Deborah Goodall, Attorney
Deborah Goodall received her undergraduate degree from SMU in 1976 and graduated from Baylor Law School in 1984. She was an editor of the Baylor Law Review and published an article there. After graduation she received an honorary appointment to serve as a briefing attorney for the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas.
TBON Lawyer: Deborah Goodall
Since 1997 she has focused on representing nurses and nursing students before the Texas Board of Nursing. She has handled every type of Board issue, including:
– investigations involving substance abuse, criminal allegations and practice issues;
– petitions for reinstatement;
– petitions for declaratory order;
– requests for exceptions to existing board orders
While not licensed to practice law in any other state, Ms. Goodall has helped nurses licensed in other states resolve their issues with other state licensing boards, including California, Arkansas, Arizona, Wisconsin and New Jersey.
Ms. Goodall has also represented clients before the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (national certification board).
Having practiced criminal law since 1984, Ms. Goodall brings a unique and valuable perspective to her representation of health-care professionals and gives her added credibility with licensing boards in cases involving criminal issues.
Ms. Goodall served for five years (2010-2015) on the Board of NAMI Dallas, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Since studies show that mental illness affects at least 18% of the population, her experience in this area adds an additional valuable dimension to her representation of all her clients.
In 2017 Ms. Goodall conducted two seminars accredited by the State Bar of Texas on the subject of representing nurses and other health-care professionals.
Since the 1980s Ms. Goodall has held the highest rating bestowed by the preeminent attorney rating service Martindale-Hubbell, “AV,” signifying her to be a “preeminent, distinguished, notable” lawyer.
FAQs
❓ Who is Attorney Deborah Goodall?
Deborah Goodall is an experienced Texas nurse-license defense attorney and founding partner at Texas Nursing Lawyers, focusing exclusively on representing nurses before the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). With over 25 years of legal experience, she has successfully defended hundreds of nurses in disciplinary hearings, reinstatement proceedings, and administrative investigations.
❓ What types of nursing cases does Deborah Goodall handle?
Attorney Goodall represents nurses in a wide range of TBON matters — including complaints, investigations, criminal disclosures, substance use cases, boundary violations, and professional misconduct allegations. She also assists nurses seeking license reinstatement or declaratory orders after disciplinary actions or criminal convictions.
❓ Why should I choose Deborah Goodall to represent me before the TBON?
Deborah Goodall combines deep knowledge of Texas nursing law with extensive experience handling Board of Nursing enforcement actions. She understands how the Board evaluates complaints and what evidence carries weight. Her approach is both compassionate and strategic, ensuring each nurse’s rights, reputation, and career are protected throughout the process.
❓ How does Deborah Goodall support nurses under TBON investigation?
From the moment a nurse receives a complaint or investigation letter, Deborah Goodall provides immediate guidance on how to respond, what to disclose, and what to avoid saying. She prepares written responses, negotiates directly with TBON staff attorneys, and represents clients at informal settlement conferences and SOAH hearings, aiming to resolve cases before formal discipline occurs.
❓ Can Deborah Goodall help if my nursing license has already been revoked or surrendered?
Yes. Deborah Goodall regularly assists nurses seeking license reinstatement or re-licensure after surrender. She helps clients prepare Petitions for Reinstatement, collect supporting documentation, and demonstrate rehabilitation and fitness to practice. Her experience with TBON’s reinstatement process significantly improves the chance of returning to safe nursing practice.