Nicholas Goodman is a well-respected business litigator and trial attorney whose remarkable career spans several decades. Defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence and legal scholarship, Nick is often referred to as a “lawyer’s lawyer.” His fervor for justice is rivaled only by his profound appreciation for the law and his relentless pursuit of knowledge within its ever-evolving landscape.
After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law, Nick began his legal career in 1984 as a Law Secretary to a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan. In this role, he assisted in drafting several decisions published in New York’s official reports.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Nick has developed extensive knowledge not only of substantive law but also, crucially, of the intricacies of procedural practice. He has engaged in every aspect of litigation, from pleadings through document discovery and depositions, and has successfully tried over 50 cases to verdict in state and federal courts. His experience spans a wide range of complex legal challenges, including commercial litigation, employment law, insurance law, product liability, copyright and trademark infringement, and property damage. Additionally, he has represented numerous clients before regulatory agencies.
In light of his vast experience, Nick has established a national reputation for achieving consistently impressive results in high-stakes litigation. His track record of obtaining favorable summary judgment decisions for numerous companies has provided essential liability protection and saved his clients tens of millions of dollars. Nick is also highly skilled in alternative dispute resolution, having mediated and arbitrated dozens of cases across various forums.
Nick has always excelled with the written word, consistently delivering the highest quality legal writing, whether in pleadings, complex motion papers, or appellate briefs. He has argued appeals before New York’s Court of Appeals, the Appellate Division for the First and Second Departments, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. His extensive expertise and unwavering dedication make him a formidable and trusted advocate for his clients.
Practice Areas:
- Commercial Litigation
- Labor & Employment
- Insurance Law
- Product Liability
- Contractual Disputes and Breach of Contract
- Real Estate Litigation
- Copyright and Trademark Infringement
- Domestic U.S. Arbitration
- Appeals
Recent Notable Successes:
- Obtained a defense verdict from a Queens jury on behalf of a Broadway theatre in an alleged slip and fall on ice case. Supreme Court, Queens County (2022)
- Obtained a defense verdict from a Brooklyn jury on behalf of a large communications company whose driver’s van came into contact with a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Supreme Court, Kings County (2022)
- Won a motion for judgment notwithstanding a jury verdict in a personal injury case; order affirmed on appeal briefed by Mr. Goodman and his partner. Supreme Court, Kings County, Appellate Division 2d Dep’t (2023, 2024)
- Obtained summary judgment in a $1 billion disability insurance claim for a wholesale broker; order affirmed on appeal that he and his firm briefed and argued. Supreme Court, New York County, Appellate Division, 1st Dep’t (2017, 2019)
- Defeated a motion challenging the assertion of the attorney-client privilege concerning a former employee's communications. Supreme Court, New York County (2020)
- Won summary judgment for the defendant car wash lessee against plaintiff catastrophically injured who alleged defective design making the accident foreseeable. Supreme Court, Kings County (2020)
- Secured summary judgment for an elevator maintenance company in a wrongful death case involving a motorized scooter accident on a handicap lift. Supreme Court, New York County (2019)
- Achieved summary judgment for a roller-skating venue after a patron fell after colliding with an orange cone on the rink floor; order affirmed on appeal briefed and argued by Mr. Goodman. Supreme Court, Kings County, Appellate Division 2d Dep’t (2019, 2021)
Bar Admissions:
- New York State
- United States District Court, Southern District of New York
- United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
- United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Education:
- University of Texas School of Law, JD
- University of Texas, MA
- Bard College, BA
