Peter Goodman Email & Phone Number

St Albans, United Kingdom

After three years as President it's time for a lower profile helping the new President in his work.

I joined the SWS in 1977. At the time I was a lager drinker but felt that I ought to learn something about wine. I joined the Committee in July 1982, initially as Press Secretary, then Secretary, Vice Chairman and finally as Chairman in 1992. I left the Committee in 1996 and rejoined in 2001. I organised the Society's last major Ball to comemorate its Silver Jubilee in 1993 and was appointed President in May 2009.

Watford, United Kingdom

After working for four years in London I was pleased to return to work in St Albans again. At that time we were the St albans office of Pictons and split from them in May 2005. I have worked exclusively in the Company/Commercial team as SA Law. Main achievement relate to motorsports, particularly in the USA. I have attended four MIA Trade missions to Charlotte and Indianapolis. During those visits I have seen two clients (Dan Wheldon and Dario Franchitti) win the Indy 500, perhaps the most prestigious motor race in the world. I have acted on the sale and purchase of many businesses with a speciality in the Care sector. Perhaps the highlight has been the sale of the Voice newspaper.I am currently the Vice President of the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce and a director of the St Albans Enterprise Agency. Having spent the first 18 years of my life living in many places around the world I have now lived in St Albans for more than 40 years and love this city.

I was recruited by this very glamorous Soho based law firm following my time as a celebrity manager. My time with this firm was very different and highly enjoyable. In both of my years at Schillings we won the Small Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Lawyer Awards. I met or worked with many well known celebrities, both British and foreign. The work involved private lunches with celebrities and attending exclusive London Night Clubs and bars. Apart from working with well known celebrities that I cannot name the work highlight was defending an international footballer on drugs charges. Other work involved contracts in the acting, entertainment, music and sport industries. It was an excellent experience working with this firm of talented and ground breaking lawyers but my time in London was up and I wanted to return to a more local job.

Worldwide

Headhunted into this job following the Senna manslaughter trial in Italy. Working as a Sports/Celebrity Manager for this West End based media company. Specialised in Motorsports and other sports celebrities and properties but also worked for well known celebrities in entertainment, TV, music and books. The job involved a great deal of travel, primarily to USA and Europe. I loved the glitz, the glamour and negotiating the big deals but much of the work was not intellectually challending and I left to return to the law.

My first job as a lawyer, joining as an Articled Clerk. Qualified in 1973, equity partner in 1976 and leaving in 1999 for a job outside the law. Initially a criminal lawyer with many highlights including the defence of Graham Young (the St Albans Poisoner), prosecuting major gangs of armed robbers and defending serious drug importers including involvement in the importation of 16 tons of cannabis into Scotland.Formula 1 involvement with Williams, Lotus, Stewart and other GP teams. Involved in negotiating and writing driving contracts for 6 F1 World Champions.Lead lawyer in the manslaughter trial in Italy arising from the death of Ayrton Senna.

Law

Activities and Societies: Qualified as Solicitor, Honours in Tax and Accounts Law

French, Economics, English

Education record