HARTFORD — Interns at the Connecticut General Assembly heard firsthand perspectives on public service careers during an April 22, 2026 panel discussion at the state Capitol featuring Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Kathryn W. Bare.
The event, held in the Legislative Office Building, brought together a range of public-sector professionals who discussed their roles and the paths that led them to their current positions. Speakers also included Kyle Thaxton, Executive Assistant at the Department of Consumer Protection; Vanessa Reineke, Intern at the Office of Policy and Management; Tim Bergin, Policy Director for the House Democratic Office; Zoë Gluck, Deputy Director of Policy for the House Democratic Office; and Erin McBride, Senior Outreach Assistant for U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Bare opened her remarks by discussing Connecticut’s criminal justice structure and the work of the Division of Criminal Justice. She then traced her educational and professional journey from her days in college and law school and her time at internships and judicial clerkships to her work as a line prosecutor and her entry into the Division’s Appellate Bureau, where she spent many years researching, writing briefs, and arguing before the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Bare told the interns that three years ago, she moved into management at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney as an Executive Assistant State’s Attorney where she serves as the Division’s Director of Policy Development, a newly created role. Her work involves interacting with legislators, preparing written testimony, and representing the agency during public hearings, as well as other duties. She recalled testifying before the Judiciary Committee last year, describing the experience as similar to arguing before the Supreme Court.
“My day-to-day now looks more like what many of you are experiencing – a lot of different things coming at me all the time. It’s fun and interesting,” she told the interns.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Bare emphasized the value of internships and relationships in Connecticut’s close-knit legal community.
“Internships are invaluable. Make connections. You’ll run into the same people again and again,” Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Bare said. She also underscored the importance of professionalism in in the workplace.
“Treat everyone respectfully. Your reputation and integrity are all you have. Whether I’m speaking with a self‑represented litigant or a seasoned appellate attorney, my credibility is what I bring into the room,” she said.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Bare explained that as a prosecutor, the goal is always to reach the right and just outcome in each case. When she worked as an appellate prosecutor, she appreciated that if the state made an error, she could openly acknowledge it, because her priority was justice and the correct application of the law, not winning at all costs.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Bare said she considered private‑sector work and enjoyed the intellectual challenges of a big law firm, but ultimately found prosecution more personally fulfilling, even though it involved exposure to significant trauma and difficult situations. Despite those challenges, she felt it was a deeply meaningful and rewarding career.
Legislative Intern Kyle Douglas said the panel made a significant impression on the interns.
“Hearing directly from professionals across different areas of state and federal government gave interns a much clearer understanding of the variety of career paths available and how to navigate them,” he said. “Having speakers like Kathryn Bare and others take the time to share their experiences made a meaningful impact. Interns were able to ask candid questions and gain insight you simply can’t get in a classroom.”
Douglas said opportunities like this are essential for students considering public service careers.
“When professionals take the time to speak with interns, it not only provides practical guidance on breaking into the field, but also helps build confidence, connections, and a clearer sense of direction.”