Articles

Profile of Michael Goldsmith, Esq.

Associate Editor of the Queens Bar Bulletin, Michael Goldsmith, Esq., wears many hats. Family man. Attorney. Martial Artist. Producer and Star of local access television show. Civic and environmental activist. “I try to lead a balanced life, even if it results in getting insufficient sleep!” said Mr. Goldsmith.

Michael Goldsmith was born and raised in Rosedale, Queens, by his parents Roslyn and Sheldon Goldsmith, both New York City public school teachers. “They are the best parents anyone could ask for,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “We lived in a two family house, with my grandparents living upstairs. We have a very close family and this was a great way to grow up.”

The future attorney graduated from Springfield Gardens High School at the age of 16. “In high school, my primary focus was on varsity wrestling. I don’t consider myself naturally athletic, but I worked very hard at it,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “ In my senior year I had the best record in Queens.”

The ex-wrestler received his BA in Classical Humanities from New York University. “I really loved NYU,” said Mr. Goldsmith with a smile. “In the beginning, it was a challenge being a 16 year old college freshman roaming around Greenwich Village, but I came to love the school, and love the Village. It is one of my favorite places on earth, even if there are areas of the Village that don’t seem to be of this planet.”

“While at NYU, I considered getting a doctorate in Classics and becoming a professor or an archeologist,” continued Mr. Goldsmith. “I was talked out of it by my professors, who said that there were very few opportunities in the New York City area, and there were many people with doctorates out there driving taxis.”

“My studies of classical Greece and Rome, as well as my readings in my double minor of political science and religion, led me to conclude that high civilizations were marked by the rule of law. Law, I concluded, was a noble profession, and I decided to attend Law School,” said Mr. Goldsmith.

“As it turned out,” continued Mr. Goldsmith, “my parents were one step ahead of me.” “It seems that at birth, my parents intentionally gave me the middle name of “Lawrence,” because they knew I was going to be a lawyer. It seems that “Law” is my middle name. I never knew what my name meant until I told them I wanted to go to law school. Thinking back on this, I just wish they gave me a middle name like “Lottery Winner” or “All Star Center Fielder” said Mr. Goldsmith with a chuckle.

“In 1983, at the age of 20, I began my legal studies at the National Law Center at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “I was the youngest student there, and it was my first time living away from home. At that time, I was also separated from Lorraine, my future wife, whom I began dating over a year and a half previously. All this contributed to making me extra homesick.”

“Law school was not as enjoyable as NYU,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “Still, it was a rewarding experience. I made some life long friends and received a quality legal education. During my time there, I was the Editor in Chief of the Law School Newspaper, The Advocate and had my own satirical column, “The Devil’s Advocate.”

“The year 1986 was a big year for me,” said Mr. Goldsmith. I graduated law school, took the Bar Exam, and married Lorraine. It was also the year that the Mets won the World Series.”

“If that’s what it takes for the Mets to win the World Series, I will renew my vows and take the New Jersey State Bar Exam,” said the lifelong Met fan.

Shortly after his admission to the bar, Mr. Goldsmith was employed as an associate attorney for past Queens County Bar Association President Paul Goldstein.

“Working for Paul was a great learning experience,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “I remember one of my law school professors said that “law school gives you enough education to open up your own malpractice.” Paul really took an interest in teaching me the practical aspects of the practice of law. I learned a great deal during my year with Paul, and I still quote him to this very day.”

In l989, Mr. Goldsmith became an associate attorney with John F. Scheich, Esq., an established attorney in Richmond Hill. “Two years later, I became his partner, and our practice continues to this very day,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “Jack, a former Queens ADA, and FBI agent, was named by Town and Country Magazine as one of the best trial attorneys in the United States. Jack taught me what it takes to run a high volume general practice law firm. We practice primarily in the areas of personal injury litigation, trust and estates, real estate, and general litigation.”

“What I like about being a general practitioner is that we deal with a variety of cases, so things don’t get boring,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “Another thing I learned from Jack is that being a lawyer is being a creative problem solver. Jack always says that “people come to us with a problem, whether it be that they had an accident, are buying a house, or need to write a will or probate an estate. The problem may not seems all that important in the great scheme of things, but to each client it is the most serious problem in the world, and we as attorneys have to treat it as such.” I derive a great deal of personal satisfaction when I am able to resolve whatever problem is troubling my clients,” said Mr. Goldsmith.

To give back a little to his community, Mr. Goldsmith engages in many pro bono projects. Besides being the Assistant Editor of the Queens County Bar Bulletin since 1995, and periodically serving an Arbitrator in the Queens Small Claims Court since 1993, Mr. Goldsmith has been very active in local environmental and civic affairs.

“My wife Lorraine has a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies,” said Mr. Goldsmith, “and is active at the Theodore Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary. I suppose the “legal eagle” became a bird watcher, as I enjoy going on bird walks with my wife. Learning more about the natural world led me to realize how important preservation is, and led me to become an something of an environmental activist.”

Mr. Goldsmith served on the board of directors of the South Shore Audubon Society (SSAS) from 1998-1999, and served as Vice President from 1999-2002. He is still a member.

Around 1994, Mr. Goldsmith was the SSAS representative in a coalition of environmental groups that opposed the destruction of 300 acres of parkland to create a sixth golf course at Bethpage State Park. After the plan for the golf course was scrapped because of popular opposition, in 1995, Mr. Goldsmith served as a member of the Bethpage New York State Park Trail Users Committee, which was charged with developing a trail use plan for the State. Mr. Goldsmith has also engaged in extensive pro bono litigation on behalf of SSAS, including litigation against Nassau County for issues involving the Brookside Preserve in Freeport.

Currently, Mr. Goldsmith is the SSAS representative (and the sole representative of an environmental organization) on the Town of Oyster Bay Vision 20/20 Committee. This committee was established by the Town to develop a land use plan for the next 20 years.

Notwithstanding anything mentioned above, studying and teaching martial arts is where Mr. Goldsmith spends most of his spare time. “I have studied martial arts for over 20 years, and judo in particular for over 15 years,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “It took me seven years to get my first black belt in judo. More accurately, it took seven years, two trips to the emergency room, six months of physical therapy, and four stitches.”

From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Goldsmith taught an adult education self defense class at Hicksville High School. In 2002, Mr. Goldsmith started his own judo club, and currently is the head instructor at the Jita Kyoei Valley Stream Police Athletic League Judo Club. “Jita Kyoei” is the second principal of judo,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “It means mutual benefit and welfare. It literally translates as “You and I Shining Together.” That sums up my philosophy of the martial arts in that I don’t see it just as a way to fight, but as a way for all of us to work together to help each other prosper and grow.”

Although devoting himself to teaching for the last few years, Mr. Goldsmith has not given up on competition. Mr. Goldsmith has competed successfully in local, regional and international judo tournaments. “I still go into competitions, and just took second place in one this weekend,” said Mr. Goldsmith.

Since 2001, Mr. Goldsmith has been the producer and star of a weekly local access cable television show called “Judo/Self Defense.” “I really enjoy producing the show,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “I thought it would be a good idea to create a show that was both entertaining and informative about the martial arts. Some of the shows are done with a light touch to demonstrate the pure fun that the practice of martial arts can be. I also have done more serious shows concerning self defense, and exploring the spiritual dimensions of the martial arts.”

Mr. Goldsmith is also involved in many professional organizations. Besides the Queens County Bar Association, Mr. Goldsmith is active in the John Marshall Lawyers Association, serving on the Board of Directors from 1993 to the present, and Secretary from 1993 - 1996. Mr. Goldsmith is also a member of the New York State Bar Association and the NYS Trial Lawyers Association.

“Writing this article gave me the chance to do a little reflection on my life,” said Mr. Goldsmith. “Among all my accomplishments, such as graduating college, passing the bar, winning victories for the environment, earning a black belt in judo, watching myself on TV, I would have to say my happiest days were the day I married Lorraine, and the births of my children.” Mr. Goldsmith is the proud father of Alexandra, age 9, and Gavin, age 4. “My family is really why I wake up in the morning,” said Mr. Goldsmith.

So what is next for Mr. Goldsmith? “I am still not sure what I want to be when I grow up,” said Mr. Goldsmith with a smile. “I still want to be a Classics professor. My kids and I can go the same college. Maybe I can combine the judo, archeology, and TV show, and become the next Indiana Jones... ”