Jacob Goad

Jacob Goad is a workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney. Jacob graduated from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill where he majored in Spanish and minored in Social and Economic Justice. At UNC, Jacob earned membership in Sigma Delta Pi, a Hispanic Collegiate Honor Society.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Jacob lived and worked in Peru, where he became involved with environmental advocacy and coordinated international delegations. He accompanied CNN producers and Dr. Sanjay Gupta to the town of La Oroya where Jacob introduced Dr. Gupta to the residents of a town located in the shadow of a large, toxic metallurgical smelter. Jacob attributes his decision to practice workers’ compensation to his experience of advocating for metallurgical and mine workers and their families in Peru. While in Peru, Jacob was once transported by the Peruvian Air Force into an earthquake zone in Ica, Peru to document and photograph the need for aid and funds to support the residents there. After being interviewed by CBS, and sharing photographs with the World Council of Churches, a significant sum was raised to help those in need.

After returning from Peru, Jacob earned his law degree from North Carolina Central University’s Evening Law Program, designed for students balancing full-time careers while pursuing their legal education. During this time, he gained valuable experience working as a paralegal by day while attending classes at night. While studying in Durham, Jacob also met his wife, Kelly, who is a speech therapist at a local private clinic.

Jacob has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals who have been seriously injured in workplace accidents and automobile collisions. His commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom through leadership roles in numerous professional and nonprofit organizations. He is the former Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Durham County Bar Association and has served on the Executive Committee of Urban Ministries of Durham as Secretary, supporting its mission to provide shelter, meals, and essential services to the city’s homeless population. Within the North Carolina Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation Section, Jacob has held multiple leadership positions, including Secretary, Treasurer, and Legislative Committee Chair. He is also the immediate past Chair of the Hispanic Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and continues to serve as an executive committee member of its Workers’ Compensation Section.

When not working on clients’ cases, Jacob enjoys running, playing soccer, listening to records, hiking with his dog, strumming his guitar and singing songs a little out of tune, and spending time with his friends and family.