Goldring was a judge of the District Court of New South Wales, and one of few judges to make his way to the post through legal academic channels.

Prior to his appointment he practised law in Sydney, New York, Papua New Guinea and the ACT. He had been a member of the Committee of the Commonwealth Legal Education Association, the Legal Practitioners Admission Board, the Board of Governors of the College of Law in NSW and was serving as a member of the Council of the National Judicial College of Australia, nominated to represent the District and County Court judges.

Goldring was a strong advocate for the rights of children and young people. In 2007, he sentenced a Sydney man convicted of forcing his step-daughter into sexual servitude to 14 years in jail.

Goldring said then he wanted "to send a message to all stepfathers that this type of behaviour will be severely punished by the courts".

Prior to joining the bench, Goldring was also a full-time member of the NSW Law Reform Commission, contributing to a number of highly influential reports on topics including consumer protection law, legal education and privacy legislation.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, 9 October at the Wollongong Memorial Garden and Crematorium, Berkeley Road, Unanderra.