Growing up in New York City during the 1970s and ’80s also shaped skills he says he later brought into the courtroom. Levy said he learned early how to assess people’s behavior and recognize when someone might not be telling the truth.
“I learned very early in life how to go about cross-examining someone who was not telling the truth [to] get to the truth,” he said. That experience, along with his legal career, is Levy’s answer to the suggestion that his mother’s name alone qualifies him for the job.
Whether viewers agree is another matter. And some have already made their opinions about Judge Judy’s successor very clear.
Attorney Adam Levy was pictured at his law firm’s offices in Carmel, New York, on January 22, 2007. At the time, he was preparing to run for district attorney in Putnam County. | Source: Getty Images
Attorney Adam Levy was pictured at his law firm’s offices in Carmel, New York, on January 22, 2007. At the time, he was preparing to run for district attorney in Putnam County. | Source: Getty Images
Viewers See the Family Resemblance
Sheindlin may have given her son an emphatic vote of confidence, but viewers have been forming their own opinions. The trailer prompted plenty of comments about how strongly Levy resembles his mother — not only physically, but in the way he speaks and handles people.
One viewer wrote, “I’m not ready for Judge Judy to hand anything over. May she live forever!!” Another was immediately struck by the similarities: “Oh my gosh this guy totally embodies his mom 😂 I love it!!” A third was willing to give Levy a chance but made one thing clear: “I’ll give him a shot, but no one will ever replace his mom.”
“Looking just like his mama lol. Can’t wait!” another commenter wrote. One viewer went into much greater detail about the resemblance: “He takes after his mom in so many ways. The facial expressions, his manner of speech, the way he eviscerates liars. I have a feeling this is going to have a very long and prosperous run. […] Judy, you raised him well!”
Judy Sheindlin poses with her family as she receives the 2304 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, poses with on February 14, 2006 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Judy Sheindlin poses with her family as she receives the 2304 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, poses with on February 14, 2006 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
“Looks and sounds just like his mama!” another wrote, while someone else commented, “He looks just like his mother.” Another viewer was enthusiastic about both mother and son: “How exciting! I cannot wait! No other judge compares to JJ and her son is equally as impressive!! ❤”
One comment captured the mix of affection for Sheindlin and curiosity about what Levy might do next: “Awwww I love Judge Judy🥹 but I’m excited to see her son do his thing 🥰 like mother like son I can tell just from the trailer.” Another simply wrote, “Like mother like son 😂😂 I love it!!”
Whatever viewers ultimately decide about “Adam’s Law,” Sheindlin herself is not hedging. She believes her son has the legal knowledge, memory, personality, and television presence to carry the format.
Her confidence extends all the way to predicting that he could become a major daytime success. “Adams [music] Law is going to be the number one program in daytime. I know it,” Sheindlin said in the trailer.
Judge Judy Sheindlin photographed on June 13, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Judge Judy Sheindlin photographed on June 13, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Judge Judy Is Still in Charge Behind the Scenes
Despite stepping away from regular on-camera work, Sheindlin remains closely involved in the next phase. She is producing “Adam’s Law,” while Levy continues traveling from his Wyoming home to Stamford, Connecticut, to tape the show.
He and his wife, Lori Leichtman, have three children. Their daughter Sarah Rose is also part of the family television operation as a law clerk on “Judy Justice.”
Levy sees his mother frequently when he travels east, and family dinners still reflect the household’s long-standing rules for making an argument. “Everyone has their chance to speak,” he said, “but you better be able to back up your position.”
