Founding Partner
Jeffrey Goodloe
Jeff Goodloe is a founding partner of Puchalski Goodloe LLC, where his practice focuses on public pension law and public sector labor and employment law.
With extensive experience representing Illinois downstate firefighter and police pension boards, Jeff has established himself as a trusted advisor and formidable litigator. His role as a hearing officer for numerous pension boards has given him invaluable insight into the intricacies of pension law — particularly the importance of thorough preparation at the administrative level.
Pension Law
- Representation of firefighter and police pension boards, participants, and beneficiaries
- Hearing officer for numerous downstate pension boards
- Complex civil proceedings in Illinois circuit and appellate courts
- Disability causation, pre-existing conditions, and act-of-duty determinations
- Trustee bias, conflicts of interest, and salary-attached-to-rank cases
Public Sector Labor & Employment Law
- Strategic counsel for public safety employees
- Labor disputes and contract negotiations
- State and federal employment regulation compliance
Landmark Appellate Cases
Jeff has litigated numerous landmark cases before the appellate courts, helping shape the legal landscape for public pension matters in Illinois. His published opinions cover:
- Act of duty determinations
- Standard of review for pension board disability decisions
- Disability causation and pre-existing conditions
- Salary attached to rank
- Trustee bias and conflicts of interest
Industry Leadership
Jeff is a frequent speaker at regional seminars and annual training conferences hosted by the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA), sharing his knowledge with pension trustees and professionals statewide.
Education
B.A., with honors — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
J.D., with honors — Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Florida
Following law school, Jeff served as a Florida Assistant State's Attorney in Manatee County, where he rose to the felony trial division and chaired numerous jury trials.
Beyond the Office
Born in Fort Lauderdale and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeff's early experiences instilled a strong sense of community service — exemplified by his achievement as an Eagle Scout. He is married to Laura Goodloe, his partner in both life and law, and they reside in Libertyville, Illinois.