Ross Goodman Of Goodman Law Group: Five Life and Leadership Lessons I Learned In The Military

…You do not need to serve in a combat zone to live by these same values. We all know people who have made a positive impact on others or a contribution to the community described as heroes…

As a part of our series about “Life and Leadership Lessons Learned In The Military”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ross Goodman.

Ross Goodman is a seasoned legal professional with a distinguished background. A retired Marine Corps Major, he brings a disciplined and strategic approach to his practice. With a focus on serious criminal defense matters such as murder, sexual assault, violent crime, and theft, Goodman has established a reputation for his expertise and dedication.

Having grown up in Las Vegas, Goodman is deeply rooted in the city’s culture and legal landscape. Following in the footsteps of his renowned parents, former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman and current Mayor Carolyn Goodman, he continues a legacy of legal excellence.

Goodman’s clients consistently praise his efficiency, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to their cases. His keen attention to detail, coupled with a confident and empathetic approach, helps alleviate stress during challenging legal situations.

With a significant portion of his clientele hailing from around the world, Goodman has successfully navigated complex legal matters involving charges ranging from drug possession to violent crimes. His dedication to “leaving no stone unturned” has resulted in numerous dismissals and not-guilty verdicts.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

I am a lifelong resident of Las Vegas. I grew up playing competitive tennis on a national level and winning the Nevada State doubles championship while attending Clark High School. During most summers, I was lucky to get one of the most sought-after jobs for a Las Vegas teenager — “working” at one of the hotel pools on the Las Vegas Strip. It was great making money, giving access to friends, and meeting people from around the world. I had a great upbringing in Las Vegas and knew I would return after college and law school.

And what are you doing today? Can you share a story that exemplifies the unique work that you are doing?

I am fortunate to represent people accused of a variety of charges in federal and state courts. There is a story behind each case showing that no one is immune from making mistakes or overreacting in situations that lead to facing the criminal justice system. This is an incredibly rewarding experience helping extricate people from potential lifelong consequences resulting in loss of employment, licensure, divorce, and bankruptcy.

Everyone recognizes that behavioral, emotional, and alcohol/drug-related issues contribute to many of the reasons people find themselves in the clutches of the criminal justice system. There is also another common addiction for many people who live and visit Las Vegas — gambling. However, Las Vegas like many cities offered diversion programs to address addictions to drugs, repeat DUI offenders, and veterans. Remarkably, this treatment is not commonly granted in a community where gambling is the primary engine of commerce. It was common to hear arguments like the person is a “thief that likes to gamble” instead of recognizing people suffer from a significant problem gambling disorder which results in crime.

In 2015, I represented Ms. Meador in a post-conviction relief action after pleading guilty to Theft for allegedly stealing more than $500,000 from a business where she worked as an office manager and bookkeeper and was sentenced to 4–10 years in prison. It was clear that that Ms. Meador had a significant problem gambling disorder which had been overlooked by the previous counsel. She languished in prison for 2 ½ years before winning her release in July 2016 to enroll into the gambler’s diversion treatment program and ultimately vacated the Judgement of Conviction. We are proud to have focused attention on this issue making the Clark County Gambling Treatment Diversion a model for other communities concerned with the social responsibility attached to individuals with problem gambling disorders.

Can you tell us a bit about your military background?

I had the privilege of being in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years. I was selected in 1992 for Officer Candidate School (“OCS”) in Quantico, VA followed by The Basic School (“TBS”) and Naval Justice School (“NJS”), in Newport Rhode Island in 1997. I was promoted to Major but made a difficult decision at the end of 1999 to leave Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and return to Las Vegas to start Goodman Law Group. I continued in the Reserves serving as appellant counsel in the Navy-Marine Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA), Washington Navy Yard, Washington D.C.

Can you share the most interesting story that you experienced during your military career? What “take away” did you learn from that story?

I have always taken the commitment to represent people seriously which started in the U.S. Marine Corps. I have always spent a substantial amount of time preparing for trial to present the best possible defense under the circumstances. As a result, I represented many servicemembers who were exonerated in general and special court-martials. A series of Not Guilty verdicts were unusual in the Marine Corps which caught the ire of Colonel Fox, Staff Judge Advocate, to the Commanding General of Second Marine Division. Col. Fox made it clear that the General convenes a court martial based on his recommendation the servicemember is guilty. Contrary to this expectation, I found that military members apply the jury instructions to the facts instead of reacting emotionally and follow their duty to be fair and impartial.

However, the reality is that many judge advocates are young and inexperienced compared to professional prosecutors working in the district attorney’s office. The same applies to military judges, who do not have the same experience level, as their civilian counterparts. In Las Vegas, I see the District Attorney’s office assume responsibility for prosecuting the more serious cases in our community even involving servicemembers from Nellis Air Force Base.

We are interested in fleshing out what a hero is. Did you experience or hear about a story of heroism, during your military experience? Can you share that story with us? Feel free to be as elaborate as you’d like.

The military teaches humility. Doing the honorable thing every day, in daily acts of kindness is far more important than a grand act while serving in the military. We protect each other not just because it could be a matter of survival, but it is simply the right thing to do.

Based on that, how would you define what a “hero” is? Can you explain?

As I said above, being honorable in everyday life is my definition of a hero. Doing the right thing just because it’s the right thing, not because someone is watching or because you may be recognized or awarded for it.

Does a person need to be facing a life and death situation to do something heroic or to be called a hero?

The primary description of Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients is “Ordinary people who did Extraordinary things” and “Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue.” These same individuals who committed acts of valor by going beyond the call of duty are driven at home by the same core values of courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, and patriotism. I am sure you have noticed Medal of Honor Recipients deflecting from their individual act of valor instead attributing their actions to their training and doing their job.

You do not need to serve in a combat zone to live by these same values. We all know people who have made a positive impact on others or a contribution to the community described as heroes. A good analogy was when Tom Cruise, In A Few Good Men, told Private Dawson, who was cleared of murder and conspiracy but found guilty of “conduct unbecoming” and dishonorably discharged, that “You don’t need to wear a patch on your arm to have Honor.” The true measure of a hero is doing the honorable thing every day especially outside of a combat zone.

Based on your military experience, can you share with our readers 5 Leadership or Life Lessons that you learned from your experience”? (Please share a story or example for each.)

1. Attention to detail is a core value hammered home to you in the USMC. The importance in the military is that mistakes can have serious consequences. This quality trait applies equally to lawyering. I often tell clients that the “devil is in the details” and that I am committed to outworking the other side to find that one fact that was overlooked that could undermine a witness’s credibility or claim. There is no shortcut to winning other than thorough preparation.

2. A repeated phrase beginning in boot camp and a key metric in performance evaluations is whether you can “think outside of the box.” This seems counterintuitive at first since the military has a long history of customs and following orders. This is fundamental to a command structure and essential for effective operations. However, each leader in the command structure must have the ability to solve problems though critical thinking and creativity. Most people hire lawyers because they could not solve the problem on their own. I have carried over this out-of-the-box thinking into private practice which has given me an edge when formulating different strategies to solve the problem.

3. We all remember Clint Eastwood’s famous line in Heartbreak Ridge: “You’re Marines now, you improvise, you adapt, you overcome.” While not a Marine Corps Motto, we are trained to improvise, adapt, and overcome any obstacles. These principles of improvising and adapting are true in every aspect of life. This is the same principle as summarized by Mike Tyson: “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.” In trial work, it is to be expected that a witness will surprise you with new information. The lawyer cannot stop and freeze but needs to adapt, improvise, and pivot to overcome or neutralize the new fact or issue.

4. The Marines are the smallest branch of the United States military and are known by its motto Semper Fidelis which means “Always Faithful.” This is an unbreakable bond Marines share to serve our country, protect each other, and never leave another Marine behind. This type of commitment and loyalty is reinforced by another popular slogan: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

5. My favorite lesson learned from the Marine Corps that I use to this day is to “walk with a purpose.” This was drilled into me during Officer Candidate School to have a sense of purpose instead of aimlessly wandering. As a lawyer, you instill confidence in your clients and respect from the judge and opposing counsel when you move with confidence and sense of purpose. I can still hear my drill instructors yell, “Keep your head up Marine. Maintain ‘situational awareness.’” This skill helps me understand the dynamics of the courtroom leading to better real time decisions and action.

Do you think your experience in the military helped prepare you for business? Can you explain?

There is no better school for leadership than the military. The leadership lessons and core values taught during military service serve as a foundation for success in business. There is no other leadership training that emphasizes decision-making under pressure, teamwork, and strong ethics. This experience is hard to duplicate elsewhere. Undoubtedly, veterans are more dedicated and loyal to the business rather than their own self-interest. It is also true that this proving ground of leadership fosters a sense of mission and camaraderie helping to contribute to the success of the business.

As you know, some people are scarred for life by their experience in the military. Did you struggle after your deployment was over? What have you done to adjust and thrive in civilian life that others may want to emulate?

I believe that many of the lessons learned in the Marine Corps contributed to my success as a lawyer. The leadership skills were transferrable to my career as a lawyer. However, I never went overseas as the First Gulf War ended in 1991. I started in the Marine Reserves in 1992 and my unit was never called up for deployment or combat. However, I have represented many veterans as well as active-duty members who suffer from service-related substance abuse and mental health issues like PTSD. Fortunately, Clark County offers eligible members involved in the criminal justice system an 18-month treatment program that if successful would result in the dismissal of the case.

What advice would you give to other leaders to help their team to thrive?

In my experience, effective leadership is about more than just giving orders. We are taught as officers to “lead by example.” It’s about inspiring and motivating to bring out the best in others. It is human nature that if you are passionate, committed, and motivated than others will follow. Mahatman Gandhi said it best: “an ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.” You must live it and do what you say. If you expect hard work, you must be willing to put in the effort.

Equally important is showing appreciation. Everyone, from the newest team member to the most seasoned leader, values recognition. By acknowledging and rewarding hard work, you can foster a positive and productive work environment. Ultimately, a thriving team is one where individuals feel valued and motivated.

What advice would you give to other leaders about the best way to manage a large team?

True strength in leadership comes from compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others. The best way to manage a team of any size, large or small, is to focus on clear communication. Be honest with your team and provide clear, concise, and consistent communication channels that work for everyone. Trust in your teams’ abilities and provide them with the necessary resources and support to succeed.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My parents moved to Las Vegas in 1964 with $87.00 and became Mayors of Las Vegas for 25 years consecutively and founded The Meadows School, a non-profit independent college preparatory day school, located in Summerlin. They are consummate optimists always looking at the glass as half full and imbued with the passion of living life to the fullest. They led by example as each of my parents could not wait to wake up every day. They disabused us quickly of the notion of ever feeling sorry for ourselves if we lost in competition, got a bad grade, or had a devastating breakup. To them, life was too short. It was important to always move forward and to do better than we did yesterday. These life principles are embedded into my identity and could not be shaken even if I wanted to.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I’ve been fortunate enough to help people who’ve made mistakes get back on their feet. Getting arrested really turns a person’s world upside down, and it’s often hard to know where to turn. I guide people through the legal process, helping them understand their options and navigate the system. It’s about more than just legal advice; it’s about giving people hope and helping them rebuild their lives. I genuinely care about my clients and make sure they get a favorable outcome. Everyone makes mistakes, some bigger than others, but showing contrition and remorse for their actions goes a long way in resolving cases.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I think most young people are always looking to the future instead of making the most of their time in the present. I think 18-year-olds should serve as hospice volunteers, UNIFEF volunteers, or in the military. This experience will greatly change their perspective when caring for terminally ill patients, working with disadvantaged children in third-world countries, or learning discipline and leadership skills by serving their country. This would lead to a generation of young adults who are more empathetic, will not complain or waste as much time, and be grateful and more appreciative of life.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

The most sought-after lawyers are known for resolving issues when the parties are unable to do so. The nature of good lawyering is to find a solution. The Sadhguru said, “Make yourself in such a way that you are always part of the solution, not the problem.” I have been fortunate to develop this skill set and it motivates my tireless efforts to “leave no stone unturned.” It is disingenuous to claim success in every case. In those cases, it is important the client knows it was not for lack of investigating every possibility or overlooking a piece of evidence. This is what drives me nearly 30 years later in working to achieve favorable outcomes.

Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was truly uplifting.

My pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity!