Judge Terry Hatter steps down as chief judge of Central District of California

The Regular City Council meeting held on April 4, 2025, featured a significant tribute to Judge Terry Jay Hatter, who recently stepped down as the Chief Judge of the Central District of California. Judge Hatter, a prominent figure in the legal community, has served in this role since March 1988, overseeing the largest federal district in the nation, which serves approximately 17 million people.

Judge Hatter's judicial career began in 1979, and over the past 22 years, he has made notable contributions to the legal field, including his involvement in the implementation of the consent decree for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1996. His work in this area was recognized for its fairness and effectiveness.

In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Judge Hatter has a rich history of public service, having worked closely with former Mayor Tom Bradley in various capacities, including as executive assistant and director of criminal justice planning. His commitment to community service extends beyond the courtroom; he currently chairs the board of counselors at the University of Southern California Law Center and is involved with several other organizations, including the Western Justice Center Foundation and the Rand Institute for Civil Justice.

The council acknowledged Judge Hatter's extensive contributions to both the legal profession and the community, emphasizing his role as a distinguished legal mind and his ongoing commitment to serving as a trial judge. The meeting concluded with a recognition of his legacy and continued influence in the legal landscape of Los Angeles.