Brittany Heitz Goodlett
Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP
Family law

Brittany Heitz Goodlett, a partner at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, was fortunate enough to find her perfect practice area at the beginning of her legal career.  Goodlett's peers say this young attorney has quickly established herself as one of the city's top family law practitioners. She’s done this through hard work, dedication to her clients and a passion for the field.  She thrives by making a positive impact on her client’s lives.

Wayne Andersen, a former federal judge and now a mediator with JAMS, said Goodlett's talents have resulted in her rapid rise at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, a prestigious family law firm. Goodlett reached partner status quickly, Andersen said. 

"Brittany is a wonderful person, helping ordinary people at times when they need excellent representation," Andersen said. "Her empathy for her clients never overshadows her understanding of other points of view as well as what's actually best for her client." 

Andersen said among mediators, Goodlett is known as an attorney who knows when it's time to settle and on what terms. But she can also be a fierce litigator in court when necessary.  

"Frankly, we need more lawyers with her intellect, wisdom, positive spirit and productive compassion," Andersen said.  Goodlett’s litigation victories have included transferring residential custody of three children to her client and terminating a former spouse’s permanent maintenance. She also first-chaired a trial where she successfully proved fraud, resulting in a $150,000 cash settlement for her client. 

Goodlett  prevailed on an important summary judgment motion that protected her client's multimillion-dollar non-marital estate, removing tracing and characterization claims as trial issues. In another multi-million dollar case with substantial non-marital claims and business interests, Goodlett helped her client avoid a contentious, two-week trial by negotiating a resolution through attorney-assisted mediation.

"Goodlett is creative and meticulous with pre-trial procedure, using tools to create advantages tailored to each client," said Carrie Harrington with Levenfeld Pearlstein. "She is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution. She is empathetic and gains clients' trust and confidence quickly. She is a confident litigator and courtroom presence."

Molly Haunty with Berger Schatz said Goodlett's combination of poise, tenacity, practicality and ability to remain calm under pressure explain how quickly this young attorney rose to partner in seven years -- one of the fastest any attorney has been named partner at her firm. 

"With her ability to see, present and understand both sides of the story, Brittany has achieved a practice that combines both litigation and alternative dispute resolution," Haunty said. "She also cares about her opposing counsel and opposing client. She leaves it 'all on the table' after a legal argument and genuinely cares about the human side of the practice."

Goodlett finds time to give back to her firm and community. As a mother of two young children, she nevertheless makes the time to serve as co-editor of the Schiller DuCanto & Fleck newsletter and a writer for the firm's blog. She has also been a guest speaker for the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and provides pro bono legal representation.