Having practiced law for over 56 years, William S. Goodman has mediated and arbitrated thousands of cases in his storied career. A Fellow in the American College of Civil Trial Mediators, his areas of expertise include commercial and business disputes, professional malpractice, product liability, construction, premises liability and insurance litigation. With his varied and vast experience, Bill’s peers voted him as an Atlanta Super Lawyer and one of the Best Lawyers in America. His skill level – coupled with persistence, good humor and compassion – provides his clients the best chance for successful resolutions.
William joined Henning Mediation's Panel of Neutrals in 1996 and is available for mediation and arbitration. Sessions may be conducted in-person at Henning's Atlanta office, via secure video conferencing.
Availability Calendar
Click any open or pending date to request it,
or call (770) 955-2252.
What attorneys are saying
Bill kept things moving at a good pace and was helpful, frank and effective with both sides. I believe this is the third case in which we've used him as a mediator and all three settled during or shortly after mediation largely as a result of his efforts. We were very pleased with his services.
Bill Goodman is so good! Tough case to get settled and he used all of his experience and creativity. Thanks, Bill.
I have mediated several commercial litigation matters with Bill over the years. He is always thoroughly prepared, completely masters the facts and the law in even the most sophisticated commercial disputes, and provides you with his unbiased assessment of the case. As a trial lawyer, I value his judgment, as do my clients.
Bill Goodman is the best mediator I have encountered.
Our neutral was Bill Goodman, and he did a wonderful job! We could not have done it without him.
Mr. Goodman was able to present both parties\' opposing interests in a manner that conveyed fairness and reasonableness.
I had not had a mediation with Bill in a number of years. Bill commanded the respect of the various parties, attorneys, and insurers. He was extremely impressive. He had a very good understanding of the case and the issues, was not afraid to express his opinion, and was professional in his dealings with everyone. Job well done!
On numerous occasions, Bill Goodman has served as a mediator in cases I have handled. He has never failed to establish, in my clients, a feeling of trust, which is essential to any successful mediation. While his confidential assessment of their position may not be what the client wants to hear, clients have always expressed to me that Bill listened to them, respected their point of view and gave his very best effort to the mediation. Bill Goodman is among the best; he brings experience and sensitivity to each mediation.
Bill Goodman was professional, helped maintain a calm helpful working atmosphere, listened carefully, and helped our client evaluate both the merits and the cost of proving their side of the dispute. Even though the mediation did not end in our client's favor, we were very impressed with the work of Mr. Goodman.
Bill Goodman did a great job, kept the mediation moving at a fast pace and had a good grasp of the issues.
Bill Goodman is a great mediator and I continue to recommend him without reservation.
"I wanted to thank you for taking a very difficult situation in my life and making it as palatable as possible. Thanks to your easy nature and spiritual guidance you were able to keep things in perspective as to what the real picture really was, and I appreciate that very much.
Bill Goodman was our mediator. He took the time to familiarize himself with the case before mediation and talked with the parties counsel to be certain of its issues and complexities. He did a super job. We would not have settled this case without his efforts. A real professional in all regards, and it was a pleasure working with him.
Bill Goodman was wonderful - another successful mediation at HMA!
William S. Goodman
Having practiced law for over 56 years, William S. Goodman has mediated and arbitrated thousands of cases in his storied career. A Fellow in the American College of Civil Trial Mediators, his areas of expertise include commercial and business disputes, professional malpractice, product liability, construction, premises liability and insurance litigation. With his varied and vast experience, Bill’s peers voted him as an Atlanta Super Lawyer and one of the Best Lawyers in America. His skill level – coupled with persistence, good humor and compassion – provides his clients the best chance for successful resolutions.
William joined Henning Mediation's Panel of Neutrals in 1996 and is available for mediation and arbitration. Sessions may be conducted in-person at Henning's Atlanta office, via secure video conferencing.
Education
- University of Georgia School of Law, J.D. (1968)
- Clemson University, B.S., Forestry (1961)
Professional Employment & Experience
- Goodman McGuffey, LLP (Of Counsel, 2016 - present)
- Goodman McGuffey Lindsey & Johnson, LLP (Of Counsel, 2002 - 2016)
- Goodman McGuffey Aust & Lindsey, LLP (Senior Partner and Founder, 1990 - 2001)
- Savell & Williams (Partner, 1974 - 1990)
- Savell, Williams, Cox & Angel (Associate, 1970 - 1974)
- Judge Albert J. Henderson, Jr., United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Law Clerk, 1968 - 1970)
- During thirty-two years of active law practice, was involved in a strong trial and appellate practice
- Appears as speaker or panel member concerning mediation and ADR on continuing legal education programs several times a year
Professional Organizations
- Selected by peers to appear in "The Best Lawyers in America" in the field of ADR
- Selected by peers as a Georgia Super Lawyer in the field of ADR, Atlanta Magazine
- Fellow, American College of Civil Trial Mediators
- The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
- Tradition of Excellence Award, State Bar of Georgia General Practice & Trial Section
- State Bar of Georgia, Dispute Resolution Section, Board of Directors (1997 - 1998)
- State Bar of Georgia, Dispute Resolution Section, Chair (2005 - 2006)
- State Bar of Georgia, Dispute Resolution Section, General Practice & Trial Section, Board of Directors (1998 - 2000)
- Atlanta Bar Association; Dispute Resolution Section, Chair (2009 - 2010)
- Atlanta Bar Association; Dispute Resolution Section, Board of Directors (1997 - 1998 & 2009 - 2015)
- Lawyers Club of Atlanta
- Marine Corps Association of Georgia Lawyers, Chair; (1989 & 1993)
Mediation/Arbitration Training
- Resolution Resources, Mediation
- Pepperdine University, Advanced Mediation Skills
- Harvard Law School's Program of Instruction for Lawyers, Advanced Mediation Workshop