Labor lawyer Joyce Goldstein of Joyce Goldstein & Associates appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed becoming the first female owner of a union focused law firm in the U.S., and the struggles she endured as she built the business.
As a lawyer, Goldstein loved working with unions, but she hated working for someone else. This led her to open her own law firm and become the first female-owned union-sided law firm in the country. Goldstein admitted this was not easy. During this time, women did not work in unions due in part to a negative stigma surrounding women in organized labor. She had to develop a thick skin, which benefited her in the long-term. However, early on, it was an everyday battle to deal with discrimination.
In order to get her first client, she agreed to barter her legal services for office space with Communication Workers of America Local 4340. The deal helped Goldstein get introduced to more unions and potential clients. She also traveled to different picket lines, where she eventually earned the business of new clients.
As time progressed, she overcame discrimination and gained more clients because she earned their respect and proved herself in the union landscape.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.