Condo Media - July 2020 - 48

Volunteer Spotlight

A Pillar of
Community Associations

Hall of Fame Member Henry A. Goodman
Has Dedicated His Career to the Industry

If a pillar of the community is a supporter of a particu"I call Henry the 'Condo Yoda,'" says Goodman's former
lar community - someone who is active, respected, and inlaw partner, Mary-Joy Howes, now a partner at Frank S.
fluential - then Henry A. Goodman is a pillar of community
Lombardi Law Associates, P.C., of Lincoln, R.I. "Anybody
associations. Or, more specifically, the Community Associawho's met Henry knows he's definitely one of a kind,
tions Institute (CAI). After all, he is among the founders of
definitely part of the foundation of the whole industry.
the New England chapter.
He knows his stuff, and he
A practicing condominium
knows it's not just about runlaw attorney since the industry
ning things through the court.
was in its infancy (and former
We're dealing with people and
partner of Goodman, Shapiro &
emotions and real problems,
Lombardi, LLC), Goodman was
and he's still involved in all the
inspired early on by a financial
volunteer aspects of it, I think,
management seminar given by
because he really wants to make
the then executive director of the
things better for people that live
national organization. "We were
in community associations."
impressed by the knowledge of
Goodman began volunteering
that individual, so a group of us
for CAI for its educational value.
got together and said, 'We ought
As the years went by, however,
to have a regional chapter,'" he
he found that it was also a great
recalls. The rest is history.
source for obtaining new clients.
Goodman has been a key
"I found that, where I was trying
player in that history ever since.
to do some good, that good was
A partner at Marcus, Errico,
coming back to me many times
Emmer & Brooks (MEEB) in
over," he says. He also is proud
Braintree, Mass., since the two
of having had a hand in helping
law firms merged in April, he is a
to shape condominium law as
Henry A. Goodman
long-time member of the Massthe industry grew.
achusetts Legislative Action
"Henry's ability to, off the
Committee (MALAC) and a member and former chair of the
top of his head, recite a condominium case from the 80s
Attorneys' Committee. Past activities on behalf of the chapter and 90s is just incredible to me," says Matt Gaines, also
include serving as chair of the Program Committee, two-time a partner at MEEB. "Having that base of knowledge has
president of the New England chapter, member of the board
been great for myself and a lot of other attorneys in the
of directors for 10 years, and he is a frequent contributor
to Condo Media. He also has been a generous supporter of
"Anybody who's met Henry knows he's
CAI-NE as a corporate sponsor of many events and a chapter
Diamond Partner since that partnership program began.
definitely one of a kind, definitely part of
And that's just on the local side. Nationally, Goodman has
been the chair of the Business Partners' Council and served
the foundation of the whole industry."
on the board of trustees, filed amicus curiae briefs to higher
courts across the nation, and given lectures on subjects
pertaining to the industry at CAI events.
condominium world." It's not just Goodman's knowledge
Among the honors Goodman has accrued over the years
of the law that impresses Gaines, however. He also cites
as a result of these tireless efforts is membership in the
Goodman's willingness to volunteer.
prestigious College of Community Association Lawyers
"That's how CAI is built," he says. "With folks like Henry
(CCAL) - where he served on the board of governors for two who are willing to give their free time to help out CAI in so
years - and election to CAI New England's Hall of Fame.
many ways."

CONDOMEDIA July 2020

Condo Media - July 2020

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