In March, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein suprisingly rejected the $657.5 million settlement offer between the city and 9/11 first responders, calling it an inadequate amount. Since then, individuals from both sides of the legal battle have begun to question the Judge's judgement and motives, as Hellerstein has become the judge for 9/11-related cases, including wrongful death, property damage and personal injury lawsuits.
Hellerstein, an orthodox Jew, has gained a reputation as a passionately compassionate judge: “He had my clients in his chambers for over one hour to listen to them. He, more than anyone, understands deeply the pain” said Norman Siegel, a lawyer for families seeking to recover human remains from the debris that was carted off to the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island. “The judge is now like Elvis in the 9/11 community. For years these guys have been neglected, and now there’s someone who cares,” said John Feal, an advocate for 9/11 workers through FealGood Foundation.
But others say Hellerstein has taken that role as 9/11 overseer too far: “It’s a very frustrating thing for lawyers. He’s guided by a concept of fairness that’s not in the law,” said lawyer Donald A. Migliori. Arthur Miller, a professor at the NYU School of Law, thinks Hellerstein might view these trials as his legacy: “This is history for him. This is an awesome responsibility. He wants to be the person who brought peace to this entire situation. He would not be human if he didn’t feel a personal interest in this.”
