News & Events

AUWCL Congratulates Judge Robert J. Hildum on His Swearing-In as Magistrate Judge

Celebrating a Distinguished Career in Law and Public Service

The American University Washington College of Law extends its heartfelt congratulations to associate adjunct professor Robert J. Hildum on his swearing-in as a Magistrate Judge on the D.C. Superior Court. The ceremony, officiated by AUWCL Adjunct Professor and Chief Judge of the D.C. Superior Court, Anita Josey-Herring, marks a significant milestone in Judge Hildum's illustrious career.

"Judge Hildum's dedication to the legal profession and his exemplary service are truly inspiring," said Cynthia Goode Works, director of the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program at AUWCL. "We are immensely proud of his achievements and his continued commitment to justice and education."

Before his appointment to the Superior Court, Judge Hildum served as an administrative law judge for the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings, a role he took on in July 2016. With a legal career spanning 25 years, Judge Hildum has held various leadership positions across five District of Columbia government agencies. These roles include general counsel for the Department of Forensic Sciences, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Office of Unified Communications; deputy attorney general for Public Safety; and director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.

Judge Hildum's diverse professional background also includes serving as an assistant district attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana, a partner at Manasseh, Hildum & Gill, PLC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he specialized in criminal defense, and as an Assistant Attorney General with the Louisiana Department of Justice. He has also been a senior trial attorney with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and an adjunct professor of law at both Louisiana State University and American University Washington College of Law. Since 1999, Judge Hildum has been a faculty member and program director for numerous programs at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA).

Judge Hildum earned his undergraduate degree in history from Loyola University (New Orleans) and his Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Judge Hildum was accompanied by his wife, as his son, George, held the Bible used in the ceremony. Goode Works, a NITA colleague, joined in the celebration along with Judges Tony Lee, Zoe Bush, and Marisa Demeo, Vanessa Natale, deputy director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel, as well as close family friends.

~ Story by Keith Pierce.