Waldman graduated from University of Wisconsin in 1966, where he received honors in History and Political Science, and from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1969. Following law school, he served as law clerk to Pittsburgh Judge Gwilym A. Price, Jr. and briefly was an associate at Rose, Schmidt & Dixon in Pittsburgh. Waldman became known early on for his keen intellect and insights and accordingly served in major roles throughout Thornburgh's years of public service. For fifteen years, Waldman served as a close aide to Dick Thornburgh in his political career in the U.S. Department of Justice and as Pennsylvania Governor. As advisor to Thornburgh, Waldman also played a pivotal role in Pennsylvania government. Thornburgh's dedication to Waldman in his autobiography, Where the Evidence Leads, describes the relationship best: "To my friend, colleague and mentor." In May 1971, Waldman first joined Thornburgh, then U.S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania. When Thornburgh moved on to serve as Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., Waldman accompanied him and served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General responsible for the Division's Organized Crime and Racketeering Section, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, and Public Integrity Section, as well as the management of litigation for these operations from July 1975 to 1977. Thornburgh returned to Pittsburgh to run for Governor in 1977; Waldman soon joined him and served as his Campaign Manager. Waldman's winning 1978 campaign strategies proved to be exceptional, particularly as Waldman had never run a campaign before. He subsequently served as executive assistant and legal counsel during Thornburgh's years as Governor of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1986. The Spring 2004 issue of the "Penn Journal" said, "Those who had the good fortune to know and work with Judge Waldman during these years, witnessed the workings of a brilliant political mind." After leaving the Thornburgh Administration, Waldman practiced law in Philadelphia and was nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 1988, serving on the federal bench for 14 years. At the time of his death in 2003, it was expected that he would be elevated to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
From the description of Papers of Jay C. Waldman, 1968-2003. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 465219264
