Judy represents individuals in all aspects of Matrimonial and Family Law, including mediation, negotiation of agreements and litigation of complex custody, geographic relocation, support and equitable distribution matters. Although Judy has been trying cases since 1988, she believes it is preferable for families to take control of their own destiny by designing agreements fact specific to each client’s needs.

Before becoming a partner at Lee Anav Chung White Kim Ruger & Richter LLP, she was a founding member of Garr and White, P.C., which was listed as one of the best matrimonial law firms in the country by US News and World Report (2010-2013 editions). Judy also worked as the Principal Court Attorney for one of the Justices of the New York State Supreme Court, Matrimonial Part, for nine years. As a court attorney, she had the unique opportunity to learn the practice of matrimonial law from the inside. Judy assisted in keeping abreast of all developments in the law, drafting decisions and negotiating settlements. Following her tenure in the courts it was a natural progression for Judy to include mediation in her practice. She has successfully mediated countless divorce and separation agreements.

Judy has been listed as one of the Best Lawyers of America since 2010, and has been recognized as one of the Top Lawyers in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas, for 2010 to the present, by both The New York Times and New York Magazine. She has received an AV Rating for Legal Abilities and Ethical Standards in the Martindale Hubbell Listing. She has also served as a moot court judge for New York Law School.

Judy believes personal attention is fundamental to these delicate matters. Whether a couple is seeking to prepare an agreement before they start a future together, such as a prenuptial agreement, or ending a chapter, in matters like divorce, separation or postnuptial agreement, clients deserve counsel that cares and takes the time to know and understand their needs. Our firm is dedicated to providing exceptional service while recognizing that both the beginning and ending of relationships are two of the most financially challenging times in your life. We also recognize that for many of our clients this will be their only direct experience with the legal system. One of our priorities is to ensure that our clients understand the process in advance, so they can make informed decisions.

While Judy enjoys her work with private clients, she has maintained a strong commitment to public service. Most recently, she co-founded “The Matrimonial Project,” the only completely pro bono matrimonial legal service in New York State. Before attending law school, she interned as a legislative assistant to a member of the United States Congress and worked for the Environmental Protection Agency. While in law school, Judy continued her dedication to public service by working pro bono with the Vietnam Veterans of America Legal Services, representing former servicemen and women in Administrative Hearings. Following law school, she worked as a staff attorney for the New York City Legal Aid Society in the Criminal Defense Division, where she tried over fifty felony and misdemeanor cases.

EDUCATION

The University of Massachusetts, cum laude, Dean’s List (B.A. 1985)
Washington College of Law, The American University, Dean’s Fellow; Public Interest Clinic (J.D. 1988)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Association of the Bar of the City of New York
  • Chair, Matrimonial Committee Sub-committee for CLE programming (2007-2010)
  • Chair, Criminal Courts Operations & Budget Committee (2002-2005)
• New York Women’s Bar Association
  • Chair, Matrimonial Committee (2005-2008)
• New York County Lawyers’ Association
  • Chair, Matrimonial Committee (2005-present)
• New York State Bar Association
  • Member, Matrimonial Committee (2008-present)

PRESENTATIONS, PUBLISHED WORKS AND HONORS

• “Business Valuations: Perspective from the Trenches | A Financial and Legal Analysis and Update”- Family and Divorce Mediation Council of NY, June 2012
• “Enforcing Money & Other Judgments in Matrimonial Cases” – New York City Bar Association, March 2011
• “Parenting Coordinators: What Every Matrimonial Practitioner Needs To Know” – New York City Bar Association, March 2010
• “Discovery Techniques in a Matrimonial Case” – New York City Bar Association, May 2009
• “Ethical Considerations for Matrimonial Practitioners” – Association of the Bar of the City of New York’s, November, 2008
• “Practicing Matrimonial Law in the Courtroom” – New York State Bar Association, January 2008
• “Pendente Lite Motions from the Law Secretaries’ Perspective” – New York County Lawyers’ Association, 2007
• “Annual Matrimonial Update” Custody issues – Association of the Bar of the City of New York’s, September, 2007
• “Proper Drafting of a Matrimonial Agreement” – CUNY Law School Alumni, April 2006
• “Practicing Matrimonial Law in the First Department” – New York County Chapter of the New York State Women’s Bar Association, 2000-2005
• “Basic Matrimonial Law Practice in New York” – New York County Lawyers’ Association, 2001 and 2004
• Judy has also lectured at Bar associations and the New York State Supreme Court, Criminal Division, on legal updates in criminal law.