John C. Goodchild III, Appellate Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMorgan Lewis Bockius Llp
Houston, TX
Practicing appellate in Houston since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you John C. Goodchild III?
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Quick answer
John C. Goodchild III is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation. John has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan Lewis Bockius Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Bankruptcy · Estate Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation matters from Houston, TX.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John C. Goodchild III: John C. Goodchild III is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation. John has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan Lewis Bockius Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, estate litigation, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Bankruptcy
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Estate Litigation
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Business
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in Houston, Texas
John takes appellate matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Bankruptcy cases in Houston, Texas
John takes bankruptcy matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in Houston, Texas
John takes estate litigation matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Houston, Texas
John takes general matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Houston, Texas
John takes insurance matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John C. Goodchild III — appellate lawyer in Houston
John C. Goodchild III is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation. John has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan Lewis Bockius Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John C. Goodchild III is a lawyer practicing litigation, u.s. supreme court and appellate litigation, reinsurance/insurance industry litigation and 6 other areas of law. John C. received a A.B. degree from Dartmouth College in 1991, and has been licensed for 32 years. John C. practices at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in Houston, TX.
How John handles appellate matters
John C. Goodchild III is a lawyer practicing litigation, u.s. supreme court and appellate litigation, reinsurance/insurance industry litigation and 6 other areas of law. John C. received a A.B. degree from Dartmouth College in 1991, and has been licensed for 32 years. John C. practices at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in Houston, TX.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and estate litigation matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Pennsylvania Law School
J.D. · 1994
Dartmouth College
A.B. · 1991
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
New Jersey
1994 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania U.S. Su
1994 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania Law School and A.B. in Dartmouth College.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania Law School and A.B. in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
John C. Goodchild III's office in Houston
John's primary office is at Room 07072, 1400 Smith Street, Houston, TX, 77002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Morgan Lewis Bockius Llp
Room 07072, 1400 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77002
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John C. Goodchild III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Houston.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John C. Goodchild III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John C. Goodchild III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Houston, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John C. Goodchild III
How much does it cost to hire John for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Texas typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Houston?
John is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new appellate clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
John handles appellate matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Texas
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





