Elawvate

The Courage to Break the Mold with Judith Livingston

Episode Summary

With 37 verdicts of more than a million dollars, few lawyers in America can match the track record of success of New York trial lawyer Judy Livingston. What’s more, many of Judy’s verdicts came at a time when few women were trial lawyers. Join Ben and Rahul for their in-depth interview with Judy in which they explore the sources of the courage and fortitude that fueled her success. Judy shares accounts of her early trial practice, where she literally had to create a new mold as a woman in the courtroom. Judy discusses her approach to trying complex medical malpractice cases and connecting with a jury. She talks about juggling life and the demands of raising a family with a husband who, like her, is a renowned trial lawyer. If you are a trial lawyer or aspire to be, there is no way you can listen to this episode without feeling inspired.

Episode Notes

With 37 verdicts of more than a million dollars, few lawyers in America can match the track record of success of New York trial lawyer Judy Livingston.  What’s more, many of Judy’s verdicts came at a time when few women were trial lawyers.  Join Ben and Rahul for their in-depth interview with Judy in which they explore the sources of the courage and fortitude that fueled her success.  Judy shares accounts of her early trial practice, where she literally had to create a new mold as a woman in the courtroom.  Judy discusses her approach to trying complex medical malpractice cases and connecting with a jury.  She talks about juggling life and the demands of raising a family with a husband who, like her, is a renowned trial lawyer.  If you are a trial lawyer or aspire to be, there is no way you can listen to this episode without feeling inspired. 

 

About Judy Livingston

Top Personal Injury Attorneys | Kramer Dillof Livingston & Moore (kdlm.com)

 

Judith A. Livingston has long been one of the most successful plaintiff’s attorneys in the United States. Reserved, methodical and precise, Ms. Livingston has been called “A Legal Legend” by Law Dragon and named one of “The 50 most influential women lawyers in America” by New York magazine. She has been a partner at the law firm of Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore since 1989.

 

Ms. Livingston has won 37 trials with verdicts in excess of $1 million and has negotiated hundreds of settlements that have resulted in payments to her clients of almost a half-billion dollars. She specializes in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Ms. Livingston is the current President of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group limited to 100 of the best plaintiff lawyers in the United States who possess exceptional qualifications, are experienced and skillful in the handling of courtroom litigation, and who are respected among their peers. She was the first female, and youngest member invited to be a part of this prestigious organization.

 

Judith A. Livingston has the distinction of being named in Best Lawyers magazine for 2011 and 2013 as the New York Medical Malpractice “Lawyer of the Year.” She was cited by the National Law Journal as one of “40 lawyers who have made their mark in the area of health care law,” and she has been listed yearly by New York magazine and Super Lawyers magazine as one of the best lawyers in New York. New York magazine also cited her as one of “the 50 most influential women lawyers in America.” And in every listing, since Lawdragon began recognizing the top 500 lawyers in the United States, Ms. Livingston has been selected as one of the country’s top lawyers.

 

In 2022, Judith was inducted into the Maurice A. Deane School of Law Hall of Fame at Hofstra University. Hofstra Law established the Hall of Fame “to honor alumni whose exemplary careers and extraordinary service to the betterment of society have significantly impacted the Hofstra Law community and beyond.” She received the Presidential Medal from Hofstra University and the Fordham Founder’s Award in 2014. The former is awarded to “distinguished persons in recognition of outstanding career achievement and professional leadership.” The latter “recognizes individuals whose personal and professional lives reflect the highest aspirations of the University’s defining traditions, as an institution dedicated to wisdom and learning in the service of others."

 

A fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Judith Livingston has participated nationally in lectures and seminars on subjects ranging from trial strategy to women in the courtroom.

 

Ms. Livingston sits on the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. She is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers; the International Society of Barristers; the Bar Association of the City of New York; the American Association of Justice, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

 

From 2006 through 2009, Ms. Livingston was co-president of the Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert (JALBCA.) She continues on the JALBCA Board of Directors, helping to educate women in the fight against breast cancer.

 

Judith A. Livingston graduated from The State University of New York, Stony Brook, with high honors; and from Hofstra University School of Law in 1979, where she received a J.D. degree and an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 1998. In 2014, Ms. Livingston gave the Commencement address at Hofstra University School of Law, the second time she was given that honor.

 

Bar Admissions

 

Education

 

Honors, Awards and Special Recognitions

 

Professional Associations and Memberships

 

Pro Bono Activities

 

Location: New York, New York