Metropolitan News-Enterprise

 

Monday, June 12, 2017

 

Page 3

 

Retired Magistrate Judge Hillman Dies at 67

 

By a MetNews Staff Writer

 

Retired Chief Magistrate Judge Stephen J. Hillman of the Central District of California has died, the clerk of the District Court announced Friday.

Hillman died last Monday at the age of 67.

Hillman was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California on July 16, 1992 and sat in the Court’s Western Division until his retirement on April 10, 2015.

Prior to his appointment to the court, Hillman practiced as a deputy federal public defender in the Central District, rising to chief deputy federal public defender.

He also worked in private practice, representing clients in civil and criminal matters in both state and federal court in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Hillman received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1972, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 1975.

Chief Judge Virginia A. Phillips remarked: 

“During his career in the Federal Public Defender’s Office, Steve Hillman earned the respect and affection of his colleagues and adversaries alike, as well as his reputation with the Judges of the District as a dedicated and effective lawyer with the utmost integrity.  When appointed to the bench, Judge Hillman was known as a model of diligence, intelligence, compassion and fairness. 

“His death is a wrenching blow to so many, including his judicial colleagues, his friends in the bar, his long-serving court staff, and all the members of the federal court family.  We join in extending our profound sympathy to his bereft family.”

Hillman is survived by his wife Lisa; and daughters Alison and Lauren.

 

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