Wayne Law mourns the loss of the William “Bill” Goodman, who passed away on Nov. 17 at the age of 83. Goodman, a part-time faculty member at Wayne Law for more than 15 years, taught the Constitutional Theory Seminar and Constitutional Litigation. A dedicated advocate for justice, civil liberties, and human rights, Bill was a giant in the community because of his willingness to mentor new attorneys, sharing his time and expertise to build up the movement. As was his wish, he continued his work up until the very end of his incredible life.

Bill's commitment to justice was deeply rooted in his upbringing. The son of Ernest Goodman, a trailblazing attorney who opened the country's first racially integrated law firm in 1951, Bill carried on the family legacy of fighting for human rights and civil liberties. His father's influence, combined with a transformative summer job working at a small African-American law firm in Virginia, shaped Bill's perspective on the importance of being part of history and working with real people in the struggle for justice.

In addition to classroom teaching, Bill supported Wayne Law students with a scholarship he created with his brother Richard ’71, and Bill’s spouse and law partner, Julie Hurwitz, in honor of Bill and Richard’s father, Earnest Goodman, ’28. Since its inception in 1991, this scholarship has assisted more than 40 students finance their Wayne Law education.

Bill also played a role in fostering a sense of community and activism, inspiring others to join the fight for justice. His legacy lives on in the numerous individuals he inspired and the countless lives he touched. His legacy serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is a noble and ongoing journey that requires unwavering dedication, just as Bill exemplified throughout his life.