He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1957 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law in 1961.
In 1972, he was Chairman of the State Elections Board for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
[1] On November 30, 1979, Gierbolini-Ortiz was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico created by 92 Stat.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 20, 1980, and received his commission the same day.
He served as Chief Judge from 1991 to 1993, assuming senior status on December 27, 1993.