About James F.
James F. Goodhart serves as the General Counsel for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), located in Little Rock, Arkansas. With over 27 years of dedicated service to the AGFC, Goodhart has provided essential legal guidance on a variety of matters, including business, real estate, and environmental law. His experience in these areas has equipped him to navigate complex legal fields, ensuring that the Commission operates within the bounds of the law while fulfilling its mission to manage and protect Arkansas’s natural resources. Before his tenure at the AGFC, Goodhart practiced law in New Orleans and Alexandria, Louisiana. His legal education was obtained at two prestigious institutions: Loyola University New Orleans and Tulane University Law School.
This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his future career. This lets the attorney develop a robust skill set that would serve him well in public service. His early career experiences in Louisiana provided him with a diverse perspective on legal issues, particularly those affecting state and local governance. Throughout his time at the AGFC, Goodhart has been involved in several significant legal cases that have shaped the Commission's operations. One of the most notable cases was Arkansas Game & Fish Commission v. United States, which reached the U.S.
Supreme Court in 2012. This landmark case addressed critical issues regarding property rights and governmental authority, highlighting Goodhart's role in advocating for the Commission's interests at the highest level of the judiciary. His involvement in such high-stakes litigation shows his expertise in environmental law and his commitment to protecting Arkansas's wildlife and habitats. In June 2022, Goodhart transitioned from his full-time role as General Counsel, marking the end of an era with the AGFC. However, he remains actively engaged in community service by accepting a part-time position as project coordinator for Catholic Charities of Arkansas. This role allows him to continue making a positive impact on the community, reflecting his long-standing commitment to public service and social justice.
His work with Catholic Charities focuses on providing essential services to those in need, further demonstrating his dedication to helping others. In addition to his legal and community service work, Goodhart was ordained as a permanent deacon in June 2022. He ministers at Our Lady of Good Counsel and Our Lady of the Holy Souls parishes in Little Rock. This dual commitment to law and faith has made him a respected figure in both the legal and religious communities in Arkansas. Goodhart's extensive legal experience, coupled with his dedication to serving others, continues to inspire those around him as he navigates this new chapter in his life.
