Walter Edward Hoffman

Who was Walter Edward Hoffman?

Walter Edward Hoffman was a United States federal judge.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Hoffman received a B.S. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1928, attended the College of William and Mary School of Law, and received an LL.B. from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1931. He was in private practice in Norfolk, Virginia from 1931 to 1954, and taught at the College of William and Mary School of Law as an assistant professor from 1933 to 1942. From 1942 to 1944, in addition to his private practice as a trial lawyer, Hoffman served as a Referee in Bankruptcy for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

On June 29, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower nominated Hoffman to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia created by 68 Stat. 8. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 14, 1954, and received his commission the following day.

Hoffman served as chief judge from 1961 to 1973, and assumed senior status on September 3, 1974. During his judicial career, Hoffman drew considerable praise as well as criticism for his handling of cases involving Massive resistance and desegregation of schools in Norfolk and Hampton Roads. Judge Hoffman also directed the Federal Judicial Center from 1974 to 1977, handled several cases involving boundary disputes between states at the direction of the U.S. Supreme Court, and presided over the trial of fellow judge Harry E. Claiborne, as well as sentenced Vice-President Spiro Agnew after his plea of nolo contendere. A firm believer in litigants' rights to a speedy trial, Hoffman introduced the "rocket docket" in his district, which continues today.