Best friend: You got him
Alleged Victim: YUPPP YESSSIRR
Friend: Got his ass 🤑🤑
The use of money signs (emoji…
"The case involving Terrence Shannon Jr. intertwined two worlds I am closely connected to: basketball and the law," said Gilfillan. "I was honored and proud to be a voice of reason to present an objective outlook on what the law requires to prove someone guilty of a heinous crime as the one alleged against this young man. Innocent until proven guilty is not a catch phrase, but a true legal standard. Terrence is a fine young man and I wish him and his family all the best."
Gilfillan's unique blend of athletic and legal experience has allowed him to enjoy a successful career as a lawyer. However, Gilfillan still attributes much of his development and success to his time at Lehigh after winning a Patriot League championship in 2004 along with countless other experiences in Bethlehem.
"Lehigh University laid the foundation for my personal and professional career in unimaginable ways," said Gilfillan. "The relationships and experiences I developed equipped me with incredible national perspective surrounded by highly intelligent and diverse people. The rigorous academic environment along with a full-time job of playing basketball profoundly shaped my ability to manage high expectations with unique challenges on and off the court."
Despite living over 800 miles away from his alma mater, Gilfillan still proudly bleeds brown and white on Lehigh gamedays.
"Our team still keeps and touch and the relationships forged will last a lifetime," said Gilfillan. "There is no greater feeling than seeing my daughters wear Lehigh gear in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Go Mountain Hawks!"
Like Lehigh men's basketball on Facebook, follow on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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