by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
If success in a chosen career can be quantified by years of dedication and hard work, then brothers and legal partners Mauri and Bill Goldstein, who will retire this week after serving a combined 120 years in the local legal community, they have not only mastered the legal playing field, they’ve conquered it.
The Goldstein brothers — Mauri, 91, and Bill, 79 — were born and raised in Jacksonville. Both attended Robert E. Lee High School and, later, the University of Florida. Originally, it was at his mother Jennie’s suggestion that Mauri, also the oldest litigator in the four surrounding counties, first pursued his law degree.
“Our mother came to me and told me she thought it would be a good idea to become a lawyer. I thought about it and I agreed,” said Mauri. “It was her idea for Billy to come join me, too.”
The brothers — a third brother died years ago — say it has never been a problem working together. They have always been very close and seldom argue or disagree. Not surprising to those who know them, they have never lived more than a few miles away from each other.
We all get a real kick out of Mauri,” said Simona McDougald, a secretary who has worked in the Goldsteins’ building on Market Street for 12 years. “He always has a joke and smile for us. We’ll miss both of them. Besides, Mr. Mauri has the best collection of hats in the entire city.”
“Oh yes,” said Mauri. “I always wear my hats. When I was at the University of Florida, one of the federal judges told us that you weren’t a lawyer unless you wore one. I’ve been wearing them ever since. If I happen to be caught without wearing one, people always ask where it is. When I was in the service from 1942 to 1945, I still wore a hat all the time.”
Both Goldstein brothers enlisted during World War II and served overseas for 33 months. Bill was in the Army and earned a Bronze Star for meritory service, 11 battle stars and Presidential Unit Citations. Mauri was a lieutenant on the line for the Navy and was responsible for putting Marines on the beach during raids. Both were honorably discharged.
When asked why they chose to stay in the legal profession for as long as they have, Bill puts it simply.
“I like to eat,” he said. “No, in all seriousness, it is something that I have always truly enjoyed. It is a pleasure to meet with a client and sit down with them to discuss their problem. Together, we work to seek out a remedy. It’s been a wonderful experience.”
So why retire now?
“I just want to be able to do other things with the time I have left,” said Mauri. “I’ve never advertised in the years since I first began practicing law in 1935, not even in the phone book. I’ve relied on my reputation and word of mouth advertising. As the years have gone by, the people that I’ve been representing have all died. Besides, I’d like to leave all the newer business to our younger lawyers.”
Bill offers his own insight.
“Let’s put it this way,” he said, “I’m 79 and I’ve been practicing law for 53 years. When I play golf, people will ask, ‘Why do you play on the senior tees?’ I just say, ‘How old do you have to be?’ ”
In addition to playing golf, Bill has expressed interest in adopting a fitness program and, more importantly, becoming computer literate.
“I’m long overdue,” he said, “but now that I have the time, I want to make an effort.”
Mauri, on the other hand, simply says after 67 years in the legal world, he’s tired.
“I’ve been an attorney for a long time,” he said. “I’ve worked in litigation, real estate, for corporations. I was even working in criminal law for a while. I just want to take it easy. Things have changed so much with the law and some of the laws now really take a lot out of you. They really do. Besides, the doctors say my health is good so I just want to relax.”
Mauri expressed that he would also continue to survey land from time to time . . . all 18 holes.
Looking back on their memories of serving Jacksonville, the Goldstein brothers say that have nothing but positive feelings about their experiences.
“It’s been a joy,” said Bill. “Since we began working in Jacksonville, so much has changed. It’s like a whole new city; new buildings, so many more people. It has been a wonderful place to practice law. Even as our profession has seen a total evolution, there has always been a level of courtesy among the lawyers here that I don’t think you’ll find anywhere else.”
Mauri agrees: “I really feel like I’ve served the community with good legal services. I feel appreciated and, more importantly, I feel recognized as a good lawyer.”