Press Release
Anne Hwang
Nominee
Nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on April 24, 2024.
On April 24, 2024, President Biden nominated Judge Anne Hwang to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Hwang currently serves as a judge on the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County.
Biography
Anne Hwang was born in 1975 in Los Angeles, California. She earned her B.A from Cornell University in 1977 and her J.D. from the University of Southern California Law School in 2002.
Legal Experience
Following law school, Hwang began her legal career as a litigation associate at Irell & Manella LLP. During her tenure, she handled a diverse range of civil and criminal cases, including business disputes and federal criminal cases involving securities and tax fraud charges. Transitioning to public service after two years at a firm, Hwang dedicated over a decade to the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Central District of California from 2006 to 2018, where she advocated for indigent defendants accused of federal crimes. Initially, she served as a Deputy Federal Public Defender in Santa Ana from 2006 to 2010 before becoming Deputy Federal Public Defender in Los Angeles from 2010 to 2014. Hwang was then promoted to Supervising Deputy Federal Public Defender (2014 to 2016) and then to Trial Chief Deputy (2016 to 2018.) Hwang left the Federal Public Defender’s Office as Deputy Federal Defender in 2018. Her practice primarily focused on representing clients in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the very court she has now been appointed to. In addition to trial advocacy, she handled appellate, habeas corpus, and post-conviction matters, as well as various federal proceedings such as grand jury investigations and treaty transfer cases.
Judicial Experience
In 2018 Hwang was appointed to the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, a court of general jurisdiction, where she has served since 2019. Initially assigned to the Criminal Division from January 2019 to July 2023, Judge Hwang oversaw traffic infraction arraignments and trials, followed by a stint in misdemeanor trial courts. Since transitioning to the Civil Division in July 2023, she now presides over civil cases involving personal injury claims until they are ready for trial. In her current role, Judge Hwang manages all proceedings in these matters, except for the trial itself.
The following cases are representative of Hwang’s judicial career:
Webster et al. v. Gruen et al.
Webster et al. v. Gruen et al., No. 21 STCV25331 (L.A. Cnty. Super. Ct. Jan. 4, 2024), petition for writ of mandate denied sub nom. Palisades Homeowners Association #3 v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County, No. B335028 (Cal. Ct. App. Mar. 15, 2024).
This personal injury action involves plaintiffs alleging negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, premises liability, and public and private nuisance against a homeowner’s association, among other defendants. The homeowner’s association filed a motion for summary judgment, particularly focusing on the negligence and premises liability claims, arguing that it did not own, possess, or control the unit where the injury occurred. Judge Hwang carefully reviewed the case and identified triable issues of material fact regarding the elements of a legal duty of care and proximate cause, among other factors. As a result, she denied the motion for summary judgment, allowing the case to proceed. The matter remains ongoing as the parties continue to navigate the legal process.
Hill v. City of Los Angeles et al.
Hill v. City of Los Angeles et al., No. 21STCV37804 (L.A. Cnty. Super. Ct. Sept. 29, 2023).
In this personal injury case, the plaintiff filed a claim for a dangerous condition of public property against the City of Huntington Park. It stemmed from an incident where the plaintiff stepped on a utility hole cover that collapsed, resulting in injuries. Judge Hwang thoroughly examined the evidence and identified significant factual disputes regarding the City’s control over the alleged dangerous condition. As a result, Hwang denied the City’s motion for summary judgment, recognizing the need for a trial to resolve these critical issues. Subsequently, the parties engaged in settlement discussions, leading to the resolution of the case.
People v. Pedersen
- People v. Pedersen, No. 8MN06802 (L.A. Cnty. Super. Ct.), aff’d, No. BR 054466 (Cal. App. Dep’t Super. Ct. Jan. 27, 2020).
In this case, the defendant faced charges for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08%. Judge Hwang carefully reviewed the case, including denying the defendant’s motion to suppress evidence after a thorough hearing. Additionally, she meticulously ruled on various motions in limine and maintained oversight of the trial proceedings. After deliberating on the evidence presented, the jury rendered a guilty verdict against the defendant. In response, Judge Hwang imposed a sentence of three years of summary probation. This probation period comes with specific conditions, including a requirement for three days of community labor. This outcome underscores Judge Hwang’s dedication to fair and just legal proceedings while also considering appropriate measures for rehabilitation and community responsibility.
Professional Activities and Accolades
As a Superior Court judge and former deputy federal public defender, Hwang’s role prevented her from taking direct pro bono representations. However, during her tenure at the Office of the Federal Public Defender, all her clients were indigent defendants. Additionally, during her time in private practice, she dedicated approximately 100 hours to pro bono matters, showcasing her commitment to serving underserved communities. In 2019, Hwang was awarded the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles Trailblazer in the Law award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the legal profession. She also actively engages with law students, primarily through the California Asian Pacific American Judges Association, and participates as a speaker and mentor at various law schools, demonstrating her passion for legal education and mentorship.