James Goodnow

James Goodnow is the Chief Executive Officer of Fennemore, a nationally recognized business law firm. He began his career at the firm as a file clerk and rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest known CEO of a major U.S. law firm in 2018. Since taking the helm, James has led a period of transformative growth—expanding the firm with 15 new offices nationwide and achieving record-breaking performance. Under his leadership, Fennemore was ranked #1 in the country for year-over-year revenue growth in The American Lawyer’s 2023 Am Law 200 report.

Mr. Goodnow earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he focused on LegalTech in his thesis. He holds a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of Cambridge Business School (U.K.). He also holds dual executive certificates in Management & Leadership and Strategy & Innovation from MIT Sloan, a management certificate from Harvard Business School, and a B.S. from Santa Clara University, where he graduated summa cum laude and first in his class. He is certified in M&A by the Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances (IMAA).

With a strong focus on innovation, Mr. Goodnow has led projects such as Project BlueWave AI, a proprietary AI system to enhance client service. He also helped launch Fennemore Forward, a flexible workplace initiative that reflects his people-first leadership style.

Mr. Goodnow’s legal practice centers on Mergers & Acquisitions, particularly within the professional services sector. He has played a lead role in strategic growth initiatives, including office openings across the U.S. through complex M&A transactions.

A nationally recognized thought leader, Mr. Goodnow has been featured on the cover of The American Lawyer and named one of “America’s Techiest Lawyers” by ABA Journal. He contributes to Entrepreneur Magazine and Above the Law and co-authored the bestselling book Motivating Millennials.

James Goodnow holds numerous honors, including Best Lawyers in America®, AZ Business Leader, and Lifetime Achievement from America’s Top 100 Attorneys®. He continues to shape the future of legal leadership through innovation and strategic vision.

Law Office Affiliations

• CEO & President, Fennemore Craig, P.C.
• Member, State Bar of Arizona
• Member, National Kidney Foundation of Arizona
• Member, Brophy Prep Alumni Association

Licensed State

• Arizona
• New York
• Colorado
• Illinois

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Cambridge Business School (U.K.)
  MS in Entrepreneurship
• Harvard Business School
  Executive Certificates in Management & Leadership
• Santa Clara University
  BS with Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges