Judge Judy Creates Legacy Gift to New York Law School to Support Women in the Law

Television icon Judge Judy Sheindlin (otherwise, known simply as Judge Judy), graduated from New York Law School (NYLS) in 1965 and announced a major gift for her alma mater. Judge Sheindlin along with Dean Anthony W. Crowell announced the Judge Judy Sheindlin Honors Scholars Program.

The purpose of the program is to allow more women to attend law school in order to become leaders within their profession.

There are three generations of women from Judge Sheindlin’s family who have attended NYLS: her daughter Nicole Sheindlin ’93, her granddaughter Sarah Rose, who will graduate this spring, and of course the Judge herself.

The program created a partnership with Her Honor Mentoring, a mentoring program for young women, it was also founded and developed by Judge Sheindlin and Nicole Sheindlin in 2006.

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“Judge Judy Sheindlin is one of the most prominent graduates in our school’s history,” Crowell said in a statement. “Her gift is a profound commitment to women aspiring to attend law school, and will ensure they have the opportunity to gain a first-class education and become leaders throughout the profession. I am proud that women are now the majority of our student body, and they have an extraordinary role model and champion in Judge Sheindlin. I look forward to working with her, Nicole, and Sarah, to support our women students and giving them the tools to succeed.”

Once implemented, NYLS will host 10 women each year with credentials and demonstrated financial need. Each woman will then receive a full-tuition scholarship, book stipend, and a summer employment fellowship after their first year of law school.

“New York Law School has evolved into a welcoming and nurturing institution since I graduated in 1965,” Judge Sheindlin said in a statement. “It is a joy for me to be able to support talented women in their pursuit of a career in the law. Independent and focused women not only enrich the profession, but the world.”

Those who would like to pursue a degree with the school can also participate in the NYLS Law School Pipeline Program and receive academic and application support.

“Judge Judy Sheindlin is a historic and ground-breaking alumna,” Arthur Abbey ’59, Chair of the NYLS Board of Trustees said in a statement. “This immensely generous gift is invaluable to our women students and will give opportunities to women from all backgrounds and walks of life. I am deeply proud that NYLS is a preeminent institution for women to pursue their dreams and lead our profession into the future.”