Atty. Paula Cozzi Goedert
Chair of the firm’s Associations and Foundations group, Paula Goedert represents nonprofit organizations, including professional societies, trade associations, public charities and private foundations. Paula offers a depth of experience in guiding nonprofits through the challenges they face, and appreciates the opportunity to help make a difference.
Profile Summary
About Paula Cozzi Goedert at a glance
Paula Cozzi Goedert is an attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, District of Columbia Bar and Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at Northwestern University (J.D., 1976) and Mundelein College (B.A.). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Chair of the firm’s Associations and Foundations group, Paula Goedert represents nonprofit organizations, including professional societies, trade associations, public charities and private foundations
- Paula offers a depth of experience in guiding nonprofits through the challenges they face, and appreciates the opportunity to help make a difference
- Paula serves as general or lead counsel for many national associations that represent prominent economy-drivers, industries and professionals
- A selection of her clients includes the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, American College of Surgeons, Bank Administration Institute, National PTA and the American Library Association
- In representing a wide variety of nonprofits, she has developed the ability to focus on solutions when analyzing the problems, issues and challenges of her clients
- Paula personally strives to consistently bring creativity and insight to structural and governance initiatives
- Her guidance includes advising nonprofits on entity formation and tax issues, as well as strategic development and regulatory compliance
- Paula is a frequent lecturer and has authored many articles on nonprofit and association topics including governance, antitrust, copyright issues, lobbying by exempt organizations, human resource issues, legal status of chapters and the unrelated business income tax
- Regardless of the matter at hand, Paula is dedicated to rendering impactful and productive counsel for charitable organizations and associations
- Given her decades of practice, Paula knows from hands-on and hard-earned practical experience what nonprofits need to remain viable and successful
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Illinois
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois 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 Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
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