Barry Goldsmith
(1949 – 2024)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our partner and friend Barry Goldsmith—a consummate gentleman who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Barry joined Gibson Dunn in 2006 as a partner in our Washington, D.C. and New York offices. His practice focused on representing securities firms, brokers/dealers, investment companies and investment advisors, and other financial institutions, issuers, and their employees in investigations and litigation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and state securities regulators and attorneys general. Barry served as Co-Chair of our Securities Enforcement Practice Group and was a member of our Securities Litigation Practice Group and White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Group. He also served on our Lateral Partner, Professional Development, and Diversity Committees.
Barry received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, in economics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in 1972 and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1975. After clerking for Judge Thomas R. McMillen of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Barry became a litigation partner at a boutique Washington, D.C. firm. In 1986, he joined the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, eventually serving as Chief Litigation Counsel. In 1994, he received the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award, the highest award given to senior executives in the federal government.
In 1996, Barry joined the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), now FINRA, the primary private-sector regulator of the U.S. securities industry. As Executive Vice President for Enforcement, Barry was responsible for formulating NASD’s national enforcement policy and overseeing investigations and cases. He built an extremely effective and efficient enforcement operation and infused it with a culture of integrity, tough-mindedness, and fairness.
Barry had an outstanding reputation and was universally respected for his judgment and integrity. He was frequently invited to speak on securities enforcement and regulatory issues at professional conferences, and he authored and co-authored numerous securities industry–related articles.
Barry set an example for all of us with his professionalism, tireless mentorship, and devotion to exceptional client service. Despite enduring the most difficult personal circumstances, he always maintained an even temperament and a sense of humor, and was unfailingly kind, fair, and sympathetic. Known for his trademark suspenders and endearing smile, Barry made life brighter for everyone who knew him, and he was loved by everyone who worked with him.
A serious runner, Barry participated in New York City marathons into his 70s. He was also an avid baseball fan, never missing a chance to watch his beloved San Francisco Giants.
Barry was predeceased by his sons, Jacob and Adam, for whom he and his wife, Beverly, established an endowment in 2020.
Capabilities
- Securities Enforcement
- Anti-Corruption & FCPA
- Investment Funds
- Securities Litigation
- Securities Regulation and Corporate Governance
- White Collar Defense and Investigations
Credentials
Education:
- Georgetown University - 1975 Juris Doctor
- University of Pennsylvania - 1972 Bachelor of Science
Admissions:
- District of Columbia Bar
- New York Bar