Our Attorneys – GoodyLawFirm

Our People

40+ Attorneys. One Shared Commitment.

What unites our diverse team of attorneys is a shared dedication to client outcomes and a culture of excellence that starts with our founding partners and extends to every associate and staff member. We hire the best and develop them further.

Our attorneys graduate from the nation's top law schools, hold board certifications in their specialties, and participate in ongoing professional development to stay at the cutting edge of their fields. When you hire GoodyLawFirm, you get a team, not just an attorney.

40+

Licensed Attorneys

Practice Divisions

Super Lawyers 2024

250+

Years Combined Exp.

Leadership

Senior Partners

Our founding and senior partners bring the vision, experience, and leadership that define the GoodyLawFirm standard of excellence.

James Goody, Esq.

Founding Partner – Corporate & Commercial Law

James founded GoodyLawFirm in 1998 after serving as General Counsel for two Fortune 500 companies. With over 28 years of legal practice, he has become one of the most sought-after corporate attorneys in the nation. James specializes in complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, corporate governance, and high-stakes commercial litigation.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, James is a frequent lecturer at NYU School of Law and a published author on corporate legal strategy. He has been named to the Super Lawyers list for 15 consecutive years.

Corporate Law M&A Transactions Commercial Litigation Securities

Harvard Law School, J.D. Super Lawyers 2010–2024

Sarah Williams, Esq.

Senior Partner – Family Law & Child Advocacy

Sarah has dedicated her 22-year career to protecting families and children in their most vulnerable moments. Known for her empathetic approach and fierce advocacy in court, she has successfully represented thousands of clients in complex divorce, custody, and child protection matters across five states.

A Yale Law graduate, Sarah also serves as chair of the State Bar Association's Family Law Committee and volunteers as a court-appointed child advocate. She was named "Family Law Attorney of the Year" by the Regional Bar Association three times.

Divorce Child Custody Adoption Domestic Violence

Yale Law School, J.D. Family Attorney of the Year 2019, 2021, 2023

Michael Chen, Esq.

Senior Partner – Criminal Defense & Civil Rights

Michael is widely regarded as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the country. His track record in high-stakes felony trials is exceptional, with an unprecedented 94% not-guilty or case-dismissed rate over his 20-year career. He combines meticulous legal preparation with compelling courtroom advocacy.

A Columbia Law graduate, Michael has also been at the forefront of civil rights litigation, challenging wrongful convictions and police misconduct. He has argued successfully before state appellate courts and the federal circuit.

Criminal Defense Civil Rights White-Collar Crime Appeals

Columbia Law School, J.D. Top 100 Trial Lawyers – National Trial Lawyers

The Team

Our Associate Attorneys

Our associates bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise, mentored by senior partners to deliver the same high standard our clients have come to expect.

Rebecca Foster, Esq.

Associate – Personal Injury & Workers' Comp

Aggressive advocate for injury victims with $12M+ in settlements secured. Georgetown Law graduate with expertise in medical malpractice and auto accident litigation.

Personal Injury Medical Malpractice

David Okafor, Esq.

Associate – Real Estate & Property Law

Specialist in complex commercial real estate transactions with 10 years of practice. NYU Law graduate with deep expertise in zoning law and development disputes.

Real Estate Zoning Law

Elena Martinez, Esq.

Associate – Estate Planning & Trust Administration

Meticulous estate planning attorney who has drafted over 500 estate plans protecting over $200M in family wealth. Stanford Law, bilingual in English and Spanish.

Estate Planning Trust Law

Thomas Kim, Esq.

Associate – Corporate & Tech Law

Tech-sector specialist advising startups and scale-ups on IP, venture financing, and commercial contracts. Georgetown Law, formerly in-house at two Silicon Valley firms.

Tech Law IP & Contracts

Amara Johnson, Esq.

Associate – Family Law & Child Welfare

Compassionate family law attorney with 8 years handling divorce, custody, and adoption cases. Howard Law graduate with a background in social work and child psychology.

Family Law Child Welfare

Carlos Rivera, Esq.

Associate – Criminal Defense & Immigration

Bilingual attorney (English/Spanish) specializing in criminal defense with an immigration law dimension. Fordham Law graduate, formerly with the Public Defender's Office.

Criminal Defense Immigration

Credentials

Education & Bar Admissions

Our attorneys are graduates of the nation's most prestigious law schools and are admitted to practice before courts at every level.

Harvard Law School

5 of our attorneys hold Harvard Law degrees, bringing the highest academic pedigree to your case.

Yale & Columbia

Multiple partners graduated from Yale and Columbia Law, two of America's most distinguished law schools.

Multi-State Bar

Our attorneys are licensed to practice in over 12 states and before all federal district courts in our region.

Board Certified

6 attorneys hold board certification — the highest credential in their respective practice areas.

Our Culture

A Firm Where Great Lawyers Thrive

At GoodyLawFirm, we believe that our best work for clients comes from a culture where our attorneys are supported, challenged, and fulfilled. We invest heavily in our people because they are our greatest asset.

Mentorship Program

Every junior attorney is paired with a senior partner for structured professional development and career guidance.

Continuing Education

We fund CLE, advanced certifications, and law school courses for all attorneys to stay at the cutting edge of legal practice.

Work-Life Balance

Flexible schedules, remote-work options, and a culture that respects personal time — because balanced attorneys serve clients better.

Clear Path to Partnership

Transparent criteria for advancement with a track record of promoting from within. 80% of our current partners started as associates.

Career Opportunities

Join Our Award-Winning Team

GoodyLawFirm is always seeking exceptional legal talent. If you're a driven attorney who wants to work on challenging, high-impact cases at a firm that invests in your future, we want to hear from you.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, genuine work-life balance, and the opportunity to build a truly meaningful legal career.

OPEN POSITION

Corporate Associate

New York • Full-time

OPEN POSITION

Litigation Associate

New York • Full-time

OPEN POSITION

Family Law Associate

New York • Full-time

Apply or Send Your Resume

Meet Our Attorneys

40+ Attorneys. One Shared Commitment.

Senior Partners

James Goody, Esq.

Sarah Williams, Esq.

Michael Chen, Esq.

Our Associate Attorneys

Rebecca Foster, Esq.

David Okafor, Esq.

Elena Martinez, Esq.

Thomas Kim, Esq.

Amara Johnson, Esq.

Carlos Rivera, Esq.

Education & Bar Admissions

Harvard Law School

Yale & Columbia

Multi-State Bar

Board Certified

A Firm Where Great Lawyers Thrive

Mentorship Program

Continuing Education

Work-Life Balance

Clear Path to Partnership

Join Our Award-Winning Team

Ready to Have a Top Attorney in Your Corner?