HANK (Herman Louis) GOLDSMITH

GOLDSMITH - Hank (Herman) L.
The lawyers and staff of Proskauer Rose LLP mourn the untimely passing of our beloved partner, colleague and friend Hank Goldsmith. Hank waged a valiant battle against his illness over the past year, displaying the unyielding optimism he brought to life every day and the toughness that made him such a formidable legal talent. Throughout his struggle, Hank made clear to all of us how deeply he loved his family. Nothing meant more to him than his sons Eric, Jake and Ryan Goldsmith. Indeed, no conversation with Hank was complete until the latest event involving each boy was discussed in depth. He adored his wife Debbie and embraced his stepsons Avery and Ethan Kriss with his characteristic warmth because no disease could ever diminish his immeasurable heart. Hank received a B.A., cum laude, from the State University of New York at Binghamton and earned his J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1987. He spent nearly his entire legal career at Proskauer and became a Partner in 1997. A brilliant trial and appellate lawyer, Hank represented clients in the financial services, real estate and entertainment industries. In two of his most significant cases, he represented the recording industry trade group in the copyright case against Napster and acted as lead counsel on an important amicus brief for a number of international copyright holders in the U.S. Supreme Court. Hank loved to teach and countless Proskauer litigation associates developed under his tutelage and guidance. The enormous appreciation that Hank’s clients had for his work was perhaps best expressed by the number who surrounded his bedside over these past few weeks. Hank loved the practice of law, the firm and his clients and the feeling was mutual. He had a unique wit that he used as a lawyer to persuade and as a friend and colleague to entertain. No one was quicker with a quip to illustrate a point. And in the tradition of great lawyers who were artists in their off hours, Hank was a skilled guitarist, bass player and singer who performed in several tribute bands most recently The Newspaper Taxis (Beatles), the Carjackers (the Cars) and the Petty Thieves (Tom Petty). Proskauer extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Debbie, sons Eric, Jake and Ryan Goldsmith and stepsons Avery and Ethan Kriss. Hank and Debbie showed us all the power of love and devotion, inspiring hope in the human condition at a time when we might otherwise have only felt grief. Hank never faltered or despaired despite the challenges he faced. That was a gift to his friends and colleagues and, most of all, his family. Joseph M. Leccese Chairman Proskauer Rose LLP