Mr. Gatses is a lifelong resident of Will County.  He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for his undergraduate studies, where he received his degree in Sociology.  He obtained his Juris Doctor at Charlotte School of Law, where he received Dean's List honors and graduated a semester early.  Mr. Gatses was admitted to the Illinois Bar in November of 2015.

Before joining the Will County Public Defender's Office, he previously worked at his father's firm in private practice, concentrating on family and criminal law.  Prior to his law career, Mr. Gatses worked in construction.

Mr. Gatses can be found outdoors during his spare time, where he is an avid hiker, camper, hunter, and fisherman.  His extreme passion and knowledge for the environment can almost be compared to the passion he has for his clients and the fair process of the justice system.