Quick Facts
Biography
Helene E. Weinstein (born September 6, 1952) represents District 41 in the New York State Assembly, which comprises Sheepshead Bay, Flatlands, East Flatbush, Midwood and Canarsie.
Biography
First elected in 1980, Weinstein currently chairs the Assembly's Judiciary Committee and is a member of the standing committees on Aging, Codes, Rules and Ways and Means. She previously chaired the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees and Election law and the Assembly Task Force on Women's Issues for seven years.
Weinstein chairs the Assembly Standing Committee on Judiciary. She is the first woman in New York State's history to be appointed to this position. The Judiciary Committee presides over virtually all legislation affecting the state's judicial system, Family and Domestic Relations Law, Trusts and Estates, as well as civil practice in the courts. Weinstein has sponsored major reforms in the state's jury system and is the leading proponent of ensuring civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers. Weinstein led the successful effort to increase 18B and Law Guardian rates. Weinstein is also a member of the Court Facilities Capital Review Board.
She has been involved in the drafting and passage of several key pieces of legislation, especially with respect to family law. She is the sponsor of the Family Protection and Domestic Violence Intervention Act, as well as the Child Support Standards Act.
Weinstein has previously served as an appointee of former Governor Mario Cuomo to the New York State Child Support Commission and the Governor's Commission on Domestic Violence.
Over her political career since 1998, the two groups contributing the greatest amounts to her campaigns have been trial lawyers/lobbyists and public sector unions.
Education
Weinstein holds a B.A. in Economics from American University as well as a degree from the New England School of Law.
Occupation
Weinstein is of counsel to her family's personal-injury law firm, Weinstein, Chase, Messinger & Peters, P.C. She has been licensed to practice law in New York since 1977.