Jimmy K. Goodman

Taking on business disputes with significant financial consequences, and client impact

Jimmy Goodman’s litigation practice has included a wide range of complex disputes involving businesses, financial institutions and other organizations. He saved one client millions of dollars by preventing the Department of Justice’s novel attempt at using “statistical sampling” in a Medicare fraud case to prove damages for unsampled claims; in another case, successfully defended a trial court’s summary dismissal of a seven-figure life insurance bad faith claim seeking punitive damages; and even once persuaded the Oklahoma Supreme Court to grant the rare reversal of an arbitration award.

Representing Native American Nations in significant litigation and gaming matters

A substantial part of Jimmy’s career has involved disputes concerning tribal compacts, gaming, economic development and federal Indian law. He has successfully represented Native American Nations in significant compact litigation with the State of Oklahoma, including saving one Nation several million dollars in a tobacco compact renewal dispute and limiting Oklahoma’s efforts to tax tribally supported sales transactions on tribal lands. He has also represented these clients in tribal, state, federal and bankruptcy courts.

Serving individuals and small businesses through litigation and pro bono work

Jimmy has focused much of his recent client work on litigation for individuals and small businesses in Oklahoma, as well as continuing to represent Indian tribes in governmental relations and gaming matters. His pro bono work includes assisting a woman restore her relationship with her child, who had been falsely led to believe his mother had abandoned him, and successfully challenging the illegal suspension of a high school student when the school lacked authority under its own rules to impose the punishment, and also denied him due process.

Working to improve access to justice

Jimmy’s continuing work with the American Bar Foundation has given him an opportunity to look beyond individual clients to tackle bigger societal questions. Serving as the Foundation’s president for two years, he was thereafter a special advisor to its board, supporting research into how law intersects with society and how legal services can become more accessible, particularly for people in underserved and rural communities.

Bringing the legal profession and Oklahoma community together

Jimmy’s service has also included leadership positions throughout the American Bar Association, including efforts to protect minority rights, and co-chairing a task force that worked with Fortune 500 companies to develop guidelines for combating human trafficking. He was part of the community effort following the Oklahoma City bombing that brought together survivors, first responders and community members to develop plans for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, and is quite proud to be part of the team that developed its mission statement. .