Awards, Distinction and Testimonials:
- Awarded the National "Champion of State Criminal Justice Reform Award" by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2012 in "recognition of her passion and dedicated efforts that have led to progressive criminal justice reform in Connecticut"
- President of Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association 2010 - 2011
- Appointed Member of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission 2018 - present
- Recipient of the Paul J. McQuillan Public Service Award for efforts to abolish CT's Death Penalty
- Merit Award from the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in recognition of her “exceptional contributions and service made on behalf of that organization" 2017, 2016, 2013
- Featured as one of Connecticut’s “Women in Law High Achievers” by The Connecticut Law Tribune 2008
- Appointed by the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court to serve on the Judicial Branch’s Public Service and Trust Commission 2007-2009
- Featured as one of Connecticut’s Super Lawyers and ranked a “Top Attorney” in
Connecticut and New England since 2009 - Rated "AV Preeminent" Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell's Peer Review Rating System meaning as a lawyer you have reached the highest rating from the legal community for skill, integrity, ethics and professionalism
- Faculty, Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association's Civil Justice Foundation & Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2014 Criminal Litigation Seminar. Lecturer: "Death Penalty: The War Waged and Waging"
"Jennifer Zito is a top notch legal talent. She is also an incredibly ethical attorney.
She knows exactly how to deal with University legal counsel. She literally saved my life." S.B.
"We want to compliment you on your skill and expertise at what you do. It is not too often that I feel I actually received more than I expected". R.C.
"Not only is Jen highly regarded, smart, bold realistic and well connected, but her genuine compassion, caring and instincts helped us deal with a nightmare situation that ended in a best possible outcome." L.K.
"Jen supported us every step of the way and provided hope when things got really scary." L.K.
"I was facing over a decade in prison in a courthouse with a notorious reputation...Her knowledgeable and dedicated representation resulted in a decision that avoided significant time in prison and allowed me to be reunited with my family and put back together the pieces of my life." G.M. (In that case the client only served 6 months as he was held in lieu of bond pretrial.)
"Throughout the six month legal process, Jen maintained consistent and thorough communication with my family and I, whether in person or through phone calls, texts and emails. She was always upfront about the outcomes that we were facing so that we were prepared for what might happen when we were in court." G.M.