Student Spotlight: Howard Goldfarb

Student Spotlight: Howard Goldfarb, 4L, FlexTime JD Program, Long Island campus 
After a successful, decades-long career in commercial real estate, Howard Goldfarb turned 60 and decided to embark on a new intellectual challenge. Driven by a desire to show his children that it is never too late to pursue a passion, he enrolled in Touro Law’s FlexTime J.D. program, at the Long Island campus. Today, Howard is thriving as he combines his background in computer science with his legal studies to explore the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and the law—proving that with passion and organization, you can always reimagine your professional path.  

What motivated you to pursue a law degree at this stage in your life and career?
After turning 60, I took stock of my life and focused on how I wanted to spend what I call the "final third" of my career. I’ve had a long, successful career in commercial real estate, but I had a strong urge to challenge myself mentally in a way my daily work was no longer providing. Back in the 1980s, while earning my M.S. in Real Estate Development and Investment at NYU, I took two law-related classes and loved them. That enjoyment always stuck with me.

When it came time to reimagine my professional life, I decided to go to law school with the intention of actively practicing as an attorney after graduation. I also viewed this as a meaningful opportunity to show my children that it is never too late to pursue a professional passion.

How did you discover Touro Law, and why was the FlexTime J.D. program the right fit for you?
I went through several iterations as to how I would accomplish this goal and stumbled upon the Touro FlexTime J.D. Program while doing extensive research online. It was an "aha!" moment when I realized that I could continue working my full-time job while spending Sundays in the classroom.

With my three children grown and living on their own, I had the flexibility to spend Sundays in school and complete my coursework on weekday evenings and Saturdays. My wife has been my #1 supporter throughout this journey. The program offered the exact balance I needed to make law school a reality.

Did you have any doubts about returning to school after being away from academics for so long?
I certainly had my doubts! I hadn’t studied for or taken a significant exam in over 30 years. Did I still have the ability to do that? Could I sit in class all day on Sunday? Would I actually enjoy the experience?

In the end, the only way to know for sure was to just start. It took some time to get the test-taking part of my brain working again while studying for the LSAT, but the speed and analytical thinking eventually returned. What surprised me most was how much I truly enjoyed the learning experience—each Sunday of classes just fly by. Being successful in school has given me a great feeling of accomplishment and energized me mentally.

How have your goals for your legal career evolved while at Touro Law?
I came into law school with so many ideas and found so many subjects interesting that I could picture myself practicing in several different areas. Since the FlexTime program is four years, I used my third year to focus my direction through networking and joining legal organizations outside of school.

Gradually, my focus shifted to the intersection of technology and the law. My undergraduate degree is in Computer Science, and I realized I still have a deep passion for technology. Given how rapidly tech and AI are impacting the legal industry, the timing couldn't be better.

How are you getting involved in the legal community and leaving your mark at Touro Law?
I joined The Sedona Conference’s Working Group 13 (AI and the Law) and am currently on a project team researching AI in legal education. Here at Touro Law, I am in the process of founding the AI and the Law Society student organization and collaborating with the faculty AI and the Law committee.

What is your key strategy for managing a busy schedule, and what advice do you have for prospective students?
Organization is the number one reason I have survived and thrived. From deciding which app to use for note-taking to creating a weekly task list for every single commitment, staying organized has had a huge impact on my success.

My advice to anyone considering law school is simple: if you have a passion for the law, go for it! I’ve met so many interesting classmates over the past three years, each with a unique background and busy life. It has taught me that if you truly want to do this, you will figure out a way to make it work.