Alumni Spotlight: Jay Goldstein, 2004 Business Management graduate of Touro’s Lander College for Men
Building a successful law practice from the ground up
Jay is a land use and zoning attorney who runs his own law firm and lives with his wife and daughter in Cedarhurst, New York.
What is a typical day like for you, and what does your job entail?
My practice focuses on land use, zoning, and construction matters in the five boroughs of New York City. I represent clients before the Board of Standards and Appeals, the City Planning Commission, the Department of Buildings and other City agencies.
My typical day starts around 6am. I wake up, answer emails, set my to-do list for the day, and drink a coffee. I go to morning prayer services at 7 am and then head to the office. A majority of my day is spent on the phone, in meetings or answering emails, as well as coordinating with my employees to ensure cases are moving forward. I try and make a 6:30pm or 7pm train home so I can play with my daughter, talk to my wife and have dinner. I generally go to sleep around 11-11:30, but not before checking in with the office once more.
What was your favorite class or professor at Lander College for Men and why?
The late professor Arthur Budick’s writing class. Grammar and punctuation were not a part of my life until I met him! I draft very lengthy briefs and memos for my cases, and his class taught me how to write. More than anything, though, he loved what he did and it showed through in the way he taught. This is something that I hope to one day have with my job. Right now being a lawyer is a means to support my family. I hope, one day, that being a lawyer, or whatever I am doing professionally, is done out of a sense of purpose and love, the way he viewed his job.
As an alum, how are you still involved with Lander? Why is it important to you?
I was lucky enough to form a special bond with both Rabbi Moshe Bamberger and Rabbi Yehuda Shmulewitz. While I may not see or speak to them that often, I know that I can call them with any issue or question. They take the time to talk with me, and I know I can rely on their advice.
While at Lander, I studied Talmud every day with Rabbi Bamberger. We formed an incredible bond that I cherish. I was lucky enough to have continued the Torah study with him every night during law school, and for many years thereafter. He helped me as I matured from a kid to a father, and now as a proprietor of my own law firm. The clarity he offered throughout the years has been invaluable. I am very lucky to have a relationship like this in my life.
How have you been able to incorporate your religious teachings into your job?
My religious beliefs guide me in running an honest business. It’s as simple and as meaningful as that.
Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.
After my prior office was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy, I decided to take a risk and start my own firm. Building a successful law practice from the ground up has been extremely rewarding.
