Judge Lea Ruskin, a graduate of Bradley Grammar School, began her career, upon completing her studies at Beaver College, as an Administrative Production Assistant for WCBS-TV Weather Department. She served as a documentary researcher for "Eye on New York" Division. She later decided to return to school and enrolled in the Hofstra University School of Law where she was chosen for the National Institute for trial Advocacy Competition. She was an Assistant Nassau County District Attorney, a partner in a prestigious law firm, and in 1992 became an Administrative Law Judge. She later became a Judge of the District Court of Nassua County, and in 1996 became an Acting County Court Judge of Nassau County New York.

Judge Ruskin has been the President of the Nassau County Women''s Bar Association, and was designated a "Woman of Distinction" by the New York State Senate in 2004. She has participated and been active in a myriad of community, legal, and charitable activities including having been a school board member, president of the North Hempstead American Cancer Society, chairperson of a UJA-Federation subcommittee, and a member of the Trial Techniques Program at Hofstra Law School.

Judge Ruskin was the WGBB OnAir weekly legal commentator, and appeared on WGBB OnAir Weekly Radio Town Meeting. She has been a cable television commentator regarding high profile legal matters. She was a panelist for Channel 25 Cablevision''s political and legal commentary on the death penalty. Judge Ruskin was a commentator for Channel 25''s coverage on the O.J. Simpson verdict and aftermath.

Judge Ruskin is married to Melvin Ruskin, APHS Class of 1957. The have two children and two grandchildren. The quote she feels best reflects her philosophy is "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."