National Lawyers Guild Detroit & Michigan Chapter
It is with heavy hearts that we honor and celebrate the life of William “Bill” Goodman, who died yesterday at the age of 83. A dedicated advocate for justice, civil liberties, and human rights, Bill is a giant in our community because of his willingness to mentor new attorneys, sharing his time and expertise to build up the movement. As was his wish, he continued his work up until the very end of his incredible life.
Bill’s commitment to justice was deeply rooted in his upbringing. The son of Ernest Goodman, a trailblazing attorney who opened the country’s first racially integrated law firm in 1951, Bill carried on the family legacy of fighting for human rights and civil liberties. His father’s influence, combined with a transformative summer job working at a small African-American law firm in Virginia, shaped Bill’s perspective on the importance of being part of history and working with real people in the struggle for justice.
Bill’s commitment to justice led him to New York in 1998, where he became the legal director at the Center for Constitutional Rights. At the Center for Constitutional Rights, he took on cases challenging U.S. military policies, especially in the aftermath of 9/11. Bill sought justice for detainees at Guantanamo, challenging the constitutionality of their detention and the violation of their rights, sought justice for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange, and defended the wrongfully convicted teens in the notorious “Central Park jogger” case.
A true champion for justice, Bill took on powerful entities, including the Bush administration, the New York City Police Department, and the state prison system. His legal battles involved cases related to domestic wiretapping, prisoner rights amid the “war on terror,” and the defense of a Yemeni sheik charged with supporting terrorist groups. Here in Detroit, he was so respected by our National Lawyers Guild chapter he was made a permanent member of our Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, Bill was involved in landmark cases, including the defense of leaders of the Michigan Communist Party and representation of Black Panthers. His legal prowess and eloquence made him a beacon of inspiration in the legal community.
Bill shared that he would most like to be remembered for his work on the Attica Prison Uprising of 1971. The work that he and his father did resulted in dismissed cases, successful litigation or a governor’s pardon for almost every single criminal prosecution, of which there were a couple thousand.
Bill’s impact was not limited to legal battles. He played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and activism, inspiring others to join the fight for justice. His legacy lives on in the numerous individuals he inspired and the countless lives he touched.
As we mourn the loss of Bill Goodman, let us celebrate his tireless efforts to preserve civil liberties, fight for justice, and challenge the powerful. His legacy serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is a noble and ongoing journey that requires unwavering dedication, just as Bill exemplified throughout his remarkable life.
Please join us in sending love to Bill and Julie’s family.
In solidarity and strength,
The NLG Fam
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 
You must be logged in to post a comment.