Robert Goldhaber

Robert Goldhaber is an accomplished attorney specializing in commercial collections and judgment enforcement. As managing partner and attorney at Rosenthal & Goldhaber, P.C., Robert has dedicated his career to helping businesses that are owed money – but have not yet received payment – for goods or services they provided.

In 1991, Robert joined his father Richard and his grandfather Max in the law practice of Rosenthal & Goldhaber, which is now a third-generation law firm. Robert’s grandfather Max Goldhaber founded the firm in 1940 with partner Benjamin Rosenthal, and the firm became one of Long Island’s most respected law firms. 

As Robert looked up to his father and grandfather for guidance and inspiration, it seemed logical to him that he would become an attorney. A graduate of Brandeis University, Robert earned his bachelor’s degree in economics in 1988. After graduation, he went on to earn his law degree from the Boston University School of Law. Robert is currently admitted to practice law in the state courts of New York and Massachusetts, as well as the southern and eastern New York Federal Districts.

Throughout his career, Robert has litigated many high-profile cases, including one case that created a new legal exception to a well-settled area of law involving signatures on personal guarantees.

Today, Robert manages the day-to-day operations of Rosenthal & Goldhaber, and he is also a practicing attorney. He is proud to continue the firm’s legacy of dedication, commitment, and passion for helping all clients of the firm. Robert believes that a rare approach – including a mixture of kindness, fairness, aggressiveness, and persistence – has been key to the firm’s long-term success.

In addition to Rosenthal & Goldhaber, Robert is also President of Corporate Substance Abuse Programs, Inc., a leader in customized corporate drug-testing programs.

As a Long Island native and resident of South Setauket, NY, Robert takes pride in giving back to his community. He is a member of many organizations that help promote the economic welfare of the community.

Robert is also a member of the UJA-Federation of New York, where he serves on the committee for the Long Island Building Materials Division. Additionally, as a member of Temple Isaiah Brotherhood (based in Stony Brook, NY), he participates in charitable activities to support his community.

Whenever he can, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. The time requirements of managing a law practice and running a drug-testing company make leisure activities precious. Robert’s outside interests include playing tennis and golf, and he is also a connoisseur of fine wines.

Elliott M. Portman, Counsel

Elliott’s concentration of practice is in federal and state litigation, particularly in the area of creditor’s rights, commercial litigation and judgment enforcement. He represents both international and domestic clients with regard to liquidation of their accounts receivable.

Mr. Portman has traditionally devoted the majority of his practice to creditor’s rights and judgment enforcement. As a result, he has maintained an excellent reputation in the field, striving for the highest standards of professionalism and for expeditious results.

He has lectured for the Suffolk County (NY) Academy of Law on the subjects of the collection of overdue accounts and law practice management. In addition, Mr. Portman has spoken before local civic groups with regard to civil litigation, creditor/debtor relations and has talked to Long Island high school students regarding the dangers of credit card abuse.

Mr. Portman is an active member of the Suffolk County Bar Association and has served as Chair of its Creditor’s Rights Law Committee four times.

Education:

• Brunel University, Uxbridge, England
• State University of New York College at Brockport (B.A., 1980)
• New England School of Law (J.D., 1983)

Bar Admissions:

• New York State (1986)
• U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York (1989)
• U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Western Districts of New York (2007)

Practice Areas:

• Commercial Debt Collection
• Commercial Litigation
• Judgment Enforcement

Affiliations, Achievements and Honors:

• American Jurisprudence Award for Professional Ethics while attending The New England School of Law
• New York State Bar Association (General Practice Section)
• Suffolk County Bar Association (Chair of Creditor’s Rights Law Committee 2009-2019)
• Commercial Lawyers Conference of New York (Vice President, 2007–2018)
• Commercial Law League of America (Creditor’s Rights Section)
• New York State Creditor’s Bar Association (Vice President, 2019–present)
• Financial Secretary, Temple Beth-El of Huntington, NY (2001-2005)
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (2012)
• AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell

Reported Cases:

• DHL Express (USA), Inc. v. Betterbodz Distrib. LLC, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20267 (N.D.N.Y Mar. 11, 2008)
• Amthor v. Commerce Bank, 15 Misc. 3d 1130(A) (N.Y. Dist. Ct. 2007)