First Assistant DA Kristin McElroy honored with Minister of Justice Award by PA Bar Association
Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan is proud to announce that First Assistant District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy has been named the recipient of the 2026 Eugene Vittone Minister of Justice Award.
The award, established by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA), was presented to McElroy on May 6, 2026, during the PBA Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh. This honor recognizes a prosecutor whose career reflects the highest standard of justice, accountability, and the protection of victims’ rights.
A native of Bucks County, McElroy joined the District Attorney’s Office in 2012. Throughout her tenure, she has prosecuted some of the county’s most challenging and sensitive cases, including homicides and crimes involving child sexual abuse. Before her appointment as First Assistant District Attorney, she served with distinction as the Chief of the Special Victims Unit.
McElroy’s career is marked by a consistent record of excellence and community recognition. Last year, she received the “Women Helping Women Award” from the Soroptimist International of Indian Rock, a non-profit women’s organization located in Bucks County. The award is presented to a woman who uses her position, influence and authority to open broader avenues of opportunity for women.
“Kristin McElroy exemplifies what it truly means to be a minister of justice,” District Attorney Joe Khan said. “Throughout her career, she has approached every case with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to fairness. This prestigious recognition by the Pennsylvania Bar Association reflects not only her exceptional legal skill, but also her dedication to protecting victims and upholding the highest standards of our profession. Bucks County is fortunate to have her serving our community, and I am proud to call her our First Assistant District Attorney.”
The Minister of Justice Award
The Minister of Justice Award was created in 2025 to honor the memory of the late Gene Vittone, who served as Washington County District Attorney and was President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) at the time of his death in 2021. Vittone was revered across the Commonwealth as a “prosecutor’s prosecutor,” defined by his unwavering commitment to fairness.
The 2026 award identifies an “exemplary prosecutor” who views their responsibility not simply as an advocate, but as a minister of justice, ensuring that every defendant is accorded procedural fairness and that guilt is decided solely upon sufficient evidence.
“Kristin McElroy’s dedication to justice, accountability and community safety represents the highest ideals of our profession,” said Matt Holliday, our executive director with the Pennsylvania Bar Association. “We are honored to celebrate her as this year’s Eugene ‘Gene’ A. Vittone II Minister of Justice Award recipient.”
