Overview
Rob Goodman provides strategic guidance on business transactions and supports families with planning and tax matters. His extensive expertise enables him to create innovative solutions for complex challenges.
Rob's practice primarily focuses on providing business advice for transactions and the legal aspects of commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, sales of businesses, commercial and land leases, and unique uses of condominiums. He also assists with the formation of business entities, investments in various projects, major system procurements, and the split-up of family businesses.
In addition to his commercial work, Rob collaborates closely with families and family businesses in generational and estate tax planning, addressing other tax issues, navigating family dynamics, and achieving charitable goals. His strengths lie is his extensive experience, negotiation skills and the ability to develop creative solutions.
Rob has authored and delivered talks on a variety of topics, including "Suggestions on Providing Comprehensive Estate Family Planning Advice," "How to Add Value in Commercial Lease Negotiations and the Lease Provisions," "How to Help Your Clients Sell a Business," and "Innovative Uses of Condominiums."
Finally, Rob is deeply committed to community service, dedicating his time and leadership to initiatives that strengthen Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads communities.
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Representative Matters
Handled negotiations and legal advice for sales and acquisitions for, and investments in, sand and gravel, aggregates, concrete products and brick, ready mix, asphalt paving, building supply service stations, breweries, restaurants and various distribution and sales entities (including consumer products, petroleum and furniture)
Developed numerous companies’ legal forms and contracts consistent with the companies’ branding and risk management objectives
Negotiated land and commercial leases for both landlords and tenants
Innovative Uses of Condominiums for Industrial Sites
Formation of business entities with special control and management concerns
Problem-solving negotiation and advice with respect to product licenses, joint use and service agreements, joint ventures, agreements with executives, employees and contractors
Assisted with advice and legal work in procurement of major software, hardware and manufacturing systems and related project construction
Represented surviving entities in family business split-ups
Assisted transition of family businesses to the next generation
Implemented wealth transition plans with family values
Financial and business advice in connection with most matters
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America, 1999-2026
Virginia Super Lawyers; Law & Politics, 2006-2013
Virginia Super Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Edition; Law & Politics
Virginia’s Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2006, 2012, 2024-2025
AV® Rated; Martindale-Hubbell
Fellow; Virginia Law Foundation, 2012
Virginia Beach Bar Association Community Service Award 2000
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Barron F. Black Community Builder Award 2013
Press & Publications
News
Speaking Engagements
Community & Professional
Associations
Virginia Beach Vision: Director, Member of Executive Committee, 1997–2025; President, 2006-2007
Citizens Steering Committee for Virginia Beach Convention Center: Chairman, 2000 through approval of new facility
City of Virginia Beach; Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission, 2023-2026
United Way of South Hampton Roads: President and General Campaign Chairman, 1986; Campaign Volunteer, 1972-1986
Virginia Treasury Board: Member, 2007-2010
Eastern Virginia Medical School: Chairman, Development Committee, 1979–1980; Member, Development Committee, 1975–present
Eastern Virginia Medical School Foundation: Trustee, 1995–2025
Ohef Sholom Temple: President, 1995–1997, Honorary Director, 1975–present
Ohef Sholom Temple Foundation: Board Member, 1995; President, 2013, 2014
Tidewater Jewish Foundation: Director, 2014-2025; Chairman, Professional Advisory Committee; Member, Investment Committee
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater: Past Director
Virginia Beach Foundation: Founding Director, 1987-2010; Chairman, 2001–2005; Member of Executive Committee; and Investment Committee
Children’s Health Foundation (CHKD): Initial Chairman of the Board, 1984–1989
Children’s Health System, Inc.: Treasurer, 1990–1994; Director, 1990–1998
Diabetes Institutes Foundation: Founding Director, 1987; Secretary, 1988–through merger
Norfolk Academy: Board of Directors, 1985–1995
Norfolk State University Foundation: Director, Secretary, Executive Committee, 1986–1998
Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads: Past Director
Virginia Stage Company: Past Director
SHARE Program, South Hampton Roads: Past Fund Raising Chairman
Junior Achievement: Past Director
Virginia Beach Tomorrow Study Group
Volunteer Hampton Roads: Director, 1999–2005
Hampton Roads Community Foundation Work Force Development Study Group Member, 2013
Envision Virginia Beach 2040: Member – appointed by City Council, 2011
Blue Ribbon Tax, Fee and Spending Task Force: Member of Task Force appointed by City Council, Revenue Subcommittee Chairman, 2007
Resort Area Strategic Action Plan Advisory Committee
Bank of Tidewater: Director, 1985–2001
SouthTrust Bank: Advisory Director, 2001–2004
Virginia Bar Association, Environmental Law Committee of the Young Lawyer’s Section: Founding Chairman
American Bar Association: Corporation, Banking and Business Law Section, Taxation Section
Virginia State Bar
Virginia Bar Association
Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association
Virginia Beach Bar Association
Credentials
Education
Dartmouth College; A.B., 1964
London School of Economics, 1965
Harvard Law School; J.D., 1969
Beyond the Law
Rob enjoys spending quality time with his family, daily exercise, traveling to new destinations, and capturing moments through his passion for photography.
