While she was a family court judge in New York City for over a decade, that experience is what led to her fame. She later transitioned to her successful TV show, "Judge Judy," where she presides over small claims court cases.
While the show uses the term "judge," it's important to note that it is an entertainment program and the cases are not actual legal proceedings.
Therefore, Judge Judy's official judicial role ended when she left her position in New York City's family court, and her "Judge Judy" role is an entertaining portrayal of a judge rather than an official legal position.