Atty. Bruce Goodman

Atty. Bruce Goodman

ce Goodman practices energy law, environmental law, and construction law. His environmental expertise includes air quality permitting work, compliance counseling on air emissions, state and federal enforcement defense issues, and environmental management program development.

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Profile Summary

About Bruce Goodman at a glance

Bruce Goodman is a environmental attorney based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan. Educated at The University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1979) and Wayne State University (MA, 1971). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026). Serands clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • ce Goodman practices energy law, environmental law, and construction law
  • His environmental expertise includes air quality permitting work, compliance counseling on air emissions, state and federal enforcement defense issues, and environmental management program development
  • His energy expertise includes negotiating numerous electric power sales agreements (both for wholesale sellers of energy and for retail consumers of energy) state electric rate cases, developing municipal energy tariffs, and energy project structuring and permitting
  • He regularly posts to his blog focusing on alternative energy developments in Michigan
  • Most recently he has been involved in alternative energy projects including various wind energy, biofuels, and solar projects
  • In the area of construction law, he drafts and negotiates construction contracts for business and public owners with architects, engineers, and contractors, and has been involved in a number of LEED certification projects
  • Bruce is the author of the Watt's New?
  • Michigan Energy News newsletter and was named a "Thought Leader in Law" for his work with clients in the energy industry
  • He is the principal organizer for the Ford Energy Lecture series held in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor
  • Bruce gives numerous presentations each year on energy issues, as well as moderating energy panels
  • He also presents on air quality issues, as well as participating in the Air and Waste Management Association programs, and other trade association programs
  • In 2008, he worked on two technical workgroups supporting Michigan's Climate Action Council
  • Bruce is also a founding member of the West Michigan Energy Group

Practice Areas Explained

Bruce Goodman's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Bruce Goodman handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Environmental Law

Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.

Bruce Goodman is one of 56,434 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Grand Rapids are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Grand Rapids or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Bruce Goodman

Where is Bruce Goodman's law office located?
Bruce Goodman's law practice is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm is Varnum Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Bruce Goodman handle?
Bruce Goodman focuses on environmental. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
Where did Bruce Goodman go to law school?
Bruce Goodman earned their education at (J.D., 1979); (MA, 1971); (BA, 1970).
How can I contact Bruce Goodman for a consultation?
You can contact Bruce Goodman directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Bruce Goodman received?
Bruce Goodman's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law; Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law; Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
The University of Michigan Law School
- 1979
MA
Wayne State University
- 1971
BA
Harvard University
- 1970

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Thought Leader in Energy Law
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Michigan, State Bar of Michigan

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