Women’s contributions and hard work have been instrumental and vital to the progression of society. We were especially reminded of this when earlier this year, we as a nation collectively witnessed a historic moment as Vice President Kamala Harris was inaugurated, becoming the first woman, and woman of color, to hold the office of Vice President of the United States. During March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, which signifies a time to acknowledge the trailblazing achievements of women in all industries and spaces.

Although women have made significant progress since Women’s History Month was first observed in 1987, there is still much that remains to be done. For the past several decades, law school entering classes have been evenly divided between men and women. However, the legal profession in 2020 stubbornly lacks sufficient diversity, and only 37% of lawyers are women. The National Association of Women Lawyers reported in a 2019 survey that women in law work the same hours as men, but their billing rates fall below the rates of their male colleagues. Additionally, 93 percent of law firms disclosed that their most highly compensated attorney is a man.

During this Women’s History Month, we seek to reflect on the groundbreaking innovations and progress accomplished by women, but we also look at how we can continue to close the wide gender equality gap that we still see prevalent today.

Goldstein graduated from the Law Center in 1995. She also holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan. Prior to her current role, she served as a partner at Cooley LLP and in the New York office of Epstein, Becker and Green, P.C., where she was a member of the Board of Directors, chair of the firm’s Health Care and Life Sciences Practice Steering Committee and the Pharmaceutical Industry Health Regulatory Practice Group.

Over the span of her career, her clients have included biopharmaceutical and device manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, as well as providers such as hospital systems, digital health companies, medical technology companies and more.

Along with underscoring Goldstein’s impressive career in health law, I would also like to shine a light on several more exemplary women who have graduated from, or worked at, the Law Center and are making remarkable strides in the legal space. Please take a moment to click through the slideshow to see more about other women alumni who have not only left their mark here at the Law Center, but also in their thriving careers in law.

Millions of women across the country are making effective change and positive impacts on our nation and society. May we applaud their efforts not only during Women’s History Month, but all throughout the year.

At the Law Center, our 2020 entering class was 52.8% women and has been over 50% women for the past two years, and a majority of our professional staff are women. When we empower women with equal opportunities and the tools to succeed, we promote true, powerful advancement for everyone.

Sincerely,

Leonard M. Baynes
Dean & Professor of Law
University of Houston Law Center