Founding Partner
Laura Goodloe
Laura J. Goodloe is a founding partner of Puchalski Goodloe LLC, bringing extensive expertise in public pension law, employment law, and sports-based immigration law.
Her practice is rooted in a deep understanding of pension fund administration for Illinois police and firefighter pension funds. Laura has guided clients through every facet of pension law and has become a sought-after attorney for her ability to navigate complex administrative and appellate proceedings.
Pension Law
- Disability and retirement hearings for firefighter and police pension funds
- Fund participation, refunds of contributions, and QILDROs
- Re-entry into active service after retirement
- Benefit overpayments, underpayments, and municipal underfunding
- Representation before the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and the Policeman's Annuity & Benefit Fund for the City of Chicago
Sports-Based Immigration Law
- Visa petitions for professional and semi-professional athletes
- Adjustment of status (green card) and naturalization proceedings
- NHL, AHL, and professional equestrian immigration services
Employment Law
- Representation of private sector employers before the EEOC, IDHR, and IHRC
- Employment contracts, handbooks, policy manuals, and severance agreements
- Wage and hour, anti-discrimination, and labor compliance
Appellate Advocacy
Admitted to practice before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for Illinois. Laura has argued numerous cases before Illinois' Appellate Courts and the Seventh Circuit.
Education
B.A., with honors — Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida
J.D., with honors — Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Florida
Finalist in the first-year appellate advocacy competition. Internships with Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court and a prominent Florida law firm. Clerkship with the Honorable Samuel Der-Yeghiayan at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Co-founded her firm with Richard J. Puchalski.
Beyond the Office
Laura is an avid equestrian who has competed in major horse shows across the country. She is married to Jeff Goodloe, and they live in Libertyville, Illinois, with two Bernese Mountain dogs.