RISING STAR: MARTIN W. GEHRES ESQ

Martin W. Gehres Esq. Assistant City Attorney for the City of Dayton

“Dayton is my home and my first love.”

If you’ve ever had the joy of meeting Martin “Marty” Gehres, then you’re familiar with his booming laugh, wide smile, and his love for the City of Dayton. Marty is a Daytonian in the truest sense of the word, having lived within the bounds of Dayton proper for twenty-six of his nearly thirty years. His only detour was to attend Ohio University for his undergraduate degree and a brief stop in Hamilton, Montana. While in Athens, he met his now wife, Julie Forman, an elementary school teacher who teaches English as a second language. The pair returned to Dayton following graduation where they reside today.

Perhaps the only love more ingrained in Marty than the love of Dayton is his love of the law. Marty didn’t “discover” a love for the law as many of us did, but rather he was born into it. Marty’s mother, Virginia Platt-Gehres, and father, Judge Daniel Gehres, inspired Marty to become a lawyer. Virginia worked in various public service roles throughout her career, before ultimately serving and retiring from the Child Protection Unit for the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. His father was elected to the Dayton Municipal Court in 1988, and Marty fondly remembers growing up in Judge Gehres’ toy filled chambers. Not only did his parents practice public service and the law, but they emphasized the importance of Catholic social services and giving back to those persons who are less fortunate than yourself. These values were instilled in Marty at a young age and, during his time at the University of Dayton School of Law (“UDSL”), he decided he would pursue a career in public service. Marty graduated cum laude from UDSL in 2017. Following his graduation, his former Evidence professor, the City Attorney, Barbara J. Doseck, approached Marty about applying for a position with the City of Dayton. Marty applied without hesitation because he knew he wanted to give back to the community that raised him. Marty speaks about his role at the City with love and genuine happiness. “Nearly every day at City Hall there is something new that surprises me,” he muses. Through the City, Marty has had the opportunity to prosecute housing cases, present neighborhood grievances to the Division of Liquor Control, draft press releases, argue before the Second District Court of Appeals, litigate personal injury claims, negotiate contracts, and develop policies concerning electric transportation devices. “Working for the City requires you to be a jack of all trades.” One of Marty’s favorite moments with the City was drafting legislation concerning the decriminalization of marijuana (which has been copied in Cincinnati, Columbus, and soon to be Cleveland) and speaking about such legislation on the news. While he would never brag on himself, it’s clear to anyone who has watched his interviews that he’s a natural presenter. He mentions another instance where he gave a presentation to a neighborhood association concerning the liquor licensing process. “Explaining the liquor [licensing] process and how vital it is for residents to assist the City in objecting to problematic locations was extremely fulfilling,” he says. Marty has also had a hand in shaping many of the projects revitalizing and rebuilding downtown Dayton. For him, seeing the project completed is only the start. His true reward comes with seeing our community enjoy a new facility or event and knowing that he was able to help make it a reality. Marty aims to utilize his education and his expertise to help residents see Dayton in the same light that he does. Dayton is no stranger to hardship. In the past year, we suffered numerous tragedies which each alone could have caused a larger city to falter. But, as Marty states, “Daytonians are hard-working and resilient people. We are some of the most genuinely nice and welcoming people in Photographed from top to bottom, left to right: 1. Marty being interviewed 2. Marty and Julie, his wife 3. Judge Daniel Gehres, Marty, and Virginia Platt-Gehres at Marty’s swearing in. 4. Marty, Judge Daniel Gehres, Frank Gehres and Eddie Gehres (his brothers and dad) 5. Julie, Marty, and their pal Baker

the country.” We banded together as a community and overcame these tragedies. It’s clear that Marty feels a sense of pride in not only his City, but also our community. This combination of resilience and kindness has expanded into the legal community, he feels, making Dayton’s Bar Association a joy to be a part of. The City is full of attorneys who are willing to do their part to make Dayton an even better place for everyone to live and work.

As a final note, if you’re ever curious about the history of the City or where you should grab lunch, you should reach out to Marty. He knows all of Dayton’s hidden gems and he’d be thrilled to share his love of the City with you. Who knows? Marty, Julie, and the four-legged addition to their family, Baker (after the Baker Center in Athens, Ohio), might even join you at Second Street Market for Saturday brunch.

By Alexandra Laine DBA Editorial Board, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

DAYTON Bar Ass ociation

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HERBERT M. EI KEN BARY Trust

W at isT e Ei en a T ust?

The late Herbert M. Eikenbary granted the bulk of his estate to fund Grants and Loans to lawyers under the age of 35 who practice/reside in Montgomery County. These Grants and Loans are to aid young, deserving lawyers who are in need of financial assistance.

Individual loans, are available up to $6,000 at 4% interest, while grants up to $4000 are also available.

To App : Jennifer Otchy,DBA Executive Director Dayton Bar Association | 109 N. Main St., Suite 600 | Dayton, OH 45402-1129 jotchy@daybar.org | 937.222.7902 | www.daybar.org