Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas was named Probate Court administrator. Courtesy photo

For the first time in more than 300 years, Connecticut's Probate Court system has a female administrator: Milford-Orange Probate Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas.

Her historic appointment came from Justice Richard Robinson, the state's first black chief justice. It gives her responsibility over the daily operations of 54 probate courts and six regional children probate courts.

“It's important to have people in leadership positions who represent diverse communities in which we live,” said Streit-Kefalas, a 55-year-old who has led the Milford-Orange probate court for 20 years. “No matter your gender, color, whether you are an immigrant, or whatever your background is, you can reach for the stars, aspire for it and accomplish it.”

Streit-Kefalas plans to spend her first 100 days in the new job meeting with all probate judges and their staff, as well as the leaders of community organizations and commissioners of agencies such as the state Department of Children and Families.

“My main goal is to continue to enhance access to justice for everyone,” she told the Connecticut Law Tribune on Monday. “We are a very diverse population and there are many needs for services through the probate court system.”

Streit-Kefalas, who currently hears about 15 to 20 cases a week, will begin in her new post Sept. 3, replacing retiring Judge Paul Knierim.

The new administrator spent years with New Haven law firm Fasano & Ippolito before returning to her Milford roots and opening a solo practice in 1996. She began working for the Milford-Orange probate court system in 1999. As a young attorney, she served as co-chairperson of the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyer's Public Service Committee. She was also an intern volunteer at a domestic violence center, and received her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1990.

“The probate court is where some of the most intimate critical legal needs of the community get assistance,” Streit-Kefalas said. “The hardest part of the job is realizing how fragile so many individual lives are. There is the vulnerability children face and families face and individuals struggling day by day. I try to offer people compassion, an ear and a legal hand of guidance during their grief and loss.”

In naming Streit-Kefalas probate court administrator, the chief justice praised her accomplishments and outlook.

Robinson said, “Her commitment is exceeded only by her enthusiasm to help the thousands of people who rely on the probate courts to resolve their most sensitive family matters.”