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A TV judge host on show created by “Judge Judy” Sheindlin has joined Mediation Solutions of NY, headquartered in Islandia.
Patricia DiMango, a former justice of the New York State Supreme Court in Kings County, has joined the firm as a mediator in matrimonial and family law cases.
She retired from the bench after a nearly 20-year career, before becoming a television personality.
As DiMango tells it, Sheindlin had been asking people in New York “for someone like me only younger,” before calling DiMango to gauge interest on a television show. Receiving the call, DiMango said, was “an honor and a privilege and a compliment.”
Now, DiMango serves as one of three judges on Amazon Freevee’s “Tribunal Justice,” created by Sheindlin, and previously appeared as a judge on the Emmy-nominated series, “Hot Bench,” also created by Sheindlin on CBS.
DiMango has always welcomed new, intriguing challenges. And while others might have shied away from stepping into a high-profile industry without any experience, DiMango was all-in, especially given her professional expertise.
“A lot of people have their own glass ceilings,” she said. “I’ve never felt that way. I think that’s something that comes from my parents. My sister and I believe that if we put our minds to something, we could do it and there’s no harm in trying.”
And upon starting a new endeavor, she said, “I’m the kind of person who gives it my all.”
DiMango brings a diverse professional background to any role she embraces.
She holds a bachelor’s degree cum laude from Brooklyn College in both psychology and education. She served as an elementary school teacher in the New York City Public Schools, focusing on special education of children with emotional and cognitive needs.
During her teaching years and before law school, she earned a master’s degree from Columbia University in developmental psychology. She earned her law degree from St. John’s University, graduating in the top of her class and receiving awards and scholarships in recognition for her other academic achievements.
Now, she works both on television and at Mediation Solutions.
“I’m continuing to do my job here as a TV judge host,” DiMango said. “I love the idea of staying involved in the court system. I still do private cases occasionally for people. I work for the Appellate Division, handling some matters for them. I wanted to be active and involved in what my career has always been about.”
She welcomed the opportunity to join the mediation firm.
“The people involved in Mediation Solutions had a wonderful reputation before getting together in the firm,” she said. “I was very comfortable with the idea of working with them.”
“We are pleased to have Justice DiMango join MSNY,” Gail Prudenti, a founding member of Mediation Solutions and the former chief administrative judge of the Courts of New York State, said in a written statement. “She brings decades of judicial and legal experience as well as a reputation for stern, fair and compassionate judgement.”
DiMango is available for mediation virtually, or in the firm’s Manhattan, Westhampton or Southampton offices.
“I’ve prepared myself for everything that [being a mediator] involves: Negotiating. Speaking with people. My psychology background – understanding people,” DiMango said. “Hearing what people are not saying is as important as hearing what they are saying. Watching body language. All of the things that helped me on the bench help with mediation, where you’re facilitating the agreement amongst people.”
For DiMango, the role is rewarding.
“I’m helping [people] see a way to resolve their own conflicts,” she said.
