Judge Judy Sheindlin, the well-known television personality and retired judge, is a proud mother and grandmother, having raised five children and enjoying the company of thirteen grandchildren. Her family matters greatly to her, especially as she approaches retirement.
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Born Judith Susan Blum in 1942, Judy began her family journey in 1966 when she married her first husband, Ronald Levy. Together, they had two children, Jamie Hartwright and Adam Levy, before their marriage ended in divorce a decade later. In 1977, Judy married Jerry Sheindlin, a fellow judge, which expanded her family significantly as he brought three children from his previous marriage — Gregory, Jonathan, and Nicole — into the new household.
All five of Judy’s children have now grown up and started families of their own. She often reflects on the joys of family gatherings, noting how thrilling it is to engage in discussions with her grandchildren, many of whom are now young adults interested in serious topics like politics and economics. In a heartfelt moment, her granddaughter Sarah Rose Levy expressed gratitude for Judy’s role in the family through a letter published in Good Housekeeping, where she acknowledged the solid foundation Judy has created for them all.
Gregory, the eldest son from Jerry’s previous marriage, graduated from law school in 1989 and has forged a successful career in insurance law while also earning the rank of sandan, or third-degree black belt in karate. He is married to Laurie Pila, an interior designer, with whom he has two daughters.
Judy’s daughter, Jamie, largely maintains a private life. She and her husband, Kenny Barber, have a son, Casey, who has followed in Judy’s footsteps into the legal profession. As the first grandchild, Casey has shared in some of Judy’s notable achievements, including co-founding a production company with her.
Jonathan, another child from Jerry’s marriage, pursued a career in medicine, becoming an accomplished ophthalmologist and an educator at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His family includes a daughter named Mia, who is currently attending university.
Adam, Judy’s youngest son from her first marriage, has had a diverse career in law and public service. He served as the district attorney for Putnam County, New York, and navigated a high-profile scandal that ultimately vindicated him. Recently, he has begun to make a name for himself in television, appearing on the new court show *Tribunal Justice,* an opportunity created by Judy herself.
Lastly, Nicole, Judy’s daughter from Jerry, has made waves as a legal advocate and entrepreneur. After a long tenure with the Legal Aid Society, she co-founded a successful mentoring programme that aims to empower young women in their career paths. Nicole also brings her experience back to the family by sharing her knowledge with the likes of her children, who also hold promising futures.
As a grandmother, Judy dotes on her many grandchildren, from Casey to Sarah Rose and Alexei, who are all stepping into careers that reflect the family’s legal legacy. Granddaughter Sarah, who works on her grandmother’s show *Judy Justice,* is set to establish a third-generation tie to the legal field. Each grandchild brings something unique to the family heritage, with many pursuing higher education and careers in law or adjacent fields.
In the coming months, Judge Judy will retire from her television show but will undoubtedly remain active in her family life. The warmth and wisdom she imparts to her children and grandchildren will likely continue to shape their paths. With her children grown and her thirteen grandchildren poised for bright futures, Judy Sheindlin’s legacy is sure to endure in both family and law, embodying a multifaceted journey of love and dedication.