The Gavel Drops: Meet The 3 Newest Hot Bench Judges For The Current Season

The landscape of daytime television court has seen a significant shake-up, with the Emmy-nominated syndicated court program Hot Bench introducing a fresh panel and a new energy for its latest season. As of the current date, December 11, 2025, the dynamic three-judge panel—a format unique to the show—is anchored by a mix of seasoned veterans and a brand-new face, bringing diverse legal perspectives to the small claims cases presented before them.

Created by television icon Judge Judy Sheindlin, Hot Bench continues to captivate millions by offering a compelling twist: the judges must engage in a post-case judicial deliberation to reach a final verdict. This transparent, collaborative jurisprudence is what sets the show apart, and the current panel is tasked with maintaining the show’s reputation for spirited debate and incisive legal analysis.

The Current Hot Bench Judges: Full Biography and Professional Profile

The latest season of Hot Bench features a powerful trio of legal minds. Following the retirement of long-time judge Michael Corriero, the panel was refreshed to include a new judge alongside two returning favorites. Here is a detailed look at the three judges currently presiding over the bench and their impressive professional backgrounds.

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1. Judge Daniel Mentzer: The Seasoned Trial Attorney

Daniel Mentzer is the newest addition to the Hot Bench panel, joining the show for Season 12 and bringing a wealth of trial experience to the court. His appointment filled the seat left vacant by the retirement of Judge Michael Corriero, marking a significant change for the syndicated court program. Mentzer is also the stepson-in-law of the show’s creator, Judge Judy Sheindlin, adding a layer of family connection to the production team.

• Legal Focus: Criminal Defense, Trial Law, Taxation.
• Experience: Over three decades of legal experience, including more than 20 years as a criminal defense attorney, primarily in the Bronx. He has led upwards of 90 criminal trials, handling a variety of high-profile cases.
• Education: Holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara and SUNY Buffalo Law School, as well as an LL.M. in Taxation from William and Mary.
• Role on the Bench: Mentzer is known for his sharp cross-examination skills and his focus on the minutiae of trial procedure, which he honed during his extensive career in New York courtrooms.

2. Judge Rachel Juarez: The Family Law Expert

Judge Rachel Juarez joined the panel in a prior season and quickly became a fan favorite for her measured approach and expertise in complex civil matters. Her background provides a strong counterpoint to the criminal law focus of her colleagues, ensuring a well-rounded legal perspective on the arbitration-based reality court show.

• Legal Focus: Family Law, Civil Litigation.
• Experience: Began her career at the prestigious litigation powerhouse Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, where she gained considerable experience in high-stakes civil cases. She later transitioned to family law, where she was repeatedly named a Super Lawyers "Rising Star."
• Education: A graduate of both Yale University and Stanford Law School, two of the nation's top institutions.
• Role on the Bench: Juarez often focuses on the human element and the emotional consequences of the small claims cases, using her family law background to delve into the underlying relationship dynamics between the litigants.

3. Judge Yodit Tewolde: The Criminal Justice Reform Advocate

Judge Yodit Tewolde is a dynamic and outspoken member of the bench, known for her passionate advocacy and deep commitment to criminal justice reform. Her media presence as a legal analyst and Emmy Award-winning TV host prior to Hot Bench gave her a national platform, which she now uses to champion fairness and equity in the courtroom.

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• Legal Focus: Criminal Defense, Criminal Justice Reform.
• Experience: A renowned criminal defense attorney and legal analyst whose expertise has been featured across numerous major media outlets. She previously hosted "Making the Case" and anchored for "Court TV."
• Education: Dedicated her entire legal career to the practice of law and has been a staunch advocate for justice and fairness from a young age.
• Role on the Bench: Tewolde brings a strong, often fiery, perspective to the judicial deliberation room, challenging her fellow judges and ensuring that issues of systemic fairness and legal precedent are thoroughly considered.

The Unique Format: How the Hot Bench Deliberation Works

The core appeal of Hot Bench, and the reason for its success as a top-rated syndicated court program, is the revolutionary three-judge panel format. This structure, a brainchild of creator Judge Judy Sheindlin, is a departure from the traditional single-judge court show and adds a layer of depth and authenticity that mirrors real-life collaborative jurisprudence.

In a typical episode, the three judges—Mentzer, Juarez, and Tewolde—hear two small claims cases. Each judge has the opportunity to question the plaintiffs and defendants, often employing a rapid-fire interrogation style to get to the heart of the matter. The cases are real, and the litigants agree to have their disputes resolved through binding arbitration, with the show's production company, Big Ticket Pictures and Queen Bee Productions, paying the final judgment award.

The true magic happens after the testimony concludes. The judges retreat to the judicial deliberation room, a segment that is unique to the show. Unlike real courtrooms where judges often confer privately or simply issue a ruling, the Hot Bench judges' discussions are filmed and aired. This is where viewers get an inside look at the process of legal reasoning. The three judges must openly debate the merits of the case, the credibility of the witnesses, and the application of law. They must then come to a majority consensus to deliver a verdict. This open debate—often spirited and occasionally heated—is what provides the "hot" in Hot Bench, offering a fascinating glimpse into the path to justice.

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The Legacy and The Changes: From DiMango to Mentzer

The success of Hot Bench, which has earned multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations, is built upon the foundation laid by its initial and subsequent panels. Understanding the show’s history is key to appreciating the current dynamic. The show first premiered in 2014 with a panel consisting of Judge Patricia DiMango, Judge Tanya Acker, and Judge Larry Bakman. This original trio set the standard for the show's unique energy.

The most recent and notable shifts occurred in recent seasons. Judge Patricia DiMango and Judge Tanya Acker, two of the show's most recognizable faces, departed to join Judge Judy Sheindlin’s new Amazon Freevee series, *Tribunal Justice*, another arbitration-based court show. This move created the opportunity for new talent to step in and refresh the bench.

The longest-serving judge, Judge Michael Corriero, a retired New York State Supreme Court Justice, announced his retirement at the end of Season 11. Corriero was a pillar of the show for nearly a decade, and his departure was a major milestone. His replacement, Daniel Mentzer, represents the show's commitment to injecting new, diverse legal expertise into the format, ensuring the judicial deliberation remains fresh and unpredictable. The transition ensures that while the faces change, the core commitment to collaborative legal analysis remains the show's signature feature.

The combination of Judge Juarez's family law precision, Judge Tewolde's criminal justice advocacy, and Judge Mentzer's hard-nosed trial experience creates a compelling and modern judicial panel. Their individual expertise and willingness to challenge each other in the deliberation room are the driving forces that keep Hot Bench at the forefront of daytime television, proving that a three-judge panel is truly better than one when it comes to delivering entertaining and insightful justice.