Judge Judy Inspired Some Of Her 5 Children & 13 Grandchildren To Pursue Careers In Law

May 01, 2023

Judith Sheindlin, known professionally as Judge Judy, is America’s beloved television court judge. Known for her blunt personality and determined attitude, Sheindlin has become a fan favorite in the TV world with her show “Judge Judy,” which aired from September 1996 until late July 2021. She has become extremely successful for her courtroom reign on television and has launched a spin-off series called “Judy Justice” to continue to help people with their legal issues by presiding over a plethora of new cases.

Sheindlin grew up in Brooklyn, a borough in New York City, before going on to study government at American University in Washington, D.C. She earned her Juris Doctor degree at New York Law School in 1965. While the former prosecutor and Manhattan family court judge is most known for being Judge Judy, she is also a producer behind the scenes and an author. She has also won a handful of awards and accolades and has continued to be recognized as one of the best courtroom judges.

Along with being a notable figure in the courtroom, Judy has also become that one special person to her long-time partner, who was also a TV judge. At work, Judy had to deal with a fair share of problems in front of her as she presided over several cases, and her marriage has also had a few problems. However, both she and her partner have continued to love and support each other and ultimately have been able to make their marriage last an incredibly long time.

The two are the parents of five children. Children often follow in their parents’ footsteps or go into the family business, and many of Judy’s children – as well as grandchildren – have done just that by taking on careers in the legal industry.

Judy’s first marriage was to Ronald Levy, a juvenile court prosecutor. They were married in 1964 but divorced 12 years later. They have two children together, Jamie and Adam Levy. Jamie did not pursue a career in law while Adam did, becoming Putnam County’s District Attorney and winning a defamation suit in 2017 that resulted in a $150,000 settlement and personal letter of apology from a sheriff.

Not long after, Judy married Judge Jerry Sheindlin, who went on to become an arbitrator in the TV show “The People’s Court.” The couple had gotten married back in 1977 but divorced in 1990 following her father’s death. Jerry struggled to understand how to properly take care of his wife during this time. “She said to me, ‘If you can’t maneuver this, I’m going to divorce you,’” Jerry recalled. “And I said, ‘Oh yeah? I dare you.’ And the next day I got divorce papers.”

Fortunately, their separation only lasted one year as they remarried in 1991, reported the Daily Mail. “I missed Jerry,” Judy told Closer Weekly. “I like to have someone to fuss over.”

She also recalled how after work, her organized attitude would follow her home and she would deal with, “appointments, clothes, socks – and not everybody is as neat as you would want them!”

Judy became the stepmother of three of Jerry’s children and has 13 grandchildren. Two of her stepchildren – Gregory and Nicole Sheindlin – pursued careers in law. Gregory became Assistant District Attorney in New York County and spent years as a trial attorney before opening his own law firm in 2014. Nicole spent 15 years at the Mentzer & Sheindlin law firm before founding Her Honor Mentoring, an e-mentoring program. Meanwhile, Judy’s third stepchild, Jonathan Sheindlin, took a different path and became an ophthalmologist in New York.

Children sometimes follow in their parents’ footsteps, and in Judy’s case, this also extends to her grandchildren. After all, with a grandmother as successful as Judy, it is no wonder the younger generation in her family would be inspired to pursue a career in law. 

This could be in part due to Judy doting on her grandkids. In May 2015, she told ET Online:

“I spoil them. I’m trying to think of how we don’t, but the answer is we do. We don’t even think we’re doing it, but their parents are very smart. They try to put the skids on it.” 

Today, with a far less hectic schedule, Judy often shares glimpses into her personal life on social media, whether it be playing Scrabble, going for a run, chilling at home with her pet pooch, Scout, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen. It’s clear that despite her professional successes, her personal life and her loved ones are her No. 1 priority. This was proven when she even officiated at the wedding of one of her grandchildren in September 2013.

Another of Judy’s grandchildren, Sarah Rose Levy, not only pursued a career in law like her famous grandmother, but is also a regular on her streaming show, “Judy Justice.” 

Levy also penned a heartfelt letter to her grandma published by Good Housekeeping, in which she lauded Judy for creating a “strong safety net for our entire family.” She added, “I have seen firsthand how amazing it can be when there is a strong matriarch leading the way. … With your advice and direction, I have all the tools I need to be a strong, independent woman. I am so lucky to have you as my biggest cheerleader and supporter — and very best friend.”

What are your thoughts on Judy’s extremely accomplished family? Do you have an older family member who inspired you in your professional life? Let us know and pass this along to all the fans of Judge Judy you know!