A Career in Law, TV: Judge Judy Timeline

1963 Judith Sheindlin graduates from the School of Government at American University in Washington, D.C., and begins attending New York Law School the same year.

1965 Judy receives her law degree from New York Law School and starts practicing law in Manhattan.

1972 Judy starts her work in New York’s Family Court, prosecuting juvenile delinquents for the state of New York.

1982 New York Mayor Ed Koch appoints Judy to the bench in Family Court.

1986 Judy receives an appointment as supervising judge in Manhattan.

1993 Judy becomes the subject of a Los Angeles Times article for her outspokenness on the bench. The article is seen by producers at CBS’ “60 Minutes,” who decide to feature Judy in a segment on the newsmagazine program.

1996 Spelling Entertainment Group’s Big Ticket Television approaches Judy about presiding over cases on television. Judy signs on, and “Judge Judy” premieres in syndication on Sept. 16, 1996. She later writes her first book, “Don’t Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It’s Raining,” about her experiences on the bench.

1999 A second book, “Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever,” is published. It discusses women’s issues, including the need for self-reliance and a sense of humor.

2000 Two more of Judy’s books are published, including her first children’s book, “Win or Lose by How You Choose.” A third adult book, “Keep It Simple, Stupid: You’re Smarter Than You Look,” tackles how to solve everyday family squabbles. Judy also receives the Distinguished Alumni Award from New York Law School.

2001 Judy’s second children’s book, “Judge Judy Sheindlin’s You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover,” is published. Judy is honored by the Working Organization for Retarded Children and Adults for her advocacy for mentally retarded people.

2002 Judy becomes a spokeswoman for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, promoting awareness of colorectal cancer.

2003 “60 Minutes II” follows up on the original interview with Judy, showcasing the popularity of “Judge Judy” and her outspoken opinions.

2004 Judy is named International Spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League America to promote pet adoption.

2006 Judy receives the 2,304th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, next to Sidney Poitier’s, and the American Women in Radio & Television’s Gracie Allen Tribute Award for her contributions to the broadcasting industry.

2007 Judy is named one of Forbes’ top celebrities in entertainment on the magazine’s “Celebrity 100” list. She also starts a young women’s mentoring program entitled “Her Honor” with daughter Nicole Sheindlin.

2008 Judy signs a new deal with CBS Television Distribution to continue “Judge Judy” until the 2012-13 season.

2009 Judy is named TelevisionWeek’s Syndication Personality of the Year.