James Goodnow |

Bio

James is Fennemore Craig’s president and managing partner. The Harvard Law grad launched his career at the firm as a file clerk, learning about Fennemore’s 133-year-old tradition of client-first thinking from the inside out. His top priority is ensuring the firm empowers clients to grow their businesses and build their communities without the law getting in the way.

Innovation and technology are at the heart of how James drives his practice and the firm forward. As a litigator, James and his team have jettisoned written briefs in favor of iPad and virtual reality-based legal packages, collaborated with former Disney animators to create photorealistic CGI for case exhibits, and utilized 3D printing to bring abstract case ideas to life. As a firm leader, James has spearheaded initiatives related to time- and cost-saving artificial intelligence technology, entrepreneurial alternative-fee structures that align firm and client interests, and data analytics that achieve better, faster outcomes for clients.

Thanks to the success of these innovations, James has gained recognition within legal and business communities. He has been featured on the cover of The American Lawyer (“Meet the New Boss ... James Goodnow Shows What the Firm of the Future Might Look Like”), and ABA Journal named him one of “America’s Techiest Lawyers.” Apple profiled James on Apple.com and in a worldwide “Apple in Business” ad campaign. Attorney at Law Magazine has spotlighted James on its cover three times (most recently, “Smash or Be Smashed: Lawyer of the Year James Goodnow Discusses the Future of Law and Shattering Convention”). Martindale-Hubbell peer reviews describe James as “a brilliant advocate” and “dedicated to his clients.”

James is known for his thought leadership at the intersection of law and business. He is a contributor to Forbes, and he writes a legal innovation, leadership and management column for Above the Law. He is the co-author of Motivating Millennials, which debuted at #1 on Amazon in the business management category. He has appeared on or been covered by CNN, CNBC, Good Morning America, Today, Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Financial Post, Entrepreneur, Inc., and many others.

The Phoenix native is a graduate of Brophy College Preparatory and received a BS from Santa Clara University, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa and graduated first in his class. While at Harvard Law School, he honed his skills in the acclaimed Program on Negotiation. He now presents regularly on advanced negotiation and leadership.

James is dedicated to the community. He volunteers his time mentoring business owners on strengthening their enterprises. After recovering from a treatable form of kidney disease, he spearheaded The Kidney Challenge and became a board member of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. James is also a member of the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish^® Arizona. He is the father of two beautiful children, and he is married to his high school sweetheart.

EDUCATION
J.D., Harvard Law School
B.S., summa cum laude, Santa Clara University
Phi Beta Kappa
Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society

AWARDS AND HONORS
Top 100 Lawyers, AZ Business Magazine, 2019
Southwest Super Lawyers^®, Business Litigation, 2019
Best Lawyers in America^®, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, 2017-2019
Benchmark Litigation, Under 40 Hot list, 2018
AZ Business Leader, Personal Injury Law, AZ Business Magazine, 2018
Phoenix Magazine, 40 Under 40, 2018
Southwest Rising Stars^®, Personal Injury Plaintiff: General, 2013, 2015-2018
Benchmark Litigation, Top Litigator Under 40, Future Star, 2017
Top Valley Lawyers – Personal Injury, North Valley Magazine, 2013, 2015
Southwest Rising Stars^®, Business Litigation, 2012
Phoenix Business Journal: 40 Under 40 honoree, 2010
Newsweek, 20 Leaders Plaintiffs' Trial Lawyers
National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys: "Top 10 Attorney Award" (under age 40)
American Society of Legal Advocates: 40 under 40 list
National Trial Lawyers: 40 under 40 list
Legal Network: "Top Attorney"
AV^® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated (the highest rating available), by Martindale-Hubbell

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Member, State Bar of Arizona
Member, Board of Directors, National Kidney Foundation of Arizona
Member and Class Captain, Brophy Prep Alumni Association
Member, Board of Directors, Make-A-Wish^® Arizona
Former Judge Pro Tempore, Maricopa County Superior Court
Former Member, Board of Directors, Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

ADMISSIONS
Arizona
Colorado
District of Columbia
Illinois
New York
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
District of Columbia, Court of Appeals
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

James Goodnow

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