Jason Goldman: The Defender of the Underdog

On any given day, Jason Goldman might find himself representing an accused murderer, a C-suite executive, or a client whose name has graced the tabloid headlines for all the wrong reasons. At just 34 years old, the New York-based criminal defense attorney has become a sought-after name in the legal world, known for his unrelenting advocacy, sharp courtroom instincts, and an underdog mentality that drives his every move.

“I’ve always been drawn to the fight,” Goldman says. “I don’t know exactly where it comes from, but I’ve seen enough people get trampled by the system to know that everyone deserves someone in their corner.”

Finding Humanity in the Headlines

Goldman’s approach is rooted in empathy and a refusal to see his clients as mere case numbers. Whether he’s defending a high-profile individual like Alec Baldwin in a controversial shooting case or advocating for someone like Rashaun Weaver—a young man at the center of a tragic and racially charged murder in Morningside Park—Goldman’s goal is always the same: to humanize his clients.

“When I first read about Weaver’s case, I had the same reaction most people did,” he admits. “But as I dug deeper and learned about his upbringing—his father keeping guns and drugs in the house, his struggles as a kid—I realized this wasn’t about a cold-blooded killer. It was about a broken system failing a child who never stood a chance.”

For Goldman, these moments of connection are pivotal. “If you can find the human in the story, you can show a jury—and the world—that even the accused deserve understanding.”

The Art of Persuasion

A natural storyteller, Goldman thrives on crafting compelling narratives that resonate in the courtroom. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about the facts,” he says. “It’s about how you present them. Trials are as much about optics and credibility as they are about evidence.”

This philosophy was on full display during the subway homicide case of Jordan Williams, which catapulted Goldman into the national spotlight. Facing intense media scrutiny, Goldman successfully secured a dismissal of all charges in a matter of weeks. “That case was about more than just one person—it touched on race, homelessness, and the politics of this city,” he reflects. “Those are the cases I gravitate toward.”

A Hustler at Heart

Goldman’s rise in the legal world began long before his first major win. As a law student, he skipped classes at Cardozo to watch legendary defense attorneys in action at Centre Street. “That’s real lawyering,” he says. “It’s about being in the trenches, telling stories, and fighting for the little guy.”

After cutting his teeth as a Brooklyn prosecutor, Goldman transitioned to defense work, where he quickly made a name for himself by taking on the cases no one else wanted. “I hustled,” he recalls. “I went desk to desk looking for the toughest files and turned them into trial wins.”

A Lifeline for Clients

Goldman’s practice is as unconventional as it is dedicated. He often fields calls at midnight, advising clients facing life-altering decisions. “When someone hires me, they get me—not just 9 to 5,” he says. “I defend them like they’re family.”

That personal connection extends to his courtroom strategies. “You have to show the jury that your client is a person, not a headline,” he explains. “It’s about building trust—not just between you and the jury, but between you and your client.”

A Bigger Fight

For Goldman, the fight isn’t just about individual cases—it’s about holding the justice system accountable. “If the government can railroad high-profile people with resources, imagine what they do to the average person,” he warns. “We have to keep the system in check.”

It’s this belief that keeps Goldman fighting—even when the odds are stacked against him. “Walking out of court with someone who was facing 25 to life? That’s the best feeling in the world,” he says. “You’re not just winning a case—you’re giving someone their life back.”