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Louis J. Goodman
About Louis
Biography
For nearly 30 years, I have been a lawyer, law instructor and continuing legal education provider in Alameda County.
Since graduating from Hastings College of the Law, at University of California in San Francisco in 1980, I have worked in the courts of Alameda County. While still in law school, I started my career as clerk in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office in 1979. The Office honored me by hiring me as Deputy District Attorney in 1981.
Since 1987, for more than twenty years, I have also enjoyed success in private practice, representing individuals, and protecting their Constitutional rights. I have handled thousands of cases on every level and tried over fifty jury trials to verdict. As a practicing attorney, I am also a businessperson. I know what it means to meet a payroll, sign the front of the checks, and pay taxes. My ties to Oakland and Alameda County run deep, and I have spent much of my life trying to improve our community.
In college I participated in the University’s student discipline court. In law school I was active in moot court competition and in the Hastings College of Advocacy, a continuing legal education program for practicing litigators. As an attorney, I have judged moot court competitions at UC Hastings College of Law, and coached moot court teams at Logan High School in Union City.
My experience as a prosecutor and as a private practitioner enables me to understand both sides of an issue and to use that understanding for the benefit of my clients. I understand the importance of fair and effective law enforcement; I also know that constitutional rights are critical, and believe these rights must be protected for the community to remain strong.
I have lived and worked in Alameda County for nearly thirty years. I am a citizen, and a business owner. My wife is a physician at Kaiser Hospital, in Oakland. My sister and her husband live in Piedmont and are both attorneys, each practicing in Alameda County. My uncle, a retired college professor and my aunt live in Berkeley. My uncle served on the Alameda County Grand Jury.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
30%
45 years
Criminal Defense
25%
45 years
Domestic Violence
25%
45 years
Insurance Fraud
10%
45 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 45 years
State: California
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Licensed in Hawaii for 38 years
State: Hawaii
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Location
Louis J. Goodman Attorney at Law
1290 B Street Suite 307, Hayward, CA, 94541
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Louis J. Goodman's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
65 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by DL | August 11, 2025
Better call Louis
Before you retain anybody, have a consultation with Mr. Goodman. It's free and he'll give you great legal advice-feedback from any questions, you may have from his 35 years of experience.
Posted by Kiranpreet | February 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent!! Very knowledgeable
I highly recommend Mr. Goodman and his team for their outstanding legal representation. Mr. Goodman guided me through the subpoena process with expertise and professionalism, ensuring I understood my rights every step of the way. He was always available to answer my questions and provided timely upda...
Posted by Sushil | June 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Super Lawyer
It is not something I do frequently, but I felt compelled to write a review for Mr. Goodman. I want to begin by expressing that Mr. Goodman is an exceptional attorney. Throughout the years, I have hired several attorneys, and I can genuinely say that Mr. Goodman ranks among the best, even in the cate...
Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2024 | Criminal Defense
Sound legal advice
I consulted Louis after listening to a few of the episodes of his podcast, Love Thy Lawyer which is great BTW. He gave me free consultation in his office on a criminal matter. He and his staff are very organized. He read through my case papers and listened to my story patiently. At the end he gave a ...
Posted by anonymous | August 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent and Knowledgeable Attorney
We hired Mr. Goodman to assist with a pending criminal charge case. Mr. Goodman was very professional and efficient. He explained his background and the years he had worked in criminal justice and was very thorough in explaining how the law worked . He was very knowledgeable and proactive in assisti...
Louis J. Goodman's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. It is very clear from many years of experience, contributions and reviews that Mr. Goodman is extremely knowledgeable and highly competent."
"Louis Goodman is overall an outstanding attorney. He is knowledgeable and helpful. He is also generous with his time and will guide you in the right direction with matters related to criminal law. I would recommend him in a heartbeat!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Mr. Goodman for 32 years. He is honest, diligent and gets the job done right the first time! He possesses an ability to clearly communicate with his clients. I highly endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Louis Goodman defends criminal defendants in Alameda County at the highest standards. His level of professionalism is unparalleled. He devotes himself to each client exercising the utmost in attention to each matter. His knowledge of the field extends to every criminal case. Mr. Goodman's prior experience as a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda county enhances his experience and familiarity with local rules and procedures. He is available for clients at all times and is there to help you and your family through difficult situations with a compassionate and caring demeanor."
"Louis is an excellent lawyer who gives wise counsel and fights zealously for his clients. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse Louis. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer's work because Mr. Goodman is an extremely knowledgeable lawyer. He has the manner, skill, and knowledge of a Judge. In fact, Mr. Goodman has been a Deputy District Attorney and a Judge Pro Tem as well as a defense attorney making him one of the most well rounded lawyer in his field. It is all of the experiences from different points of view that him the advantage over his fellow colleagues; especially having been a Judge Pro Tem where is fellow colleagues appeared before him. This experience and practice from all sides gives him the understanding of the law that allows Mr. Goodman to get results for his clients that leave other lawyers just wondering how he did it. If Mr. Goodman is good enough to have been a Pro Tem Judge, he is the right lawyer for you. Think about it; don’t you want a lawyer with the understanding of the people he is fighting for you, and a clear understanding of how and why a Judge will rule so he can get the best rulings for you? If I"
William Walraven
Criminal defense lawyer
Jared Winter
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Professional Presenter, Inns of Court
1997
Past President, Hayward South Rotary
Work Experience
1987 - Present
Owner, Law Offices of Louis J Goodman
1979 - 1987
Deputy District Attorney, Alameda County District Attorneys Office
Associations
2011 - Present
Alameda County Bar AssociationCourt Appointed Attorney's Panel
2011 - Present
Earl Warren American Inn of CourtMember
2008 - Present
South Alameda County Bar, Continuing Legal EducationChair
1990 - Present
Alameda County Bar AssociationMember
1990 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
1988 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
Education
1980
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1975
University of Rochester
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Immigration and the Supreme Court
Immigration and the Supreme Court
2011
Winter Meeting
Law Office Management
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can i obtain a pest control license woth a 6 year old felony?
14 Feb 2017
Q&A
I got a DUI in Hawaii in 2009, Will this effect me in California. almost 8 years ago.
08 Jan 2017
Q&A
Domestic violence survival trauma worrys of kid
31 Oct 2016