Join us for a conversation with Judge Joan McMenemy ’88, who has dedicated her career to juvenile justice and child protection. She’ll share her path from Vassar to the bench, insights into her work supporting young people and families in the court system, and advice for students exploring careers in law and justice.

About Judge Joan McMenemy '88:
The Hon. Joan M. McMenemy is a native of Worcester, MA. She is a graduate of Vassar College (class of 1988), and Suffolk University Law School (class of 1993). After passing the Massachusetts bar, she was first hired in 1994 as an Assistant District Attorney for Berkshire County. While at the DA’s office, she handled all types of criminal matters ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies, including homicides. In 2004, she was appointed as the Second Assistant District Attorney, continuing to handle trial matters in the Superior Court, while also serving as Chief of the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit.
In 2010, she was appointed to the bench by Governor Deval Patrick to become an Associate Justice ofthe Berkshire Juvenile Court. The following year, she was appointed as the First Justice of the Berkshire Juvenile Court. In 2012, Judge McMenemy was appointed as co-chair of the Family and ChildrenRequiring Assistance Advisory Board, a board which, among other things, has advised the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services on the development of community-based Family Resource Centers for at-risk families and youth. She has served on the Juvenile Court rules committees for
violations of probation, best sentencing practices, and rules related to “children requiring assistance” cases. In 2024, she was appointed as chair of the education committee for the Juvenile Court system, and she also serves as a mentor for new Juvenile Court judges. Judge McMenemy is a frequent participant in the Judicial Outreach program, which provides speakers to audiences ranging from elementary schools to senior centers.