Leizer Z Goldsmith

Leizer Z Goldsmith

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment ... +3 more

5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC

About Leizer

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Discrimination 20%

I have successfully handled hundreds of employment discrimination and retaliation cases over the last quarter-century, under many different statutes. I have won significant relief for clients through jury trials, arbitrations, EEOC and MSPB administrative hearings, and on appeal.

37 years

20%
Employment and Labor 20%

I assist employees and former employees in handling situations such as firings, denied promotions, unpaid wages and wage theft, severance negotiations, retaliation, whistleblowing and harassment.

37 years

20%
Sexual Harassment 20%

I have won and settled many hostile environment and quid pro quo cases, not just occasioned by sexual harassment, but also racial, disability and other harassment. These cases are brought under Title VII, Title IX, ADA and local laws.

37 years

20%
Wrongful Termination 20%

When an employee is terminated unfairly, frequently it becomes my job to help determine which laws have been violated and how redress can be obtained. My firm and I devote many hours each week to this critical task.

37 years

20%
Consumer Protection 10%

I handle Whistleblower cases, including under statutes such as the False Claims Act, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, the District of Columbia Whistleblower Protection Act, Dodd-Frank and Sarbanes-Oxley

10%
Contracts and Agreements 10%

I represent employees in obtaining severance, and in negotiating other employment agreements, including through mediations and other settlement opportunities

37 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 32 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 36 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1989

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 36 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1988

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

The Goldsmith Law Firm, LLC

5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC, 20015

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Leizer Z Goldsmith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

5 star (21)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Tom | March 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

ADA case against a state agency

Mr. Goldsmith represented me for a ADA case against a state law enforcement agency. The agency fought for 6 years to avoid going to discovery. Despite the hard, uphill fight against an agency that had unlimited funding to avoid accountability Mr. Goldsmith eventually had them requesting an opportunit...y to settle. Through his hard work and relentless efforts my reputation was cleared and I was able to move on.

Posted by Carly | May 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A law firm that truly cares and fights to get justice for their clients!

I could not possibly recommend Leizer's firm and his team more. Having filed a case against a large government institution, I often felt hopeless and that I would never achieve any justice, but thanks to Leizer and Leanza, I was able to obtain a settlement and structural change that were huge wins! ...Beyond their brilliant legal strategies, they both demonstrated a level of care that encouraged other women to speak up and ensured everyone was comfortable throughout the process. If you have an employment case and need a legal team that will fight for you, this is the firm for you!!

Posted by anonymous | September 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Leizer and Adam fought for me and I'm thankful

Adam and Leizer took my charges very seriously and worked tirelessly to make sure justice was served in my case. I didn't know what to expect, but these two gentlemen were efficient, effective, and empathetic throughout the process. I would recommend them to anyone who is in need of a tough firm tha...t will fight for the rights of the people. Thank you for helping me get justice.

Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Lawyer

I hired Leizer as my defense attorney in a employment discrimination case. Leizer and his team worked extremely hard to ensure the best outcome for me and my family. Leizer is very professional and detailed in his cases and very knowledgeable. I am so grateful that I hired him and his team to represe...nt me in my case. If you want the best results for your case hire The Goldsmith Lawfirm they are superb!

Posted by Anita | January 24, 2020 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Terrific experience

I engaged Mr. Goldsmith's firm for a consultation regarding a failure-to-hire case. Mr. Goldsmith and his associate Leanza Bethel quickly familiarized themselves with the details of my case, asking outstanding questions that showed their attention to detail and understanding of both my situation and ...of the case law in this area. It is clear that everyone at Mr. Goldsmith's firm is passionate about this area of their practice, and that they truly care about their clients. I will not hesitate to recommend this firm and hope to engage them in my own case.

See All Client Reviews

Leizer Z Goldsmith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Leizer
Ari M Wilkenfeld headshot
Ari Wilkenfeld

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Regina-Lyn Schowalter headshot
Regina-Lyn Schowalter

Employment and labor lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have known Leizer Goldsmith in a professional capacity for more than ten years. As a former employee, I have seen him interact with clients up close and personal. Not only is Leizer personable and client-focused, he is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about employment law. Leizer is a tenacious litigator (see: Friolo v. Frankel, 819 A.2d 354 (2003) and its aftermath) and advocate. Bottom line: Leizer is the lawyer I would use if I ever required the services of an employment lawyer."

Thomas J Gagliardo headshot
Thomas Gagliardo

Employment and labor lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. We have been professional colleagues for a good number of years and I am familiar with Leizer's many successes. He is diligent, thorough and tenacious. A lawyer's lawyer."

Bruce M Bender headshot
Bruce Bender

Employment and labor lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known him for over 20 years and he is an excellent attorney in the area of employment law. He is extremely diligent, hard working and an excellent advocate for his clients and has handled many appeals in state and federal appellate courts also with great success. He also has great integrity and character."

Kristen Leigh Walsh headshot
Kristen Walsh

Employment and labor lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have worked at other litigation firms over the years since working for Leizer. Simply put, Leizer is the best litigator I have ever met. He has a sincere commitment to his clients and always keeps their best interests in mind. He also has a brilliant and creative legal mind and an excellent insight into negotiating strategies. If I had an employment issue, I would not hesitate to retain Leizer as my attorney."

View All Endorsements

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2005

Lawyer of the Year-- See http://www.mwela.org/LawyersoftheYear, Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association

2004

Among Washington's Top Employment Lawyers, Washingtonian Magazine

Work Experience

1992 - 2019

Principal, The Goldsmith Law Firm LLC

1989 - 1991

Associate, Connerton, Ray & Simon

1988 - 1999

Appellate Attorney, National Labor Relations Board

Associations

2010 - Present

Maryland Employment Lawyers Association

Member

1999 - Present

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Board Member

1993 - Present

National Employment Lawyers Association

Member

1992 - Present

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Member

1992 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

1988 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Foster v. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

$125,000.00 jury verdicat after summary judgment Reversed by United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Philbrick v. Holder

Summary Judgment Reversed by United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Case then settled

Two Claimants v. Major Hotel Chain

Arbitrator Awards to Each Claimant: $150,000.00

Orr v. Holder

VERDICT FOR DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL OF $1,350,000.00

Friolo v. Frankel

PLAINTIFF WINS AT MARYLAND’S HIGHEST COURT

Rainey v. Maximum Security

Verdict for Plaintiff

Walker v. West

HOUSEKEEPER WINS $150,000.00; FEES

Johnson v. West

EMPLOYEE/PLAINTIFF WINS PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT, SETTLES

See More Legal Cases

Education

1988

Boston College Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

University of Michigan

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association Brown Bag

Winning Non-Monetary Relief in Discrimination Cases

2016

MWELA Luncheon Seminar

Winning Methodologies for Proving Discrimination at Trial

2015

Maryland Employment Lawyers Association Annual Conference The Year's Greatest Hits in Employment Law

2014

Maryland Employment Lawyers Annual Conference Fee-Shifting to Losing Defendant

2014

Brown Bag Luncheon

Shifting Attorney's Fees to the Losing Defendant

2011

Taking and Defending the Expert Deposition- Montgomery County Bar

Taking and Defending the Expert Deposition

2007

Maryland State Bar Association Annual Conference

Attorneys Fees in Employment Litigation: A Review of the Law of Attorneys’ Fees in the Maryland and Federal Courts

2007

Maryland Employment Lawyers Association Annual Conference

Friolo v. Frankel Attorneys' Fee Litigation

2005

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association Annual Conference

"Trial Do's"

2005

Maryland Employment Lawyers Association Inaugural Conference

Winning Attorneys’ Fees in Maryland

2005

Litigating And Resolving Employment Cases: A View From The Bench Evidence - Recurrent Issues

2003

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Annual Conference

Law Practice Management

2002

"How to Beat Summary Judgment in the Post-Reeves Era."

Moderator of Panel Discussion on Defeating Employer Efforts to Dismiss Employment Discrimination Cases Without Trial

2000

United States Department of the Interior EEO Conference

The Employee's Perspective on the EEO Process

2000

NELA FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RIGHTS FORUM

"Creating a Successful Practice Representing Federal Employees

2000

MWELA Brown Bag Lunch Series

Winning Verdict in Walker v. West

2000

Montgomery County Bar Association Breakfast

Merriex v. Beale Sexual Harassment Case

1996

DFAS Advanced EEO Training Conference

“Perspective of the EEO Counseling Process as an Employees’ Representative “

1995

National DFAS EEO Training Conference

Keynote Speaker

Publications

2014

MSBA Maryland Employment Law Deskbook Attorney's Fees [Fee-Shifting to Losing Defendant]

2007

Maryland Trial Reporter Court of Appeals Weighing Writ Of Certiorari On Shifting Attorneys’ Fees Incurred

Languages

English

Activity

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