A distinguished graduate of Wesleyan University, where he was the only Black student in his class, and the University of Chicago Law School, Judge Hatter has served as a United States District Judge for the Central District of California since his appointment in December 1979. In 1998, he made history by becoming the first African American Chief Judge of this district, overseeing the largest federal district in the nation, serving 18 million people. His tenure as Chief Judge is remembered for his steadfast commitment to justice.

Judge Hatter made significant strides in the California Superior Court for Los Angeles County and worked closely with Mayor Tom Bradley on urban development and criminal justice planning. His passion for education saw him imparting knowledge as a professor at Loyola Law School and the University of Southern California Law School, and as a mentor and advisor to 19 law clerks, over 450 law student externs and more attorneys and judges than can be counted. He was the founding Executive Director of Western Center on Law and Poverty, during which time the organization challenged how LAPD was operating, particularly in communities of color.

Judge Hatter's judicial philosophy is based on his unwavering commitment to fairness and integrity.

• He has been a vocal critic of mandatory sentencing guidelines and minimum-sentence laws that disproportionately affect defendants of color.

• He encouraged United States Attorneys to hire more minority lawyers to promote diversity within the justice system.

• As a dedicated mentor to not only law students and new lawyers, but also to experienced lawyers seeking judicial appointments, has helped the advancement of underrepresented groups within the legal profession and the judiciary.

Judge Hatter's trailblazing efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the Erwin Chemerinsky Defender of the Constitution Award and the Outstanding Jurist Award from the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Those honors reflect his exceptional contributions to the legal profession. He is admired even by those who disagree with his rulings. His involvement with the "Just-the-Beginning-Foundation" and his efforts to promote diversity in the U.S. Attorney's office reflect his enduring impact on the legal community.

Married to Trudy Martin Hatter, Judge Hatter has two daughters, two sons, and four grandchildren. His distinguished career and lifelong dedication serve as an inspiration, embodying the highest ideals of the legal profession.

We are fortunate to have Judge Hatter as a co-founder of Western Justice Center. His pioneering efforts and unflagging dedication continue to inspire and uplift the legal community.

They have demonstrated a strong focus on workforce diversity and community engagement, directly aligning with the diverse communities WJC serves. Our work with schools, where 65-95% of students self-identify as Hispanic and/or Latinx, highlights the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all.

Education is a cornerstone of Edison International's philanthropic efforts. Since 2006, the Edison Scholars program has awarded over $16.5 million in scholarships to 790 students, 84% of whom are racially and/or ethnically diverse and 50% first-generation college students. These scholarships provide vital support to youth, fostering civic engagement and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Like Edison International, WJC is dedicated to leveling the playing field in historically and structurally under-resourced communities. The vast majority of students we serve are Hispanic and African American, and our programs aim to promote equity and opportunity.

Join us at the Empower Gala as we honor Edison International’s dedication to creating a more equitable world. Together, let's be the change and reimagine our schools to foster safe and inclusive environments where every student can thrive.