Ross Goodman
About Ross C. Goodman
Ross Goodman is one of only two attorneys in the state to be registered as a Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the State Bar of Nevada and Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. When your future is on the line, choose a certified expert like Ross Goodman.
A lifelong Las Vegas resident and retired Marine Corps Major, Ross C. Goodman brings the discipline of a Marine and the insight of a local to every case he handles. The son of former Las Vegas Mayors Oscar B. Goodman and Carolyn Goodman, Ross carries forward one of Nevada’s most distinguished legacies in law and public service at Goodman Law Group.
With nearly three decades of experience, Ross has built a reputation for achieving exceptional results in complex and high-profile cases across Nevada, securing hundreds of dismissals and “Not Guilty” verdicts for his clients.
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A Legal Career Forged in the U.S. Marine Corps
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Ross Goodman’s discipline and commitment to justice were forged in the United States Marine Corps.
After earning his degree from the University of San Diego in 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon completing Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. He later completed the Basic Officer Course and training at the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in 1996.
In 1997, Goodman was certified as a Judge Advocate (JAG) at the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he received his legal foundation in military law and courtroom advocacy. He went on to serve as a Marine Judge Advocate, successfully representing servicemembers in courts-martial and other military proceedings.
He achieved the rank of Major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 2000 before transitioning to private practice. The discipline that shaped him as a Marine continues to define his work as a defense attorney today.
A Legacy of Las Vegas Leadership
Ross Goodman’s roots in Las Vegas run deep.
As the son of two of the city’s most influential leaders, he brings not only a lifetime of local knowledge but also invaluable insight into the inner workings of Clark County’s courts, prosecutors, and justice system.
This generational understanding gives his clients a distinct advantage, allowing him to anticipate challenges, leverage relationships, and navigate the complexities of the Las Vegas legal system with unmatched precision.
"Ross is the MAN! From the beginning til the end he was there for us. Any questions were always answered honestly. Tiffany is also a big help she’s very sweet. Ross is very respected in the courtroom. One of the best lawyers in Las Vegas! I’m so glad I was represented by the best! We got the best outcome possible!"
- Lorri W. (Google Review)
Board-Certified. Peer-Endorsed. Proven in Court.
Ross Goodman’s reputation is backed by nationally recognized credentials:
- Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). He is one of only two criminal defense attorneys in the state of Nevada to have earned this certification.
- Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the State Bar of Nevada. He is one of only two criminal defense lawyers in the state of Nevada to have earned this certification.
- AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest possible rating awarded by peers, signifying that other lawyers rank him at the pinnacle of professional excellence for both legal ability and ethical standards.
- Super Lawyers (2013-2025). Ross has been selected to Super Lawyers for over a dozen consecutive years, an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in Nevada.
- 10.0 "Superb" Rating from Avvo. A perfect score based on experience, client satisfaction, and professional achievement.
- Three Best Rated for 6+ Years. Ross has been included on the list of "3 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV" for the last six years in a row. This distinction is awarded only after attorneys undergo a rigorous 50-point inspection.
A Record of Results in High-Stakes Cases
Ross Goodman is the go-to attorney for high-profile clients in Las Vegas, including professional athletes, entertainers, public figures, and everyday people. He has a proven ability to secure favorable outcomes under intense media scrutiny.
Some of his most notable cases include:
- Duane “Keefe D” Davis: Appeared on behalf of Davis, the suspect in the Tupac homicide case, during early proceedings.
- Hells Angels: Represented a member of Hells Angels following the notorious Laughlin River Run Riot. Goodman secured the dismissal of murder and racketeering charges arising from the deadly clash between motorcycle clubs.
- Jerry Lewis: Defended legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis against firearm charges at McCarran International Airport. The case was dismissed without fines.
- Nick Diaz: Defended UFC star Nick Diaz in a marijuana-related disciplinary case before the Nevada State Athletic Commission, successfully arguing that the test results did not violate commission policy.
- Wanderlei Silva: Represented MMA fighter Wanderlei Silva against NSAC’s indefinite suspension, arguing the commission lacked jurisdiction over a non-licensed fighter.
- Chael Sonnen: Defended UFC fighter Chael Sonnen in disputes with NSAC over performance-enhancing drug suspensions, challenging the commission’s authority over jiu-jitsu competition.
- Kenny Sanchez: Successfully defended Bishop Gorman football coach Kenny Sanchez against domestic violence allegations, securing a “Not Guilty” verdict after the complainant recanted.
- Nate Diaz: Represented UFC fighter Nate Diaz in a misdemeanor battery case arising from an incident at Caesars Palace. Goodman’s defense led to a full dismissal of charges.
- Damon Arnette: Defended former NFL player Damon Arnette against multiple felony charges, successfully negotiating a dismissal of the most serious counts.
- Chris Lammons: Represented NFL defensive back Chris Lammons in connection with a high-profile Las Vegas assault case involving Alvin Kamara, achieving a resolution that allowed Lammons to continue his career.
- Gloria Guzman: Defended a Las Vegas woman accused of drowning her ex-husband. Goodman’s defense led to a significantly reduced sentence, and the case was later featured on CNN’s Nancy Grace.
As Seen In...
Killer Psychologist Podcast
Ross was recently featured on the Killer Psychologist podcast. In the episode, he delves into defending violent crime suspects, celebrity clients, and outlaw bikers—all while navigating intense media scrutiny and high-stakes trials.
Ways to listen to the episode:
Specialized Defense for Every Client
Ross and his team provide comprehensive criminal defense across all state and federal charges in Nevada, from misdemeanors to the most complex felonies. Ross specializes in cases involving:
- DUI/drunk driving
- Domestic violence
- Drug crimes
- Violent crimes
- Sex crimes
- Theft crimes
- White collar crimes
If you’ve been charged with any type of crime, every second counts. Contact Goodman Law Group today and put Ross Goodman’s discipline, experience, and record of success to work for you.
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