Changes are in store
for the fall term in the New London judicial district as Hillary Strackbein prepares to take over as administrative judge.
The New London Judicial District will have a new administrative judge — Hillary B. Strackbein — when the new judicial term gets underway after Labor Day.
State judges received their new assignments this month for the yearlong term beginning Sept. 5.
Strackbein of Guilford, a former juvenile prosecutor who was appointed to the bench in 2003, has been serving as the region’s presiding judge over criminal matters.
She will keep that role while taking on judicial oversight of all four courthouses in the district for the next five years.
Strackbein said this week that she was suprised and pleased when Chief Court Administrator Patrick L. Carroll III gave her the new assignment.
She said she loves working in New London.
“I’ve never seen a group of lawyers that get along as well as the lawyers here get along with each other,” Strackbein said. “It’s actually fun to come to work.”
Strackbein said layoffs and budget cuts have affected the courts, and “We’re working around those deficits the best we can.”
Judge Emmet L. Cosgrove of New London, the district’s administrative judge since 2012, said he is considering taking senior status later this year.
Judges over the age of 65 who have served more than 10 years have the option of becoming senior judges, which allows them to work a more flexible schedule.
Judge Arthur C. Hadden, who presides over trials and some civil cases at the courthouse in Norwich, known as the Geographical Area (GA) 21 Court, will serve as assistant administrative judge.
Judge John J. Nazzaro of Stonington, who recently has been hearing criminal matters in Hartford, will return to the New London district and serve as presiding judge over civil matters.
Judge Susan A. Connors will continue to serve as presiding judge for family matters. Judge Leo V. Diana also will hear family cases.
Judge Barbara Bailey Jongbloed will continue to preside over trial in major criminal cases.
The district is losing Judge Omar A. Williams, who has been hearing criminal cases at the GA21 courthouse on Broad Street in New London. He will be going to GA14 in Hartford.
“I’m very sorry to see him go,” Strackbein said. “He’s been a real asset to New London County.”
Judge John M. Newson will stay on the bench in Superior Court in Norwich, where he has been hearing criminal matters.
Judges Timothy D. Bates, Leeland J. Cole-Chu, Cosgrove, Nazzaro and Robert F. Vacchelli will hear civil matters.
Senior Judge Kevin P. McMahon will preside over criminal matters at the Geographical Area 10 Courthouse with assistance from Cosgrove and other judges, according to Strackbein.
Senior Judge Susan B. Handy will continue conducting probation violation hearings, hearing administrative appeals and assisting in other matters, Strackbein said.
Senior Judge Robert A. Martin will conduct mediation sessions in civil cases. James J. Devine, a senior judge and the previous administrative judge for the district, will hear family and civil cases.
Judges John C. Driscoll and Judge Trial Referee Michael A. Mack will continue to hear cases at the juvenile courthouse in Waterford.
Judge Trial Referees Seymour L. Hendel, Joseph Q. Koletsky and Robert C. Leuba also will be available to preside over some matters, according to Strackbein.