Congratulations to David Goodrich for being honored as an Unsung Legal Hero by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. This award honors law firm employees who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, often behind the scenes. This award is reserved for the state’s most talented and dedicated legal support professionals.
David has been instrumental in preparing visual demonstrative exhibits for trial. He has approximately 10 major trials/arbitrations under his belt before spending a single day as a law student. In the Farmington Hills v. Wells Fargo case, he created thematic slides for the opening statement that were praised by two different mock juries, made the final cut for an opening statement that more than a million dollars was spent to prepare in a very complicated securities lending case. The case settled for $62.5 million. In the Karmanos v. Compuware case, Mr. Goodrich created visual images of sharks circling around the Compuware building and created a visual Trojan horse in the opening statement and visually destroyed it in the closing argument. His work was important in obtaining a $16.5 million award. Last summer in a jury trial in federal court on a key liability bifurcated trial, after the jury ruled in our favor the first thing they said is how much the visual evidence helped them understand the case. David will soon start law school and be an amazing lawyer.
- Why did you choose a career in the legal field?
Growing up my Dad worked as a prosecutor for the State of Michigan so I was always intrigued with the practice of law. However, it wasn’t until I experienced the thrill of litigation that I knew that this is what I wanted to do. Litigation is a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns and highs and lows, but in the end, I know it’s a ride that I want to get back in line for, again and again.
- What is the best part of your job?
Definitely the learning and experience. Since starting at Miller I have been on the frontlines in over nine trials with almost every Partner at our firm. Last year, in a three week jury trial we had to explain the molecular relationship between different chemical ingredients. The year before that I participated in an arbitration involving Peter Karmanos’ employment dispute and also prepared for a jury trial arguing damages for depressed wages on behalf of Detroit area nurses. And before that I even moved into an apartment in St. Paul, Minn., as we prepared for a federal jury trial that required us to explain a complex securities investment program, involving hundreds of millions of dollars and abstract financial concepts. Being able to learn more about your clients industry, while at the same time working firsthand with and against some of the most talented lawyers in the country is something you can’t beat or find anywhere else.
- What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?
Lately it has been catching up on sleep, but when I do find time I try and spend it on the golf course, although my handicap might not reflect that. Aside from that, I am excited to see the upswing of Detroit and I spend a lot of time downtown. I will also never pass on an opportunity to go to a Tiger’s game.