About Tara L.
Tara L. Goodwin built her foundation in public policy before turning to the law. She earned a B.A. in Public Policy from the University of Chicago in 1984 and then completed her J.D. at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, in 1988. Those years shaped a practical approach to legal problems and an orientation toward appellate work.
Her professional record is closely tied to one firm. In 1991 she joined Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin, LLC and has been identified as a member of that firm. That long association has allowed her to develop steady courtroom and appellate experience over decades. Colleagues describe her as methodical and exact, a lawyer who prefers careful preparation to theatrical gestures.
Goodwin is admitted to practice in Illinois and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Those credentials reflect work that spans trial courts in the state and appeals at the federal circuit level. Peers note that appellate practice demands a different rhythm than trial work: fewer witnesses, more emphasis on legal briefs and strategy. Her resume indicates she has built familiarity with that rhythm.
Within the firm she has been part of teams that handle litigation across multiple stages. That can mean drafting pleadings, arguing motions, preparing briefs for appellate courts, and coordinating among lawyers in multi-attorney matters. Her long tenure at a single firm has provided continuity in managing long-running cases and participating in complex procedural work.
Outside the office Goodwin’s educational background signals an interest in the policy dimensions of law. A University of Chicago undergraduate education in public policy followed by a Chicago-Kent law degree suggests she approaches cases with an eye for how legal decisions intersect with broader legal and regulatory frameworks.
As of 2026 she continues her practice at Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin, LLC, representing clients in Illinois courts and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
