Len Goodman ’80 Speaks at Morning Ex

On Wednesday, February 5, Parker alumnus Len Goodman ’80 spoke to students at Morning Ex. Goodman began his career as an attorney back in the ’80s at Jenner + Block. While his position was prestigious with a big salary, Goodman didn’t find his work fulfilling. He wanted an opportunity to represent people and not large corporations, so he transitioned to a career as a criminal defense lawyer. During his tenure in law, Goodman has spent his time working against a system that typically lends itself to the privileged.

Goodman focused his presentation on two cases: a young man wrongfully accused in Charleston, Illinois and a detainee at Guantanamo Bay who is now free and back with his family. Goodman’s work as an attorney led to a passion for journalism. He invested in independent investigative journalists who don’t have a home in corporate news.

Goodman closed his presentation by sharing that the last time he was on stage at Parker was his senior year of high school after he just learned to play the guitar. He followed up his story by challenging students to step out of their comfort zones as he did the day he decided to show off his music skills, which resulted in most of the audience walking out. Goodman now plays in a band with several fellow alumni.

Click here for photos of this Morning Ex.