Whitnee Goins represents employers, executives, and corporate clients in complex, high-exposure matters. Her practice focuses on defending claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage-and-hour disputes, as well as advising on internal investigations and matters involving potential regulatory or white-collar exposure. She regularly counsels clients through sensitive disputes with significant financial and reputational risk.
- First-chaired a federal jury trial to verdict as an Assistant United States Attorney, managing all phases of trial and delivering effective courtroom advocacy.
- Tried 29 jury trials to verdict as both first chair and sole counsel, handling all aspects of trial preparation, witness examination, and argument.
- Prosecuted complex white-collar matters involving fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking, securing favorable outcomes in high-exposure cases.
- Served as counsel in employment litigation matters, defending employers and executives against claims involving discrimination, retaliation, and wage-and-hour violations.
- Directed litigation strategy in high-stakes disputes, including discovery, dispositive motions, and trial preparation in federal and state courts.
- Advised corporate clients on internal investigations and government inquiries, including matters involving potential regulatory and criminal exposure.
- Managed a high-volume caseload of complex matters, balancing litigation strategy with efficient case resolution.
- Litigated numerous evidentiary hearings and complex motion practice involving constitutional and procedural issues in federal and state courts.
- Negotiated favorable resolutions in both civil and criminal matters, balancing risk, cost, and client objectives.
- Supervised and mentored litigation teams, overseeing case strategy, trial preparation, and professional development of junior attorneys.
- Panelist, Voir Dire, National Black Prosecutors Association, June 2024
- Panelist, Brown v. Board of Education Discussion, Operation Protect and Defend, February 2024
Admissions
- California
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Memberships
- Charles Houston Bar Association, Judicial Chair
Community Involvement
- Open Doors, Attorney Volunteer, March 2024-2025
Education
- J.D., Howard University School of Law, 2015
- Charles Hamilton Houston National Moot Court Team Member
- Henry White Edgerton Award, Civil Rights Scholarship
- Fair Housing Clinic II, CALI Award
- Howard Law Student Board, Class President, 2015
- B.A., Sociology, Spelman College, 2010
Honors
- Top 40 Under 40, National Black Lawyers©, 2024
- Hot List Honoree, Lawyers of Color, 2023
- President’s Award, Charles Houston Bar Association, 2024 and 2025