Judge Helen M. Blackwood: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Biography

The Hon. Helen M. Blackwood is a judge on the Westchester County Court in the 9th Judicial District of New York. She was elected to the bench on November 3, 2015.

The 9th Judicial District encompasses Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties. Over the course of her judicial career, Blackwood has held assignments as an acting justice on the Westchester County Supreme Court.

Prior to her election, Blackwood was a judge on the Mount Vernon City Court, a position to which she was appointed by Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr., in 2009. Before that, she spent time as corporation counsel for the City of Mount (2002 to 2008).

Blackwood earned a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in 1978. She then completed a J.D. at New York Law School (1982) and an LL.M. at New York University School of Law (1983). She was licensed to practice in New York in 1983.

After graduating from law school, Blackwood entered into private practice at Coopers & Lybrand. She remained with the firm until 1986, at which time she joined Merrill Lynch & Co. Then, in 1990, she became the vice president of Viacom, Inc.

Her memberships have included the Mount Vernon Bar Association and the Westchester Black Bar Association. She has also been involved with the All Islands Association and the Park Lane Cooperative, and she has served on the board of directors of the Westchester Medical Center.

She is a recipient of the Betty Shabazz Award for Social Justice from the Trailblazers Advisory Board of Westchester County (2016) and the Harlem Black Achievers Award from the YMCA.

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Blackwood is the daughter of the late Ronald A. Blackwood, the city’s first elected Black mayor.

She is registered as a Democrat.

Recent Cases by Hon. Helen M. Blackwood

Kamil Wojdakowski v. xxxxxxx xxxxxxx

On March 27, 2024 a special proceedings - extreme risk protection order case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

10 Files

Filed

Mar 27, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Special Proceedings - Extreme Risk Protection Order

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 07, 2025

Reilly, Diane v. Grieco, Daniel

On August 12, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

29 Files

Filed

Aug 12, 2021

Status

Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Westchester County

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 09, 2024

BROOKS, WILLIAM v. ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK et al

On August 11, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

88 Files

Filed

Aug 11, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 22, 2024

MCVAWCC-DOE v. TOWN OF CORTLANDT et al

On August 5, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

240 Files

Filed

Aug 05, 2021

Status

Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 11, 2025

View Verdict

N., R. v. City of Yonkers et al

On July 8, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

30 Files

Filed

Jul 08, 2021

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 02, 2026

N., K. v. City of Yonkers et al

On June 9, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

48 Files

Filed

Jun 09, 2021

Status

Disposed

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 11, 2024

CARRERAS, WILKIN v. THE CHILDREN'S VILLAGE

On June 9, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

15 Files

Filed

Jun 09, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 09, 2024

O'REILLY, JAMES v. WESTCHESTER COUNTY et al

On June 7, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

40 Files

Filed

Jun 07, 2021

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2024

QUINNONES, JOSE v. City of Yonkers et al

On May 26, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

36 Files

Filed

May 26, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 07, 2025

Rcva Wcr-Doe v. City Of Yonkers, Yonkers City School District, Emerson Middle School Nka Cross Hill Academy

On May 19, 2021 a torts - child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

27 Files

Filed

May 19, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Torts - Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 07, 2025

Garcia, Daniel v. Yonkers Public Schools

On May 13, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

27 Files

Filed

May 13, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2024

Sallustio, Linda v. Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services et al

On March 23, 2021 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

41 Files

Filed

Mar 23, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 02, 2026

FUOCO, JOHN v. YONKERS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT a/k/a YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS a/k/a YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT et al

On October 30, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

35 Files

Filed

Oct 30, 2020

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 03, 2025

Figliuzzi, Roberto v. Julia Dyckman Andrus Memorial, Inc.

On September 28, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

179 Files

Filed

Sep 28, 2020

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 29, 2025

BAYER, SHAWN V. v. BAYER, CHRISTOPHER A et al

On September 3, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

67 Files

Filed

Sep 03, 2020

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 03, 2025

VAVASOUR, ROBERT v. TERENCE E. SHANLEY as Executor to the Estate of KEVIN MICHAEL SHANLEY

On August 13, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

18 Files

Filed

Aug 13, 2020

Status

Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2024

QUENTIN, BEVERLY v. KNOX, GRANNELL E.

On July 30, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

55 Files

Filed

Jul 30, 2020

Status

Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 27, 2026

View Verdict

RIVERA-CHURCH, KATHERINE v. NEW YORK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF et al

On July 27, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

32 Files

Filed

Jul 27, 2020

Status

Disposed

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 28, 2025

O'DONNELL, PATRICK J. v. THE JEWISH BOARD OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES, INC. f/k/a/ JEWISH BOARD OF GUARDIANS et al

On July 23, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

26 Files

Filed

Jul 23, 2020

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 25, 2025

NASTRO, DANIEL v. NASTRO, FRANCES

On July 22, 2020 a mat-contested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

Filed

Jul 22, 2020

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Mat-Contested

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 16, 2025

SANTANGELO, MARTIN v. FAMILY SERVICES OF WESTCHESTER, INC. et al

On July 8, 2020 a tort-child victims act case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

79 Files

Filed

Jul 08, 2020

Status

Disposed

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort-Child Victims Act

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 12, 2024

PALJEVIC, LINDITA v. PALJEVIC, OMER

On June 9, 2020 a mat-contested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

Filed

Jun 09, 2020

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Mat-Contested

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 16, 2025

DeLasho, Linda v. DeLasho, Joseph

On May 26, 2020 a mat-contested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

Filed

May 26, 2020

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Mat-Contested

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 17, 2025

The People Of The State Of New York et al v. Lamanna, Amy et al

On May 15, 2020 a sp-other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Westchester County. Judge Helen M. Blackwood presiding.

34 Files

Filed

May 15, 2020

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Helen M. Blackwood 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Helen M. Blackwood

Court

Supreme

County

Westchester County, NY

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

SP-Other

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 18, 2025

Discover if Hon. Blackwood is the right judge for your case based on their ruling history.

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About

Helen M. Blackwood
Party Affiliation Democrat	Democrat
Current Appointment Westchester County Supreme Court	Westchester County Supreme Court
Election/Appointment 2015 - Westchester County Court	2015 - Westchester County Court
Previous Appointment Westchester County Court	Westchester County Court
Education LL.M., New York University School of Law - 1983 J.D., New York Law School - 1982 Bachelor's degree, Colgate University - 1978	LL.M., New York University School of Law - 1983 J.D., New York Law School - 1982 Bachelor's degree, Colgate University - 1978
Official Website ww2.nycourts.gov	ww2.nycourts.gov

Documents related to Helen M. Blackwood

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	NY - Westchester County Supreme Court
Previous Court:	NY - Westchester County Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (914) 824-5418
Chambers:	+1 (914) 824-5417
Chambers Fax:	+1 (212) 618-7962

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Attorney	Coopers & Lybrand	None
Attorney	Merrill Lynch & Co.	None
Vice President	Viacom, Inc.	None
Corporation Counsel	City of Mount Vernon Office of Corporation Counsel	Westchester County, New York
Judge	Mount Vernon City Court	Westchester County, New York
Judge	Westchester County Court	Westchester County, New York
Acting Justice	Westchester County Supreme Court	Westchester County, New York