Practice Areas
Education
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 1988, cum laude
Central Michigan University, B.S., 1985
Bar and Court Admissions
Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Brian G. Goodenough
Brian Goodenough started as a law clerk at Foster Swift while attending law school. Named an associate in 1988, he has been a shareholder for more than 15 years. Currently, he chairs the Foster Swift's Workers Compensation Practice Group. Previously, he served as a member of the firm's Executive Committee and as an officer of the firm.
A member of the Workers' Compensation and Administrative and Municipal Law practice groups, his practice focuses on:
- Workers’ compensation - defends insurance companies and employers in workers' compensation litigation.
- Zoning and land-use disputes - counsels townships, cities, counties and other municipalities.
- Municipal law - represents municipalities against Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act claims, counsels on cemetery liability, municipal insurance defense, fire/public safety department formation, litigation and funding.
Brian has been recognized for his insurance defense work on behalf of his municipal clients. This includes being named Attorney of the Year in 2003 by Michigan’s largest insurer of municipalities. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America in Municipal, Real Estate and Workers’ Compensation law.
Since 1989, Brian has been an adjunct professor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he has taught land-use and zoning law. In addition, he is an active member of several civic groups, including the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he has served as the group’s Chair and as its General Counsel. Brian currently serves on the Board of Directors for Ele's Place.
Highlights & Recognitions
AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell
Best Lawyers in America (Workers' Compensation Law, Real Estate Law, Municipal Law)
Attorney of the Year for 2003, Mid-West Claims for Municipal Insurance Defense
Award for 15 years of Continuous Service, Mid-West Claims (Defending municipalities through Mid-West Claims)
News
- Foster Swift's 2011 Best Lawyers, August 17, 2010
- Foster Swift Names 2010 Executive Committee, April 9, 2010
- Foster Swift Announces 2009 Best Lawyers, August 18, 2009
- Foster Swift Announces 2009 Executive Committee & Practice Group Leader Appointments, February 12, 2009
- Foster Swift Announces 2008 Best Lawyers In America, September 18, 2008
- 2008 Executive Committee & Practice Group Leader Appointments Announced, February 19, 2008
Speaking Engagements
- Governmental Immunity/Re-Insurance, 2010
- Workers' Compensation Round Table Discussion, Client Seminar for Large National Insurance Company, 2009
- Zoning and Land Use Overview, Foster Swift Legal Update for Township Officials, December 2008
- General Workers Compensation Defense Issues, Michigan Plastic Processors Association, 2007
- Zoning, Foster Swift Legal Update for Township Officials, December 2004
Memberships & Affiliations
Legal Affiliations:
- Ingham County Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan
- Workers' Compensation Section, Director
Community Involvement:
- Ele's Place, Board of Directors
- Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Former General Counsel
- Former Chairman of the Board of Directors
- Volunteers of America, former member of Board of Directors
- DeWitt Township Volunteer Fire Department, former member
