Lawyers map
Leonard Crown Goodman
Data reflects the status as of the most recent database update. We generally conduct data reviews and updates on a
monthly schedule.
5.0
Avvo rating
9 Reviews
Top review highlights
AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Skilled and experienced litigator who achieves excellent results for clients
“Len Goodman is a skilled litigator who cares about everyone of his clients and works really hard to get the best results possible.”
2
Thorough and strategic approach to cases, with strong research and preparation
“Mr. Goodman and his staff did extremely thorough job delving into the facts, researching the law, interviewing all necessary parties and presenting to the court expert testimony and documentation which got matters resolved.”
3
Compassionate and empathetic towards clients, making them feel supported
“I felt from the moment I met Mr. Goodman, he showed the care and concern for my problems which eased many of my worries.”
4
Excellent communication and keeps clients informed throughout the process
“He always kept me apprised of all proceedings as they were coming up and what to expect from same.”
5
Proven track record of successful outcomes, including overturning convictions
“He fought diligently on my son's appeal in a murder & attempt murder conviction, he worked his way to the highest court overturning said conviction in the US Supreme Court.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.
All reviews
18 Dec, 2018 by Gary
Finding a good doctor, dentist or an outstanding attorney these days would require a stellar, crystal ball. In 2005, I did not have access to any crystal ball, but was assigned a court appointed attorney to assist me in the charges brought against me in Federal Court.
I knew I was innocent but I also knew that my case could possibly fall into the realm of a nuclear time bomb. I had filed a complaint against ten of the largest security firms in the United States, which would have shut Wall Street down in one week. How was such a thing even possible? I was demanding these firms, when taking on a new client, inform them that their money could be used without their knowledge or informed consent for such things as gambling schemes, shorting stocks, hedge funds, dirivatives, flipping, etc. To require "informed consent" would obviously alert the buyer and bring a grinding halt to Wall Street's manner of doing business. There would be no more legalized gambling.
Three years passed and still I hadn't been informed of a trial date. I asked the court to dismiss my case. Instead, they appointed a new lawyer in private practice, Mr. Leonard Goodman. He also asked that the court dismiss the case but in return the federal court set a trial date for August, 2008. I put great faith and trust in Mr. Goodman despite the short time allotted to prepare and present his defense.
With the help of his associate, Melissa, they both researched the entire case and came to the realization that I was, indeed, innocent. At that point they worked steadily to mount my case. I'm sure both he and Melissa wondered how they ever ended up in this mess with a dilusional client. If they had known what I knew, they wouldn't have been so reticent to go against the SEC, the U.S. Attorney, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Service, who were all in collusion to insure my conviction. Their aim was to aid all these agencies to continue destroying people's lives. This is how the web of Wall Street operates. They had two weeks and the odds, they thought, might be insurmountable in consideration of the Federal Government's having had three years to prepare.
In my opinion, it was in the courtroom that Mr. Goodman discovered his true talents as an attorney. There were five days of trial and twenty government witnesses, "so called" experts from each of the above named agencies. Mr. Goodman dissected all of their testimonies, shattering the prosecution's case and leaving all of them looking for the exit door. It was an incredible and beautiful procedure to unfold to my view. I was in awe.
At 4:30 p.m. on Friday, the fifth day of the trial, the prosecution gave their closing arguments. When finished, the presiding judge turned to the defense for its presentation. Mr. Goodman stood up and informed the court that the defense rested its case and would not present any witnesses for the defendant. There was dead silence in that courtroom. The prosecutors were in shock over what they'd just heard.
The following Monday, the jury took six hours to deliberate the six counts and rendered a verdict of not guilty on all counts. What a day for all of us. The looks on the faces of the prosecutors was classic. They had mounted a humongous case and expected to win. Honesty doesn't always win in court but for me it did. I returned home feeling elated and truly vindicated. Thanks to Mr. Goodman and his associate, I was a free man.
05 Dec, 2018 by Maria
Attorney Leonard C. Goodman is a hardworking, intelligent attorney. He is very knowledgeable and experience and a proven record in the highest courts. He approachable to tackle any criminal case in Federal, State, and Appellate Court system. He fought diligently on my son's appeal in a murder & attempt murder conviction, he worked his way to the highest court overturning said conviction in the US Supreme Court. Attorney Goodman was always reachable and understanding with all of our concerns.
27 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I was fortunate enough to have Leonard represent me in a federal drug conspiracy case in early 2000. His understanding of the law and resolve to fight for me lead to my acquittal on all major charges and the application of the safety valve provision...a rare occurrence in the U.S. legal system. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Leonard was his ability to continuously think strategically about my case and yet, always have my best interest in mind - every step of the way. It's a rarity these days to find extremely competent, loyal and honest lawyers who are also empathetic toward their clients...Leonard is one of those lawyers.
I would recommend Leonard Goodman any day of the week. His legal acumen speaks for itself - what is not so evident is that you will also get a genuinely decent person who will fight for you and your legal rights. We need more people like him these days.
Needless to say, I am grateful and lucky to have gotten his help. If you are facing legal problems and need to find an attorney that will smartly fight for you, you should definitely call Leonard.
08 Nov, 2018 by Ivan
I was convicted of a drug conspiracy crime. My trial attorney was completely incompetent, in my opinion. Len Goodman was hired as my appellant attorney. The new trial motion he wrote even caused the trial judge to change his mind and order a new trial. When the prosecutors objected, it went all the way to the United States Supreme Court and again, Len's argument was so compelling & convincing that a unanimous Supreme Court agreed entirely with Leonard's reasoning. His knowledge of the law is outstanding, especially his ability to use constitutional law in a precedent-setting way.
20 Oct, 2018 by Dumitru curescu
Lennard Goodman was the answer to our prayers during a very hard time in our life. From the 1 st time we met him I knew he was the right person to represent me. His kindness and compassion helped my family get through some very difficult times. He has an excellent team who walked us step by step throughout the duration of our trial. Mr. Goodman worked very hard on my behalf and I felt like we were surrounded by family not just some people doing their job. My family and I are eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Mr. Goodman without reservation!
See more
Best lawyers in Chicago, IL
04 May, 2010 by Michael
I have had real bad experience with attorneys before meeting ms. lane. I had a dui probation violation and the attorney I paid good money sold me out and I end up in prison for probation violation, which was not a violation in my view. Ms. Lane was appointed to handle charges against me - it was criminal felony charges that could keep me in prison for 7 plus years. I knew I didn't commit that crime, but because I was already in prison I told Ms. Lane that I don't mind pleading guilty for something so I can get it over and done with!
Prosecutors were telling her that I was guilty and I should plead 5 year and they will forgive the rest of the years. I was going to plead, but Ms Lane said I don't let you go before the judge and lie. The prosecutor was scaring both that if we go trial I would get the longest charge 7 plus years. Ms. Lane said we will take a chance with the jury. after 2 months back and forth, the prosecutor told her I should accept a misdemeanor for 1 year and I was going to take it but she said you are not guilty we will take a chance with the jury. then we had to go before the judge. Prosecutor said to judge taht my attorney is not allowing to plead becasue Iwas willing to take the plea deal. The judge looked at me and said Sir do you want to plead guilty to this charge and I said yes. Judge said let's hear your story. Ms lane said judge my client is not guilty but he wants to plead guilty because he is scared of sitting longer if convicted of something he ididnt' do. I will not let him stand before you and lie. I have informed him of his right and he is going against my advices. she stepped aside. Judge started asking me about the specifics of the crime and I didn't know the answers and looked at my attorney and boy did she tell me! she said you are on your won Michael. Well the judge told me "enough" I heard enough set it for trial. One month later the day of the trial, the prosecutor still scaring my attorney to accept plea just fine not time, my attorney told me she would accept it if she were me. She said you are innocent let's take our change with jury. Well that was the day of my life, prosector went before the judge and said we are dismissing the case because we can proof our burden beyond reasonable doubt. Case dismissed the day of the trial after three or so months after the charge. Ms Lane I wished I had known you before. YOu are the best nobody ever fought for me as hard as you did.
Read more
06 Jan, 2010 by Aric
Ms. Lane was handeling my brother's DUI when I heard of her. Soon afterwards, the police was on my door for back child support pretending to be mail delivery and that is how all began. They came to my house to arrest me and as I was emptying my pocket out and giving it all to my girlfriend they grabbed it from her and going thru my wallet, IDs and lighter. They claim my lighter was stiletto and I was charged with carring a switchblade criminal misdemeanor. Before you know I was arrested had to pay bond to get out. This is when I hired Ms. Lane. I told her that I had bought that lighter for $5 at a gas station and it had a knife inside like a box cutter. Long story short, I was not going to plead for having a knife/box cuter - specially at my home when I live out in the county. Prosecutor was "dick" and wanted me to plead guilty or else... my attorney was the best thing that ever happened to me. She said my client wants a jury trial. After a long all day trial and the judge, prosecutor and the two cops giving her hell. Will all respect she contiued with inforing the jury about the 2 Amendment, that this was not a switchblade and did not appear to be ... she bpulled out a pen out of her pocket that had a knief inside .. scaring the cop that he was so dumb. I can tell how hard they made it to her and she never quit fighting for me. The Jury was out only 10 minutes - the verdict was sweet - NOT GUILTY... thanks to her I ahve no criminal record. The cops look dumb! best day of my life .. I called everybody saying how great my attorney was.... Thank you Ms.Lane!
Read more
22 Dec, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms. Lane was appointed to my case and after she took over the case I have seen her fighting for me like no other. There was a mandatory 6 months jail time which she was able to reduce to 30 days and with credit served I was released immediately. Thank you Ms. Lane.
Read more
25 May, 2010 by Judy and john
Attorney Levitt is an outstanding attorney. He handled a large class action case for us in regards to an educational loan company. From the moment we met Adam, we knew we made the right choice. He is very personable and continually kept us up to date during the entire process. We recently found out we won our case. Adam did a fabulous job representing us and the entire group involved in the suit.. Not once did we doubt his experience. We enjoyed getting to know Adam and highly recommend him to anyone. It was a pleasure to do business with him. We had the greatest faith in Adam and will reach out to his services again, if needed. We cannot say enough great things about Attorney Levitt! He is the best.
Read more
15 May, 2010 by Barry
Adam is assisting me with a consumer problem relating to one of the nation's largest banks. After reviewing my issues with the bank, he filed a class action on my behalf. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, knowledge and expertise. When he makes a commitment or tells me that he is going to do something, he does so in a timely and professional manner. He keeps his word. Adam lets me know what is happening, makes certain that I am informed as to the status of the case and each new development. He explains the issues, process, strategy and next steps. He has a strong commitment to providing quality work, a true professional. And perhaps most important, Adam displays a genuine interest in helping me. Adam is an attorney who obviously cares about his clients. I would strongly recommend him to anyone that needs his type of expertise and services.
Read more
19 Dec, 2014 by Ronald
As my attorney in a copyright infringement case for over one year, I found Vivek to live up to his billing as one of the rising stars in this area of law in the Chicago area. I found him to be 100% honest extremely intelligent, and also someone who is willing to work tirelessly on behalf of his clients. In a world where lawyers often are viewed in so negatively, I found Vivek to be a breath of fresh air. In my opinion , he stands out as not only a brilliant attorney but one of impeccable integrity. I would reccommend him to anyone.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?
Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:
-
What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses. -
Who will be handling my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
What potential outcomes can I expect?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the expected timeline for my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What challenges do you foresee in my case?
Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Chicago, Illinois?
Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:
-
Within the Same State:
Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state. -
Outside of Their Licensed State:
If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:- Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
- Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
-
International Representation:
For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.
It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.
How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer
Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:
-
Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
Ask for References:
A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:
-
Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as:- Contracts or agreements
- Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
- Legal notices or court papers
- Financial records (if applicable)
- Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
-
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed. -
Budget Constraints:
Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options. -
Openness and Honesty:
Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
