Birmingham Attorney's New Role Allows Him to Give Voice to the Voiceless

When Scott Goodwin started his legal career in 1986, he had a simple goal – “to be a positive force for change and stand up for victim’s rights.” 

Now, 27 years later, Goodwin leads the state’s largest group of plaintiff attorneys – the Michigan Association for Justice – in a similar mission. On July 1, Goodwin officially begins his one-year term as President of the MAJ. As he assumes office, Goodwin affirms the group’s aim.

“We’re dedicated to procuring civil justice for plaintiffs and preserving citizen’s rights," he said

Formerly known as the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, the Lansing-based MAJ is an organization Goodwin proudly says “fights for equal access to the court system for all people, regardless of income or circumstance.” 

Heading up the Michigan Association for Justice seems like a natural outcome for the tough-minded attorney who sticks up for the underdog. According to Goodwin, he and partner Jim Scieszka, founded the Goodwin & Scieszka Law Center “to give the little guy a fighting chance against big insurance companies and to hold drunk and negligent drivers accountable.” 

Has the new president remembered his roots? 

Yes – Goodwin’s firm has held a free legal aid clinic every spring for 27 years. The carnival-like event helps hundreds of families, with two dozen top attorneys working pro bono for clients. With an emphasis on child safety, Goodwin & Scieszka’s annual “Law Day” outreach has donated and fitted 10,000 free bike safety helmets!

Lawyer’s Weekly named Goodwin as “Lawyer of the Year,” and “Best Lawyers in America” includes his firm in their most recent list. Other honors include “Michigan Super Lawyer” (2006-2013) and the coveted “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. 

Goodwin is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates, and ranked in the Michigan Super Lawyers Top 100 list. The nationwide AVVO Legal Directory conferred a “10-out-of-10 Superb” rating. 

A resident of Bloomfield Hills, Goodwin graduated from Michigan State University in 1983, and Michigan State University College of Law (formerly Detroit College of Law) in 1986.