Judge Daniel Mentzer joins CBS Media Ventures’ Emmy-nominated syndicated court program HOT BENCH as the newest judge for Season 12, bringing a wealth of legal expertise and courtroom experience to the bench. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he has been a fierce advocate in the courtroom, handling high-profile criminal cases and shaping legal discourse as a trial attorney and legal analyst.
Before joining HOT BENCH, Mentzer served as a criminal defense attorney for over 20 years, primarily in the Bronx. He led upwards of 90 criminal trials, including 32 homicide cases, demonstrating his skill in navigating complex legal battles. His expertise also made him a sought-after legal analyst for Court TV.
Earlier in his career, he served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for New York State, investigating healthcare professionals accused of Medicaid fraud. He also spent five years as a defense attorney with The Legal Aid Society, defending indigent clients in criminal trials.
Mentzer’s legal acumen extends beyond the courtroom. In 2025, he will appear as a trial attorney in JUDGE JUDY PRESENTS: JUSTICE ON TRIAL, an Amazon series reenacting landmark trials.
A California native, Mentzer earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California at Santa Barbara before obtaining his Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo School of Law. He further honed his legal expertise with a Master of Laws in Taxation from William and Mary’s Marshall Wythe School of Law.
HOT BENCH is an Emmy-nominated syndicated court show, created by Judge Judy Sheindlin and executive produced by David Theodosopoulos. Belinda Jackson and James Glover are co-executive producers. Yodit Tewolde, Rachel Juarez and Daniel Mentzer comprise the three-judge panel. HOT BENCH is produced by Big Ticket Pictures and Queen Bee Productions. It is distributed by CBS Media Ventures.