30 Facts About Goodwin Procter

Founding and Early Years

Goodwin Procter has a rich history that dates back over a century. Let's explore its origins and early milestones.

1. Founding: In 1912, Robert Eliot Goodwin and Joseph Osborne Procter, Jr. met by chance on a Boston sidewalk and decided to start their own law practice. This serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of Goodwin Procter.

2. Initial Success: The firm quickly gained prominence by representing Mary Newell against the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company after the RMS Titanic sank in 1912. This case helped establish the firm's reputation.

3. Early Challenges: One of the firm's early challenges involved the infamous pyramid scheme orchestrated by Charles Ponzi in Boston. Robert Goodwin served as the bankruptcy referee for Middlesex County, handling thousands of recovery claims in the bankruptcy courts.

Global Presence

Goodwin Procter has expanded its reach far beyond its Boston roots. Today, it operates on multiple continents.

4. Global Expansion: The firm now has offices in Boston, Cambridge, Frankfurt, Munich, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, New York City, Paris, Philadelphia, Santa Monica, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, D.C.

5. Employee Base: Goodwin Procter employs over 2,800 people worldwide. This represents a nearly 30% increase in lawyers and staff since January 2021, and more than a 60% increase overall since 2017.

6. Revenue Growth: The firm's annual revenue has seen significant growth, rising from $1.33 billion in 2019 to $1.49 billion in 2020, and reaching $1.97 billion in 2021. This nearly tripled between 2010 and 2021.

Practice Areas and Expertise

Goodwin Procter is known for its expertise in various legal fields. Here are some of the key areas they focus on.

7. Practice Areas: The firm specializes in complex transactional work, high-stakes litigation, and advisory services in financial institutions, intellectual property, private equity, real estate capital markets, securities litigation, white-collar defense, technology, and life sciences.

8. Client Base: Goodwin Procter serves some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs, and disruptors in life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology, and financial industries.

9. Client Relationships: The firm emphasizes building authentic, long-term relationships with its clients. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of clients' needs and industries, enabling the firm to provide more effective services.

Leadership and Operations

Strong leadership and efficient operations are key to Goodwin Procter's success.

10. Global Operations Team: The firm has a dedicated Global Operations Team that partners with its lawyers and clients across multiple business functions, providing a unique and differentiated client service model.

11. Firm Leadership: The Executive Committee, responsible for overall firm strategy, includes leaders like Mark Bettencourt, Elaine Blais, Jennifer Bralower, Grant Fondo, Lynda Galligan, Joanne Gray, John Egan, Ken Gordon, Craig Schmitz, Mary O'Carroll, David Fleming, Kevin Garofoli, Bela Grover, Scott Kopcha, Meredith Santos, Heidi Goldstein Shepherd, Konstantin Shishkin, and Christina Wong.

12. Chief Officers: Key officers include Mary O'Carroll as Chief Operating Officer, David Fleming as Chief Information Officer, Kevin Garofoli as Chief Practice Officer – Litigation, Bela Grover as Chief Client Relationship Officer, Scott Kopcha as Chief Information Security Officer, Meredith Santos as Chief Practice Officer – Business Law, Heidi Goldstein Shepherd as Chief Talent Officer and Assistant General Counsel for Employment, Konstantin Shishkin as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, and Christina Wong as Chief Financial Officer.

Social Commitment and Policies

Goodwin Procter is committed to social responsibility and has strict policies in place to protect its interests and those of its clients.

13. Social Commitment: The firm is dedicated to social responsibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It actively participates in pro bono work and community service initiatives.

14. Legal Notices: The firm’s website includes legal notices that outline terms of use, copyright policies, and disclaimers. These notices emphasize that the content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranties.

15. Copyright Policy: Goodwin Procter strictly enforces its copyright policy. The firm does not permit the retransmission of its content without express written consent. Any infringement may result in legal action.

16. DMCA Compliance: The firm complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998. If you believe that materials on the Goodwin website infringe your copyright, you can send a notice requesting removal or access blocking.

17. Disclaimer of Warranties: Goodwin Procter disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to, the warranties of title, merchantability, non-infringement of third parties' rights, and fitness for a particular purpose.

18. Limitation of Liability: In no event shall any Goodwin party be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary damages, or damages for loss of profits including damages for loss of goodwill, use, or data or other intangible losses.

19. External Sites: Goodwin Procter provides links to external sites solely as a convenience to users. The firm is not responsible for the content of these sites and does not endorse their content.

Unique Client Service Model

Goodwin Procter's client service model sets it apart from other law firms.

20. Client Service Model: The firm’s unique client service model combines an immersive understanding of clients’ industries with expertise across high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance, and complex transactions.

Historical Milestones and Notable Cases

Goodwin Procter has been involved in many significant cases and milestones throughout its history.

21. Historical Milestones: One of the firm’s earliest milestones was its representation in the bankruptcy proceedings following the sinking of the RMS Titanic. This case showcased the firm’s ability to handle complex and high-profile litigation from its inception.

22. Notable Cases: The firm has been involved in numerous notable cases, including high-profile litigation, complex transactions, and advisory services in various sectors such as financial institutions, intellectual property, and life sciences.

Industry Expertise and Pro Bono Work

Goodwin Procter’s expertise spans multiple industries, and it is committed to giving back to the community.

23. Industry Expertise: The firm’s extensive expertise covers life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology, and financial sectors. This broad range allows Goodwin Procter to provide comprehensive services to its clients.

24. Pro Bono Work: The firm is committed to pro bono work and community service. It actively participates in various social responsibility initiatives, contributing to the betterment of society through legal services and advocacy.

Diversity, Technology, and Global Reach

Goodwin Procter prioritizes diversity, leverages technology, and has a global reach.

25. Diversity and Inclusion: The firm fosters a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity and inclusion. Goodwin Procter aims to create an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

26. Technology Integration: The firm uses advanced technology to enhance its services. Digital tools and platforms ensure efficient communication and collaboration with clients, contributing to its high level of service delivery.

27. Global Reach: With offices on multiple continents, Goodwin Procter offers a global reach that allows it to serve clients worldwide. This extensive network enables the firm to provide localized services tailored to each region’s specific needs.

Client Relationships and Professional Development

Building strong client relationships and investing in professional development are key to Goodwin Procter's success.

28. Client Relationships: The firm’s focus on building long-term relationships with clients is a key factor in its success. By understanding the unique needs and goals of each client, Goodwin Procter can provide tailored solutions that meet their specific requirements.

29. Professional Development: The firm invests heavily in the professional development of its employees. It offers various training programs and mentorship opportunities to ensure that its lawyers and staff are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in their respective fields.

30. Reputation and Recognition: Goodwin Procter has earned a reputation as one of the top law firms globally. The firm has received numerous accolades and recognitions for its outstanding performance, commitment to excellence, and dedication to client service.

Goodwin Procter: A Legal Powerhouse

Goodwin Procter stands out as a top-tier law firm with a rich history and global reach. Founded in 1912, it quickly gained prominence with high-profile cases like the RMS Titanic litigation. Today, the firm operates across multiple continents, employing over 2,800 people. Its revenue has soared, nearly tripling from 2010 to 2021. Specializing in complex transactional work, high-stakes litigation, and advisory services, Goodwin Procter serves some of the world’s most innovative clients. The firm’s commitment to social responsibility, diversity, and pro bono work further enhances its reputation. Advanced technology and a unique client service model set it apart from competitors. With a focus on long-term client relationships and professional development, Goodwin Procter continues to be a leader in the legal industry. Its dedication to excellence and comprehensive expertise make it a premier choice for clients worldwide.