District
19 reviews
Great judge but is he too old to judge Maduro case? See Jeffrey Tobin's NY Times piece from today. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/opinion/maduro-judge-hellerstein-age.html
Either vastly overrated or vastly past his prime. I found him superficial and uninterested. Hope he will call it quits sooner than later.
Judge Hellerstein is a savvy judge who understands business litigation and knows how to finesse a difficult case toward resolution. Woe to the litigant who comes to court unprepared, however. However, in fairness, Judge Hellerstein comes prepared, so he has a right to expect lawyers to do so as well. He's not to be taken lightly, but if you have a big case and need a judge who knows how to be a judge, Hellerstein is a good draw.
This is a judge with a dangerously grandiose, vindictive propensity. In our grossly attenuated experience before him, this judge exhibited a bias in favor of powerful, high-profile, "connected" lawyers, and denigrated counsel and with lesser means, while disadvantaging their clients and delaying their cases. Efforts on our part to advance the interests of the disadvantaged clients resulted in highly inappropriate, personalized campaign of hostility and rebuke from this judge. This is a judge who exhibited savvy in in diverting fault over to counsel owing his own misjudgment, and credit to himself for results produced by counsel-- including in instances where the attorney's dedicated efforts were able to secure results for their clients, and despite overcoming the judge's failed management that obstructed the disposition of the litigation.
This Judge knew he was given falsified grossly misleading information in an illegally timed ( 3 biz hours before my sentencing my useless innefective counsel who was representing me be ause his partner left put up no defences which I had with me to make out to be what Prosecutor John T Zach is a complete liar and he will see his day. The judge knew it was all lies afterward and let it be. He sentenced based on J Zacks BS sent memo - even quoted it in my sentencing transcript. The us Govt called FRAUDSTERS "victims" and advocated for OM Global Gig Movalia who was hiding money from cease and sexist In my HF was in estivated /013 1+ year before my sentencing and now I am appealing. I know the judge has done alot of good works however not in my case:(
While taking a plea in a criminal case, he embarked on an extensive, unfair cross-examination of the defendant that was dripping with mistrust and which called for information that went well beyond the elements of the offense. Be forewarned.
On 8/15/2006,I submitted comment No. 1686. Having since litigated before this Judge over the past six years, I am most disappointed to say that I have seen all too many instances of bias and quite a detrimental level of ego-centricity from this Judge. Regrettably, I must withdraw the comment.
Judge Hellerstein is a strange bird who seems to know what he's doing, yet relishes in abusing the power his position affords him for his own amusement. A microcosmic example of megalomania in the micro-universe of his own courtroom. He might be nicer when he hits the boys room to perform as the mere mortals must do.
Very fair judge. Was very thorough in consideration of summary judgment motion; read the papers and came to a ery reasoned judgment. This judge is very involved in settlement negotiations and tries to promote settlement in small dollar matters. Observed court conferences in several small civil matters where the judge virtually dictated the settlement terms to the parties' attorneys.
Meted out a just sentence in a prosecution of murder in aid of racketeering that involved defendant's cooperation. Gave just weight to the seriousness of the underlying offenses and imposed a modest sentence that both the government and defendant accepted as fair, given the length and extent of cooperation.
Biased against plaintiffs in police misconduct cases. He asks both sides for their versions of the facts at the initial conference and then, as if he were the fact-finder, attempts to discourage the plaintiff's attorney by saying that it sounds like the police acted properly.
As decent as he appears, his handling of the WTC cases has been an unmitigated disaster and shown a staggering lack of competence.
I've been in front of this judge as a defendant, and I have to say that he is a very fair judge with perfect wisdom in making fair judgements. I appreciate the fact that he understood my circumstances, and based on that he gave me a fair sentence. I thank him and praise him for being a humble and a fair judge.
Having been in front of Judge Hellerstein in a civil matter, I found that he is more inclined to clear his docket than to spend the time necessary to listen to the facts and rule based on the merits of the case. He showed up with his mind made up and nothing could change his decision even when all the facts pointed to his having misruled and not understood the underlying case.
Was present at a recent sentencing before Judge Hellerstein where he sentenced a defendant with serious medical issues to a period of home confinement equal to the low end of the guidelines imprisonment range. Though outraged by the offense (various false statements to a bank to maintain a substantial line of credit) he recognized that the BOP would not likely deal effectively and speedily with likely medical emergencies (the client had several previous heart attacks). Usually courts reflexively conclude the BOP can deal with any medical condition -- which is total b.s.
A very decent man. Perfect selection to handle the 9-11 mess. Very smart and knowledgable. Soft spoken with victims and lawyers for all sides. Dignified and a little professorial but seems to really understand the plight of the people and the needs of the nation.
Unfortunately, he reaches a result, and then backs into the result through his decision, without appreciating the facts/law for the case. After doing so, makes flip comments such as "these cases are really tough". I do appreciate the informal nature of his conferences.
Intellectually smart, street smart, experienced and thoughtful. Most importantly, a very decent and honorable human being.
A Jurist of distinction and dynamic balance. Judge Hellerstein rules his Court room with stern dignity, tempered by a natural humility. He displays insight, focus, knowledge, inherent wisdom and unwaivering concern for the interests of humanity.