Paula Goedert

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Paula Goedert Business Law

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

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Firm Summary

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 in the financial, professional services and healthcare sectors, among others, 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.

Professional and Community Involvement
Former board member, Association Forum

Former board member, American Society of Association Executives Foundation

Former chair, American Society of Association Executives Legal Section Council

Former faculty member, DePaul University’s association management program

Former board member, Rush Oak Park Hospital

Former guild board member, Lyric Opera

Honors
Distinguished Service Award, Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, 2023

The Best Lawyers in America, 2007-2023

Crain’s Chicago Business, Notable Women in Law – 2020 and 2022

Illinois Super Lawyer 2005-2015

Leading Lawyers Network, Leading Lawyer

Association Forum, John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award

Association Forum, Associate Member of the Year

Association Foundation Group, President’s Award