Jeana Goosmann, Goosmann Law founder and 2002 Creighton University School of Law graduate
When Jeana Goosmann launched her own firm 15 years ago, the 2002 Creighton University School of Law graduate didn’t realize she’d be blazing a trail for fellow Bluejays to follow. Now, Goosmann Law claims almost a dozen lawyers with Creighton connections among its growing ranks.
Currently licensed in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, Goosmann leads the largest certified woman-owned law firm in the Midwest. The positive professional culture she’s created has proven an attractive magnet not just for Creighton alumni, but also for talented lawyers across a diverse wealth of practice areas.
Among a team that takes in almost 60 partners, associates and staff, Aaron Adams, Joel Carney, Stevie Chesterman, William Hale, Maurice Johnson, Jeffrey T. Myers and Andy Simpson have all earned degrees from Creighton Law.
Patrick Borchers, Goosmann Law Of Counsel and former Creighton Law School dean and vice president of academic affairs
In a unique turn of events, Goosmann Law also added two former Creighton Law School deans to its roster last year. Creighton’s eighth dean (and more recently the school’s former vice president of academic affairs), Patrick Borchers joined the firm in an of-counsel role in May 2023, focusing on federal courts, complex civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution. The internationally recognized scholar continues to teach classes at Creighton Law in addition to managing his Goosmann caseload.
Incidentally, Borchers was the Creighton Law dean during Goosmann’s stint at the school. He even signed her certificate of honor roll recognition each semester that she earned a spot on the dean's list, a common occurrence for the summa cum laude graduate.
“When I came to Creighton as Dean in 1999, it was a leap of faith,” he said. “Jeana was one of the first and smartest students I taught. I’d never given any thought to an of-counsel relationship with a firm, but when Jeana asked me to help on a high-stakes case that involved my field of federal procedure, I jumped at the opportunity. And when she asked me to make the relationship more formal, it was an easy yes. One of the great pleasures of being an educator is seeing your students achieve professional and personal success. Getting to work with them is a privilege.”
Jeana Goosmann, the founder of Goosmann Law, shares her perspective on the journey and the significance of her Creighton Law School experience:
“I owe so much to the Creighton Law School community; it's where my journey as a lawyer began. The supportive environment and the guidance of Pat Borchers during my time as a student were pivotal in shaping my professional path. Now, working alongside Pat Borchers and Tricia Sharrar at Goosmann Law feels like a full-circle moment. Their insight continues to be invaluable, and it's a privilege to contribute to the legacy of excellence that Creighton Law instilled in me,” said Goosmann.
Tricia Sharrar, Goosmann Law COO and former Creigton Law School associate dean
Former Creighton Law School associate dean Tricia Sharrar, also a Creighton Law graduate, joined Goosmann Law in October, bringing with her a wealth of experience and leadership from her distinguished tenure at Creighton University. With a strong academic background, Sharrar has served over 26 years in various key positions, showcasing her dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. During her time at Creighton University, Sharrar spent eight years working alongside Pat Borchers in the School of Law, before being named associate vice president for academic affairs, vice provost for academic administration and operations, and vice president for compliance.
In her current role as chief operating officer at Goosmann Law, Sharrar leverages her extensive background to oversee the integration of the firm’s major functions and day-to-day operations. Her multifaceted leadership experience at Creighton has uniquely positioned her to contribute to the continued success and growth of Goosmann Law.
“Creighton Law faculty and staff care deeply about developing students, and specifically, good people who go out into the world to serve others and make a difference,” Sharrar said. “It is with great pride I have the opportunity to continue working collaboratively with former students and colleagues at Goosmann Law. The work we do is inspired by respect for those we serve and aligns seamlessly with my integrated approach to leadership and care for others.”
Many current Goosmann lawyers who graduated from Creighton Law attended the school while Borchers and Sharrar were in leadership, further solidifying the connection that has helped ensure their seamless transitions into the team.
Goosmann Law serves clients from locations in Sioux City, Omaha, Spirit Lake and Sioux Falls. For more information, call 855.843.4531 or visit goosmannlaw.com.
