Hon. Juanita Bing Newton (on right) is shown in 2009 attending the New York Metropolitan Black Bar
Association's 25th annual awards dinner. At left is former CUA Law Dean Veryl Miles. Judge Newton is Deputy Chief
Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, Administrative Judge for the New York City Criminal Court

Columbus School of Law graduate Hon. Juanita Bing Newton was honored with the New York State Bar Association's highest honor, the Gold Medal, on Jan. 31 in New York City. Judge Newton is dean of the New York State Judicial Institute on Professionalism in the Law. The Gold Medal "is presented annually to individuals in recognition of lifelong excellence in the legal profession and constructive contributions to civic and community matters." Judge Newton began her career as a prosecutor in Bronx County, where she was one of the first women lawyers in the criminal court. She was a member of the Commission on Judicial Conduct and sits on the statewide Permanent Commission on Sentencing, the Committee on Court Interpreting and the State Bar's Subcommittee on Pro Bono and Senior Lawyers. Twice, the Commission on Judicial Nominations found her "highly qualified" and recommended her for appointment to the New York Court of Appeals. Past winners of the State Bar's Gold Medal include U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, William Brennan, Jr. and Sandra Day O'Connor.