Judge Marilyn Milian: Biography, Career, Family, and Net Worth
Marilyn Milian Biography
Judge Marilyn Milian, best known to audiences as Judge Milian, is a distinguished American television personality, legal lecturer, and retired Florida Circuit Court judge. She made television history as the groundbreaking arbitrator on the long-running courtroom series The People’s Court, where she presided for an unprecedented 22 seasons from March 12, 2001 to July 21, 2023 – succeeding Judge Jerry Sheindlin and becoming the program’s longest-serving jurist, surpassing original judge Joseph Wapner’s record.
Following her record-breaking tenure on The People’s Court, Milian launched Justice for the People with Judge Milian in fall 2023. This innovative courtroom program features actors improvising as litigants while Milian delivers her signature brand of no-nonsense legal analysis.
Milian holds the distinction of being: The first Hispanic arbitrator to preside over a nationally syndicated court show, The longest-serving judge in The People’s Court history, One of the most recognizable female jurists in American television
Marilyn Milian Education
Marilyn Milian’s academic background is impressive:
High School: She attended St. Brendan High School in Miami, Florida.
Undergraduate Degree: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami.
Law Degree: Graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, where she excelled as a student.
Her education laid the foundation for her successful legal career.
Age
As of 2025, Marilyn Milian is 64 years old (born May 1, 1961). Despite her decades-long career, she remains a vibrant and authoritative presence on television.
Marilyn Milian Ethnicity
Marilyn Milian is of Cuban descent. Her parents fled Cuba during Fidel Castro’s regime, and she grew up in a proud Cuban-American household in Miami.
Nationality
She is an American citizen and has spent most of her life in the United States.
Marilyn Milian and Family
Milian comes from a close-knit family. Her father, Jorge Milian, was a mechanic, and her mother, Georgina, worked in a factory. Their hard work and sacrifices inspired her to pursue success in law and television.
Marilyn Milian Children
Marilyn and her husband, John Schlesinger, have three daughters:
Alexandra Schlesinger (born 1996)
Kathryn Schlesinger (born 1998)
Christina Schlesinger (born 2001)
She often speaks fondly of her daughters, emphasizing the importance of family.
Height
Marilyn Milian stands at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), but her commanding presence makes her seem much taller on screen
Judge Marilyn Milian Daughters
Marilyn and her husband, John Schlesinger, have three daughters: Alexandra, Kathryn and Christina
Her daughters have occasionally appeared alongside her in interviews and public events. Though none have followed her into law (yet), they share her strong, independent spirit.
Marilyn Milian Husband
Milian has been married since 1993 to John Schlesinger, a former prosecutor and current circuit court judge in Florida. Their long-lasting marriage is a testament to their strong partnership.
Marilyn Milian Net Worth
Thanks to her successful TV career and legal work, Marilyn Milian’s estimated net worth is $30 million.
Judge Marilyn Milian Salary
At the peak of her career on The People’s Court, she reportedly earned $5 million per year, making her one of the highest-paid TV judges.
Judge Marilyn Milian is a trailblazing Latina jurist, a devoted mother, and a TV icon. From her early days in Miami to her groundbreaking role on The People’s Court, she has left an indelible mark on American television and law.
