Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Rasmussen Hoing Lisa Goddard-Gikas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Lisa Rasmussen Hoing:
In moments of crisis, people look for clarity, strength, and trust. I assist families through the most difficult times in their life by representing them in family and criminal law cases throughout central Texas. I have been licensed as a practicing attorney for over 24 years – working almost all sides of the civil and criminal courtroom including appeals. As a matter of fact. I won my first federal criminal appeal before the United States Supreme Court in July of last year.
It’s probably no surprise that my comfortability in front of an audience began with a full-ride acting scholarship out of high school. Eventually, I changed directions and decided to become a teacher. I graduated from the University of Utah certified and licensed as an elementary school teacher. I taught in Texas for for three years and decided to go to law school. After law school, I was offered a job as a deputy county attorney in Nebraska, prosecuting everything from traffic tickets to major felony offenses. My responsibilities included law enforcement resource, coroner duty, assisting with the mental health board hearings, child protective services cases and prosecuting everything from traffic tickets to serious felonies.
After five years, my husband and I, and our two terriers moved to Austin, Texas. We moved to be closer to family. I was hired as an assistant attorney general on at the Texas Attorney General’s Office in the criminal prosecutions assistance division, crimes against children section. After five years, I decided to hang out my own shingle, Hoing Law, P.C. defending criminal, juvenile, and child protection cases. In 2021, I expanded the practice to include family law and in 2024, I entered into a partnership with Lisa Goddard Seidner to start Goddard & Hoing, P.C. Today, we are a law firm comprised 100% of female employees.
Looking back, I can see how my path prepared me for the person I am today. The experience and education of the past 35 years made me who I am today. I believe we lead by example. Each person’s story is important. I enjoy the daily work of helping people when they need you the most.
-Lisa Rasmussen Hoing
Lisa Goddard-Seidner:
Lisa Goddard-Seidner brings more than two decades of legal experience and a deeply global perspective to her practice. Raised in Vermont, she developed an early commitment to helping others and to understanding different cultures, which continues to shape her approach to advocacy today. She is proficient in multiple languages, including Arabic, French, Greek, German, and Farsi, and is known for her ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Lisa earned her Juris Doctor and International M.B.A. from the University of Denver. She also pursued advanced studies in Arab Studies at Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, and studied archaeology at the University of Alexandria in Egypt. Her academic background reflects a lifelong interest in international affairs, culture, and human systems — interests that strongly inform her legal practice.
Before co-founding Goddard & Hoing, P.C. in 2023, Lisa practiced law for nearly twenty years across family law, criminal defense, Child Protective Services, juvenile law, and immigration law. She began her legal career as a prosecutor in Colorado, gaining valuable courtroom experience, and later founded and operated the Law Office of Lisa Goddard-Gikas. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her compassionate, client-focused approach, particularly in family and immigration matters where clients are often navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Today, as a partner at Goddard & Hoing, P.C., Lisa combines extensive legal experience with cultural fluency and empathy, providing strong, thoughtful advocacy for individuals and families throughout Central Texas.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Lisa Goddard Seidner: No, it hasn’t been a smooth road — but it has been a rewarding one. Like most meaningful careers, it involved challenges, hard lessons, and moments that required persistence and adaptability. There were times when growth required stepping into unfamiliar roles, making difficult decisions, and trusting experience and preparation. Those challenges ultimately shaped not only professional judgment, but also the values that guide the work today. Looking back, the obstacles were essential to building resilience, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose.
We’ve been impressed with Goddard & Hoing, P.C., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lisa Rasmussen Hoing: With us the opposition is required to do their absolute best and bring everything they’ve got to the table. They stand no chance if they don’t. We are known for the high number of dismissals we have obtained. Bring an unreasonable offer to the table? Expect a big headache. Better to start off with the offer you’ll eventually end up at, save yourself the time and frustration. We will get the best result possible for our clients.
What were you like growing up?
Lisa Hoing: Precocious. My fourth-grade teacher once told my parents that I was a very good student, but that I had a “talking problem.” They were right. Nothing has changed. I’ve fought for the underdog my entire life. If someone was sitting alone in the cafeteria, I was the person who invited them to lunch. I moved around a lot as a child and encountered much teasing by other students; but, that experience taught me how to connect with people and become very good at making connections and relationships. I was never the popular kid — instead, I built communities of kids who didn’t fit in. Academically, I was ambitious and competitive.
Lisa Goddard:
I had a very happy childhood growing up in rural Vermont, where I developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and country living. I spent much of my early years fly fishing and riding and raising horses with my dad, and because I was born later in my parents’ lives, I had more one-on-one time with him while remaining close to my older siblings. Dogs have always been central to my life. My father raised hunting stock English Setters, which contributed to my passion for rescuing dogs. I’ve always been an introvert and formed deep, lasting friendships early on—three of which I’m still close with today—and I also played tennis from a young age. Overall, it was a joyful, grounded Currier & Ives upbringing that continues to shape who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centraltxdefense.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoinglaw/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goddard.and.hoing/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goddard-hoing-law
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/goddard-and-hoing-pc-georgetown
