Goodman, Ethan

I was born in Tallahassee, Florida during my father’s first year of law school.  Our family moved to his hometown of Fort Myers after his graduation.  I was raised in south Fort Myers and graduated from Cypress Lake High School. 

I later attended and graduated from The University of Virginia.  At The University of Virginia I served as an honor support officer within The University’s Honor System.  I was also a member of the Jefferson Literary & Debating Society.  The Jefferson Society is the second oldest, continuously active, Greek letter organization in the United States.

After college, I attended Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California.  During my time at Pepperdine I worked for several law firms and also as an intern for a movie production company based at TriStar Pictures.  Despite those great experiences, I decided to return to Florida with the ultimate objective of practicing law with my father.

My father began his career as a prosecutor. He convinced me that beginning my career at the State Attorney’s Office would be the best initiation into the practice of criminal law.  After passing the Florida Bar Exam, I accepted a position with the State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit.  I worked in the Naples office for thirty‑seven months.

I learned the fundamentals of criminal law as an Assistant State Attorney.  I was entrusted with deciding if criminal charges would be brought and what crimes that those arrested would face.  I prosecuted well over one thousand criminal defendants in matters ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies, during my tenure with the State.  As a prosecutor, I conducted jury trials, violation of probation hearings, motions to exclude and suppress evidence, criminal appeals and post‑conviction motions.  Much of my time was spent in court.

My experience as a prosecutor shaped the beliefs that currently motivate me to help the accused.  I learned how easily one could be ensnared by law enforcement’s ever expanding authority.  It became apparent that people were often arrested on very little evidence and sometimes only upon the word of someone with a grudge.  Despite claims that the accused are innocent until proven guilty, the accused face a gut‑wrenching ordeal to regain their freedom and reputation.

After thirty‑seven months, in which I conducted numerous jury and bench trials as well as  countless motions and hearings, I joined my Father’s practice.  I have continued to conduct jury trials and have an aggressive motion practice.  I am in court three to four days a week, representing clients in almost every type of criminal matter.  I have also expanded my practice beyond trial and appellate work in State Court and now represent the accused in Federal Court.

After working on thousands of cases, as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, I feel more strongly than ever that my role in protecting my clients is critically important.  The accused must have a shield between them and the immense power of the police and prosecutors.