Patch Candidate Profile: Jennifer Collins, Probate Judge 45th District

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jennifer Collins, a Ridgefield resident, is running for probate judge in the 45th District which serves Bethel, Newtown, Redding and Ridgefield.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Endorsed by the Republican Party and Independent Party

Education: Law degree (Juris Doctorate) from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and BA in Political Science & English Literature from Fairfield University

Occupation: Law Firm Partner- Cramer & Anderson, LLP - 24 years practicing law

Family: Married to John Collins 24 years and blessed with 2 children; Alex and Jillian and one overly affectionate Labrador Retriever

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Appointed Magistrate by the CT Judiciary (2010-2022)

Age: 50 years old

Why are you seeking this office?

The Judge of Probate position is a natural extension of the work I have engaged in for years serving fragile community members in juvenile law, disability law and matters of conservatorships and guardianships. I have enjoyed my experience as a CT Magistrate adjudicating over three hundred cases and would love to use that experience to efficiently manage the Probate Court, make the Court accessible and welcoming to all community members and compassionately adjudicate sensitive issues.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is needing a compassionate place to go to access procedure and guidance in dealing with sensitive and important issues during what can be a stressful and difficult time. As Judge of Probate, I will be the welcoming presence in the Court to listen and assist community members to navigate Court procedure in matters such as conservatorships, guardianship transfers, adoptions and estate administration. I will be guided by my many years of experience and will employ principals of equity and fairness in all cases.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have had the privilege to serve the Probate Court through court appointments for 20 years. I have 24 years of litigation experience attending a wide variety of courts throughout CT. As a Court appointed Magistrate for 11 years, I have written over 300 decisions in the Small Claims Court. I have also served the Juvenile Court for 4 years under a contract with the State of CT representing families and children in crisis.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be kind in all things.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

For all of my legal work, including pro bono and community service, I received the 2021 CT Law Tribune's Distinguished Leaders Award and in 2022 I was awarded the Client Champion Award from one of the leading attorney rating services.