George W. Crawford Black Bar Association Celebrates Gail Hardy Appointment

Crawford celebrated Hardy's appointment with

a reception in her honor at Sally's Fish in down town Hartford on August 22nd.

Appellate Court to celebrate the appointment of the first African-American State's Attorney in Connecticut history. (See a commentary on Hardy’s appointment written by Attorney Toni M. Smith-Rosario at our bog, Crawford's Law.)

Crawford’s President, Vanessa D. Roberts, stated that Hardy’s swearing-in ceremony "was an empowering, historic moment." Nearly 275 people filled the courtroom at the Connecticut

State Supreme Court Justice Richard N. Palmer, chairman of the Criminal Justice Commission, called Hardy's appointment historic, stating further that, “We are confident that she will be a strong addition to the Division of Criminal Justice senior management team.”

Hardy brings many years of experience to her new appointment. She began serving in the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s office in 1996, was promoted to assistant state’s attorney in 1998, and was promoted to senior assistant state's attorney in 2006. Prior to serving as a prosecutor, Hardy worked as a probation officer and public defender.

Gail P. Hardy, Connecticut’s First African-American State’s Attorney

By a unanimous vote of the state Criminal Justice Commission, Gail P. Hardy was appointed to succeed Hartford State's Attorney James E. Thomas, who retired at the end of July. In her new appointment, Hardy oversees prosecutions in the Hartford Judicial District, covering Hartford and 18 surrounding communities, and supervises more than 70 employees.

Hardy's Swearing In Ceremony, AUG 10th. L-R: U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant; Attorney Vanessa D. Roberts; State's Attorney Gail P. Hardy; Attorney Donna. Wilkerson; Judge E. Curtissa Cofield