Judge Judy, 83, Steps Back from On-Camera TV and Reveals the One Person She Trusts to Take Her Place

Growing up in their blended New York City family, Levy learned early that his mother expected independence. He recalled being told, "'If you want baseball cards, don't ask me for money.'"

By fourth grade, he was charging neighbors 50 cents a load to do their laundry. Levy later followed his mother into law, although his first plan after graduating from Hofstra Law School tested her patience.

He turned down a job offer and intended to spend a year becoming a ski instructor. When the Suffolk County, New York, district attorney's office later called the family home and offered Levy a position, Sheindlin answered.

"She said, 'Hi, this is Adam Levy's mom. And yes, he's going to take that job,'" Levy recalled. He subsequently worked in private practice and served two terms as Putnam County district attorney. His political career also led to a four-year defamation battle.

 

A Four-Year Battle Put Levy in the Spotlight

 

In 2013, Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith issued press releases accusing Levy of interfering with an investigation involving Levy's friend and personal trainer, Alexandru Hossu. Hossu was eventually cleared of all charges.

In 2017, as Levy's defamation trial against Smith was beginning, Smith admitted the alleged interference had not occurred, according to CBS News. The case ended in a $150,000 settlement. Smith was required to post an apology and retraction on the sheriff's department's website.

Levy, who had left politics and moved to Wyoming, described the lawsuit as his response to political bullying. Sheindlin publicly backed him after the settlement, saying her son had won a battle for his integrity, honesty, reputation, honor, and "the truth."

That legal career eventually led Levy to television. He joined the Prime Video court series "Tribunal Justice" in 2023 and spent three seasons on its panel of judges. Sheindlin said the experience helped prepare him for a solo program. "Maybe eight years ago he wasn't ready. He's ready now," she said.

 

Why She Chose Him

 

In the "Adam's Law" trailer, Sheindlin revealed that Levy's readiness was only part of the equation. She was not ready to surrender the spotlight earlier, either.