William Nelson Goodwin (August 17, 1909 – December 31, 1975) was a United States federal judge.
Born in McKenna, Washington, Goodwin received a B.A. from Washington State College in 1931 and an LL.B. from the University of Oregon Law School in 1934. He was a Salesman, Washington State from 1934 to 1937. He was a Deputy prosecutor, Pierce County, Washington from 1938 to 1940. He was in private practice in Tacoma, Washington from 1940 to 1964. He was a U.S. Marine Corps PFC from 1944 to 1945. He was a member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University from 1957 to 1975. He was the United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington from 1964 to 1966.
Goodwin was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. Goodwin was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson on March 21, 1966, to a new seat created by 75 Stat. 80. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 21, 1966, and received his commission the same day. He served as chief judge from 1973-1975. Goodwin served in that capacity until December 31, 1975, due to his death.
Goodwin was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Goodwin was nominated by Lyndon B. Johnson on March 21, 1966, to a new seat created by 75 Stat. 80. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 21, 1966, and received his commission the same day. He served as chief judge from 1972-1973. Goodwin served in that capacity until December 31, 1975, due to his death.