Tips from the Bench: Judge Daniel Goldstein

Walking into Department 1102 to appear before Judge Daniel Goldstein feels like someone is greeting you with a smile and a firm handshake. In the new courthouse the ceilings are high, the clerks and bailiffs get along well, and there are plants around to provide a uniquely San Diego feel. But when court is in session, the hard work begins. Judge Goldstein maintains this respectful atmosphere in his courtroom as he has throughout his life.

From Paramedic to Prosecutor

Judge Goldstein started his professional career as a paramedic in Santa Barbara County. One of his most memorable paramedic tasks was driving to an unusual report at an undisclosed location above Santa Barbara. After arriving at the scene, then-paramedic Goldstein learned he would be picking up a Secret Service agent who had rolled a jeep at the Regan Ranch while President Ronald Regan and then Vice President George H. Bush were at the ranch. Judge Goldstein recalls this night fondly and says he would still take paramedic jobs on the weekend if he could.

Judge Goldstein began working at the age of 16 for his father who was a doctor, a lawyer, a Colonel in the Air Force, and a senator’s son (See Don McLean’s American Pie). His father also owned a farm where Goldstein had his first taste of work. After high school, Judge Goldstein attended Moorpark College and then the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he attended school part time for eight years while he worked as a paramedic to support his then-fiancée and child. After receiving his long-earned undergrad degree, Judge Goldstein attended Whittier College of Law, as it was one of the few to accommodate part-time students. After making friends with professors, he graduated magna cum laude all while still working as a paramedic to support his family.

After law school, Judge Goldstein worked 18 months with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. In his first year alone, he tried 50 misdemeanor cases. Then as an Deputy Associate District Attorney for 12 years, he tried some of San Diego County’s most high-profile criminal cases, including People v. Rossum and People v. Gonzales, 54 Cal. 4th 1234. Notably, he prosecuted the County’s first case involving an aborted fetus as a murder charge.

Words of Wisdom from 20 Years on the Bench

Judge Goldstein ran for office in 2002 and took the bench in 2003. He was appointed to the bench in 2003 after he finished trying People v. Rossum (this case made Judge Goldstein possibly the only elected judge to ever have tried a case as a member of the District Attorney’s office after being elected to the bench). Well known in the public eye for his success in high-profile cases, Judge Goldstein ran for the bench after his friends encouraged him to run. Judge Goldstein has now been a judge for 20 years and loves every day of work.

As a judge he wants to see the next generation of attorneys succeed and wants to be a part of the group to help train them. Judge Goldstein’s advice for new lawyers is to be receptive to criticism and tips for improvement. He appreciates those who want to learn and grow in the legal field. Whether you practice civil or criminal law, you might have the chance to appear before and learn from Judge Goldstein.

He strongly advises lawyers to come prepared and be ready for work. “If you’re on time, you’re late, if your early, you’re on time. Love your job, and love what you do,” he said.

The importance of competent lawyering cannot be understated, for lawyers are the “six gun” revolver of our generations.

“Hard work and going the extra mile for your clients will pay off,” he said. “Most normal people may only have one day of their lives in the court room, so make them proud with what you do.”