The Honorable Bernadette Conway will receive the Henry J. Naruk Judiciary Award at the CBA’s annual awards celebration, Celebrate with the Stars, on Wednesday, April 20. Judge Conway was appointed as a New Haven County District superior court judge in 1999 by Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland, a role she continues to serve in now. From 2013-2021, she also served as the chief administrative judge for juvenile matters.
Judge Conway, who is also a former emergency room nurse, is recognized by the legal community for her empathy in the courtroom. In her role as chief administrative judge for juvenile matters, Judge Conway responded to changes in the law regarding the punishment of juveniles and advances in the understanding of how the adolescent brain develops by increasing the employment of diversionary programs as opposed to detention. She has been a key advocate before the legislature on both child protection and juvenile justice. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Judge Conway led the design and implementation of the juvenile division of the superior court’s response to the difficulties posed by it.
The Henry J. Naruk Judiciary Award is presented to members of the state and federal judiciary who have made substantial contributions to the administration of justice in Connecticut.
The Complete list of awardees can be found here. Registration is now open and sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available.