Howard Gwynn Recognized for Work in Criminal Justice for Virginia
The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office announces that Howard E. Gwynn, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Newport News, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award by the Virginia State Bar. This esteemed accolade, presented annually by the Virginia State Bar, recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to the improvement of the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Born and raised in segregated southeast Newport News, Howard’s early life was defined by hard work, educational excellence, and perseverance. After graduating as the the valedictorian of Carver High School in Newport News, Howard went on to obtain an Ivy League education, with an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth University and a juris doctorate from the University of Michigan. In the summers, he rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside his father in the Newport News Shipyard. After a brief stint as a federal government attorney in Washington, D.C. following law school, Howard returned to his hometown to serve as an assistant prosecutor for eight years before his election as the Commonwealth’s Attorney in 1990.
Under Howard Gwynn’s leadership, the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the law, safeguarding the rights of Newport News citizens, and promoting the highest ethical standards. The Office’s mission, under Gwynn’s leadership, is rooted in serving the community by prosecuting criminal offenses while also working to prevent crime through various innovative programs and community outreach initiatives.
The Virginia State Bar, in selecting Howard Gwynn for the 2024 Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award, said that those who nominated Gwynn noted his exceptional dedication to legal ethics, his tireless efforts to ensure equitable justice, and his unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of trust and respect within the legal field. Gwynn was nominated for the award by dozens of people including judges, attorneys, and other citizens whose lives he has impacted.
The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office congratulates Howard Gwynn on this well-deserved honor and expresses its gratitude for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the Newport News community.