NEW ROCHELLE, NY (December 31, 2024) — Michelle Kim Bernstein, a former Westchester County Assistant District Attorney, was sworn in as a judge at the New Rochelle City Court on Monday, December 30. The ceremony was officiated by Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert.
This is an interim appointment that will expire on December 31, 2025.
Bernstein, a graduate of Hofstra University School of Law, has been an assistant district attorney with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office where she earned a salary of $140,486 in 2023, according to public records from SeeThroughNY.net. Bernstein’s tenure as District Attorney concluded on December 27, 2024, paving the way for her judicial role.
Her appointment to the bench was officially communicated in a letter dated December 3, 2024, from Mayor Ramos-Herbert to the Honorable Anne Minihan, JSC, Administrative Judge of the Ninth District.
In the letter, Mayor Ramos-Herbert praised Bernstein’s “extensive legal expertise, dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to justice,” expressing confidence that she would uphold the court’s tradition of integrity and fairness.
There are three seats on the New Rochelle City Court with 10-year terms, one appointed by the Mayor and two elected positions.
Judge Matthew Costa resigned in October from his elected seat. Neither the City of New Rochelle, the New Rochelle City Court nor the New York State Unified Court System have responded to repeated request for details on the effective date of Costa’s resignation. Costa was elected so the timing of the vacancy is such that the interim appointment is made by the Mayor.
The deadline to submit application materials was Monday, November 4, 2024. There was no explanation for the delay in filling the vacancy.
RELATED:
New Rochelle Mayor Seeking to Fill Vacancy on New Rochelle City Court
JEWISHLINK: Michelle Bernstein Sworn in to New Rochelle Court
What they are saying:
Yadira Ramos-Herbert: “Her colleagues describe her as a person with an extraordinary capacity for empathy. Michelle will bring to our benefit a depth of experience, a deep connection to our community and a balanced perspective that will serve all who come before her. She embodies the very best of New Rochelle and the values we hold dear: fairness, compassion and a commitment to justice for all. We look forward to seeing the profoundly positive impact that you will undoubtedly have in this role.”
New Rochelle City Judge Jared Rice: “This is a wonderful occasion as we welcome Judge Bernstein to the New Rochelle City Court. Our job is our ability to serve this community, to be here at the court, as a beacon of justice.”
Judge Michelle Bernstein: “I am deeply humbled and extremely grateful to stand before all of you today as I begin my journey to serve as a new city judge of New Rochelle. I did not arrive at this moment alone. I stand on the shoulders of giants: family, friends, mentors and colleagues who have guided, supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. I was born and bred in this great city. After Justin and I got married and took a one-year hiatus, we came back to plant our own roots here, and I am so grateful for the friends and neighbors I grew up with as well as new neighbors and friends. I do not have the words to express my deepest gratitude for everything (my parents) have done for me. Your unwavering support, guidance and love have been the driving force for me getting to today. Your extreme patience and encouragement shaped the person I am today. They always say it takes a village, and you are the mayor, trustees and founding members of this village. Coming home to (her children) at the end of a workday is the best part of my day. I am so proud to be your mom. I hope to continue to make you proud as a mom and now a judge. Ever since I was an intern in the New Rochelle branch of the DA’s office back in law school, right down the hallway from the courtroom we are in today, I dreamed of becoming the judge in this very courtroom. I spent over four years in the New Rochelle branch. I always hoped to be able to come back ‘home’ as the judge. I’m absolutely thrilled, after over 16 challenging and rewarding years in the DA’s office, I will now be home to serve as a judge here in New Rochelle.”