Gloria Goldman has been selected as the Outstanding

Pro Bono Attorney of the Month for November.  Gloria

has been a member of the Volunteers Lawyers Program

in Pima County since 1991 and has provided services

to battered women and juveniles in need of assistance

with immigration matters. Recently Gloria completed a

case for a VLP client, a legal permanent resident, who had been detained by

INS in Eloy since February of 2008.  He was placed in removal proceedings

and remained in detention. Gloria traveled to Eloy on eight separate occasions

to appear on behalf of the client.  In August of 2009, the immigration Judge

granted relief from removal. The client was finally released from detention after

nearly eighteen months. Gloria dedicated 71 hours to this matter. The VLP’s

monthly award is a distinct honor: of the 1220 attorneys who volunteer their

time with VLP, only 12 receive the VLP’s Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney

award each year.   

 

Q & A with Gloria Goldman:

 

Where are you from?

I was born in Germany after World War II.  My parents were Holocaust Survivors

from Poland.  I grew up in Detroit, Michigan and have been in Tucson since 1974.

 

What are your current practice areas?

My practice concentrates in Immigration and Nationality Law.  I enjoy helping

people from all parts of the world.

 

Favorite song?

“Coming to America” by Neil Diamond (haha!)  I arrived in the U.S. on a U.S.

Army Transport ship, The USS Hershey in April 1949 as a refugee.

 

What do you do to unwind after work?

I have been very fortunate and have traveled all over the world.  I love Africa and

its people, but also Israel, Italy and many others.  I unwind during trips that also

include New York and Aspen, CO.  Finally, my favorite activity in Tucson is to

spend time with the grandchildren.

 

Where did you go to law school?

I went to the University of Arizona Law School in 1988 and graduated in

December 1991.  The students called me “Mom.”  I was 40 when I went to

Law School and will always be grateful to the U of A in allowing me to be a

part of its program.  I was previously a teacher of the deaf.

 

Anyone you would like to acknowledge for contributing to your legal

career / pro bono service?

I would definitely acknowledge and thank my husband, Michael (married more

than 40 years to the same person‑-imagine that?), who not only “sent me to law

school” and become Mr. Mom during that time, but has never complained about

my generosity with clients.