When Ann Goodman returned to the Eastern Shore after a decade in New Orleans, she set her sights on the one place she knew would support her pursuit of a law career: Chesapeake College.
Returning to school in 1989 after a ten-year absence, Goodman – like many women attending college after prolonged absences – was eager to build her confidence and her skills. After two semesters taking paralegal and English courses, Ann enrolled at University of Baltimore School of Law. She passed the Maryland Bar shortly after graduating in 1994.
As a partner in Parker Counts since 2011, Ann brings her Chesapeake experience to bear on behalf of her clients, community and alma mater. In addition to serving on the Maryland State Bar Association Elder Law Council and as advisor to the Mid Shore Community Foundation, Ann is Vice President of the Chesapeake College Foundation Board.
Twenty-seven years after walking onto campus, Goodman has not only forged an impressive career as a respected elder law and estate counselor, but she’s also formed a permanent bond with Chesapeake. From part-time student and IAL instructor to Foundation Director, learn what Ann Goodman says about her time at Maryland’s first regional college.
Q: What stands out most from your time at Chesapeake?
A: I went back to school as a returning woman student and benefited tremendously from the incredible support I received from the faculty and staff. At the time, it felt like more than half the students were returning women! Many were very tentative and the faculty was dedicated to helping every one of them achieve their goals.
I had a second ‘aha moment when I returned to Chesapeake as an instructor. As I was teaching elder law to friends, clients, and other professionals in the community (with fellow educator Lin Layton), I recognized that not only was I becoming an elder myself, but that I’d grown up with Chesapeake.
Q: Did you have a favorite instructor?
A: Shirley Thompson. She was a tenured English professor who had a way of challenging – and encouraging her students. Shirley epitomized what you find at Chesapeake: Stellar teachers who are personally involved with their students.
Q: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A: A senior associate at Miles & Stockbridge once told me: Just because your billable hourly rate may be high, do not ever believe that your time is more valuable than any one else’s.
Q: What one technology you regularly use today that wasn’t available when you were at Chesapeake?
A: iPad or iPhone with its 24-7 email accessibility; it’s fundamentally revolutionized how we practice law and interact with our clients. I dictate, edit, format and forward correspondence from the palm of my hand.
Q: Fill in the blank: Because of my time at Chesapeake, I am …
A: A better professional, teacher and individual.