Two New York Judges Dead: Hellerstein at 92, Gische at 70
Hellerstein was presiding over the Maduro narcotics trial, while Gische, who died in September, shaped state matrimonial law.
By Giulia Gallagher ·
New York’s legal establishment is processing the loss of two prominent judges who defined distinct eras of the state’s judiciary.
Alvin K. Hellerstein, a senior judge for the Southern District of New York, died Wednesday at age 92. He was actively serving in a high-profile case when he passed.
Judith J. Gische, a former New York State Supreme Court justice, died on September 25 at age 70. Records indicate she suffered from myelodysplastic syndromes, a disorder affecting bone marrow and blood.
Hellerstein’s death occurs while he presides over the narcotics trafficking prosecution of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cili Flores. Their trials are scheduled to begin in June 2027.
Gische’s passing was announced in a statement by Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain of the Southern District. Swain did not specify a cause of death for Hellerstein. She described him as an insightful and dedicated lawyer who served the court for over 25 years.
Swain noted that Hellerstein’s energetic service continued until his death. She expressed deep sympathies to his family during this sad time. The New York County Lawyers Association also issued a tribute to both judges.
Hellerstein was born in New York City on December 28, 1933. Before his judicial tenure, he served in the U.S. Army’s JAG corps from 1957 to 1960. He later led the litigation department at the law firm Stroock & Stroock & Lavan.
President Bill Clinton nominated Hellerstein to the U.S. District Court in 1998. During his career, he presided over cases involving major political figures. After the 9/11 attacks, he overturned a city motion to dismiss lawsuits seeking health payments for first responders. This ruling helped establish the 9/11 victim compensation fund. He also managed the Michael Cohen “hush money” case involving President Trump and Stormy Daniels.
Ronald C. Minkoff, president of the New York County Lawyers Association, praised Hellerstein’s intellect and focus on practical solutions. Gische, born in 1956 in Bayside, Queens, joined the state bench in 1990 as a Civil Court judge in Brooklyn.
She was later elected to the state Supreme Court and served as an associate Justice of the First Department Appellate Division. Gische specialized in matrimonial cases and was recognized for developing family law in the state system. She retired from the bench in 2023 and joined the litigation practice at Manhattan law firm Blank Rome. Minkoff called her a lioness and leader of the matrimonial bench, known for firmness and fairness. The New York Women’s Bar Association remembered her as a valued friend and mentor to many in the legal community.
Source: amNY
