Professor Lew GoldfarbProfessor Lew Goldfarb, the new director of the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic, is a former accountant and licensed CPA in the state of Ohio. After working in the accounting field for several years, he made a career transition, turning to law. He has spent most of his legal career as in-house counsel for one of the nation’s largest car companies: Honda. Specifically, he provided legal counsel for Honda of America Mfg., Inc. In addition, he owned and operated Goalsetter Inc. dba Club Z! In Home Tutoring Service, providing one-on-one in home instruction to students in central Ohio.  Now, he is a member of the law school’s faculty, charged with developing the small business clinic.

Why did you want to become a lawyer?

“Perhaps, it's genetic. My sister, Phyllis Goldfarb, is a lawyer and law school professor; my cousin, Joanne Goldfarb, is a lawyer in Cleveland; my uncle, Ernie Abram, was a lawyer in Cleveland; and my father, Charles Goldfarb, had his law school career, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer, cut short by his military service in World War II . In addition to my apparent genetic predisposition to lawyering, I always have enjoyed analysis and problem-solving and chose lawyering as a good career to go along with my prior career as a CPA.”

What was your first impression of UC Law?

“My first impression was good one. During the interview process at UC, I observed a sense of collegiality among the faculty and staff and felt support for its clinical programs from the dean and members of the faculty, all of whom seemed very down-to-earth. I value all of these traits in an employer.”

What’s the best part about the law/being a lawyer?

“The best part about being a lawyer is the diversity of the work you do (you're never bored!) and the career opportunities it presents.  By being a lawyer, I believe I possess skills that have allowed me to successfully transition from one career to another - from being in private practice, to in-house corporate counsel, to an entrepreneur owning and operating my own business, to a career in teaching.”

What’s on your nightstand?

“In my nightstand, I keep a journal in which I write passages from time to time to express my thoughts and feelings about my work and personal life. I find it to be good therapy for me.”

UC vs OSU football: Who are you routing for? 

“OSU!!! I'm a bit biased since I am a "Double Buckeye", having graduated from OSU for both undergrad and law school. Since I'm now at UC, I plan to become a fan of the Bearcats also. I'll cheer for the Bearcats as long as they're not playing my beloved Buckeyes.”