Welcome to HH&K’s “Meet Your Lawyer: Summer Associate Edition” — a special blog series that offers a closer look at the people behind our 122-year-old firm. In this edition, we’re proud to introduce the newest members of our team as they begin their journey as summer associates, carrying forward Hinman, Howard & Kattell’s enduring motto: Peace of mind since 1901. Meet Naomi Goni!
Naomi Goni is a 2025 Summer Associate at Hinman, Howard & Kattell. She attends University at Buffalo – School of Law and has been a wonderful addition to the team!
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Naomi, Thank you for participating in this Meet the Lawyer – Summer Associate Edition. Let me first ask you, what is your favorite part of your summer at HH&K?
My favorite part of working at HH&K this summer has been the opportunity to explore a variety of practice groups. It’s given me a clearer picture of what legal practice truly entails and broadened my understanding of the many career paths available.
What was your college mascot?
Rocky the Bull.
What book are you currently reading? Or podcast you are listening to?
Crime Junkie.
What is your favorite musical group / singer?
There’s so many to choose from, but I’ll always come back to Hozier.
What is the best concert you have ever seen live?
One Direction! My very first concert and still my all-time favorite.
If you could live somewhere for a year, where would you go and why?
Australia! I’d love to flip the seasons by celebrating New Years in flip-flops and sipping hot chocolate in June. Plus, the mix of wild nature and vibrant culture is hard to beat.
What teacher or coach made the biggest impact on you and why?
My high school A.P. U.S. History. Every day, when leaving the classroom, he would gleefully say, “Put good back into the world!” At the time, it felt like a nice routine, but now I catch myself thinking of it in the small moments: holding a door, helping a stranger, sending a thoughtful message. It’s become a quiet reminder to lead with kindness.
If you could witness any event of the past, present or future, what would it be?
It would have to be Thurgood Marshall delivering his oral argument before the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education. That moment was more than just ‘the law’; it was a turning point in American History. Without Marshall’s advocacy, I might never have had access to the incredible opportunities I benefit from today.
What is a new skill that you would like to learn or are currently trying to learn?
I would love to learn to play the harp!
What’s something you’ve done that took you completely out of your comfort zone? Do you regret it?
Living among the Maasai tribe in East Africa for a legal internship pushed me far outside my comfort zone, but it was a truly transformative experience. I was invited to immerse myself in both Swahili and Maa, wore traditional garments, and took part in daily routines, including cooking and community activities. This gave me a firsthand understanding of the systemic challenges Indigenous communities face, from land rights issues to limited access to legal protections. While learning the legal framework of a new country was challenging, I don’t regret any part of it. The experience broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to using the law to advocate for underrepresented communities with empathy and respect.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’d shamelessly choose Biscoff-flavored cheesecake. Is it technically a meal? Probably not. Do I care? Nope.
What’s your go-to productivity tip — or guilty distraction?
I live by the pomodoro method, which includes 25 minutes of laser focus, then 5 minutes to let my brain do cartwheels. I usually use those 5 minutes to strike up completely unnecessary conversations with whoever’s nearby. It’s my favorite form of productive procrastination, and unfortunately for others, highly effective.
If you were not planning to be an attorney, what would your job be?
A veterinarian specializing in large felines.
What is your dream car?
It’s constantly changing, but right now I want an electric jeep with an automatic convertible top.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr. Seuss. I love this quote because it reminds me not to take life too seriously.
Do you have any pets? What kind of review would your pet leave you if they were asked to rate you as a human?
I have two bunnies and two cats. I think the bunnies would give me an A+ for unlimited snuggles and snacks, though I’d lose some points for the occasional loud noise that scares them. The cats would also give me a high score for always being free for playtime, but I occasionally fail at understanding their complex ‘I want attention but don’t want to be touched’ signals. So, there’s definitely some room for improvement.
What made you decide you want to be an attorney?
Before coming to law school, I worked as a therapist and clinical social worker with youth, adolescents, and survivors of human trafficking. Being so close to their stories and struggles showed me the deep injustices they face every day. I realized that while therapy helps people heal, it wasn’t enough to break down the systems that allowed their suffering to continue. That’s when I understood that legal advocacy was necessary, not just to support survivors, but to fight for real, lasting change.
If you could write a law to make the world better, what would it be?
Free desserts. Everywhere. All the time. Effective immediately.
If you had to turn your career path into a board game, what’s one rule or challenge on it?
Every time you land on ‘burnout’, you have to take a self-care detour.