Awards, Distinction and Testimonials:
- Awarded The Thomas J. Ullmann Champion of Liberty Award by the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association "for her outstanding and exemplary contributions to the criminal justice system, her zealous advocacy for her clients and her unfailing support of the criminal defense bar" in 2022, its highest award.
- 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 Commissioner of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission 2018 - present
- Co-Chair of the CT Sentencing Commission Mental Health Subcommittee 2023 -present and Steering Committee Member 2024 - 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" 2022-2023, 2016-2017, and 2012-2013
- 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.
"Attorney Zito was our first call when my son was arrested on felony charges in another state. She actively listened, formulated an initial plan and made us feel confident in her capable hands. We think so highly of Jen and remain in touch with her to this day." LSK
"Jen busts her tail on your behalf and stands by her clients and parents during every step of the legal process. Not only is she 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 the best possible outcome". L.K.
"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.
"A most well deserved receipt of the Ullman Award. No one equals Tom's broader purpose than you. Since were ere in law school you selflessly devote yourself to the betterment of others, our profession and most importantly, our client". M.I.
"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.
"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.
