About

Meet Hathaway

Hathaway Pendergrass, a native of Carrboro, North Carolina is in his eighth year of practice at Epting and Hackney law firm in Chapel Hill, where he focuses on civil litigation and criminal law in District Court. He is a proud graduate of UNC-CH where he earned a BS in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business program. He entered North Carolina Central School of Law in 2009 and served as Editor-in-Chief of the North Carolina Central Law Review and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2012. Hathaway is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Orange & Chatham Justice Initiatives affiliate, a Board Member of the Orange County Planning Board, a Board Member of The ArtsCenter, a Teen Court Judge with Volunteers for Youth in Orange County, and volunteers as the attorney for EmPOWERment, Inc. in Chapel Hill. Hathaway previously served as President and Board Member of the Orange County Rape Crisis Center Board of Directors, President of the 15B Judicial District Bar, a Board Member of the Orange County Bar, a Board Member of the Carrboro Planning board, volunteered as the attorney for the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, and served as a volunteer in the 15B Judicial District Guardian Ad Litem program. He also enjoys running, attending Carolina sporting events, and spending time with his wife, Kate and two children, Eliza and Max.

Judicial Philosophy

Hathaway believes that the truest expression of love for one’s community is to serve it. Through his vast community involvement and experience as an attorney, Hathaway has formed a judicial philosophy that rests on three key pillars: ensuring equity in the judicial process, connecting with compassion, and serving the best interests of children and youth. Recognizing the importance that all citizens have equal access to justice, Hathaway has devoted a significant portion of his work towards understanding the baseline of where we differ – and has worked towards eradicating inequities in his community. During his tenure as President of the 15B Judicial District Bar, Hathaway implemented a policy that provided funding for all Judges and Bar members to participate in training with the Racial Equity Institute. Additionally, Hathaway volunteers as the attorney for EmPOWERment, Inc. – an organization based in Chapel Hill that works to provide affordable housing and resources for those in need. He has also represented clients who have benefitted from our district’s diversionary courts related to substance abuse and mental health.

Hathaway recognizes that many, if not all, people who find themselves in District Court are facing a challenging, sometimes life-changing situation. The importance of providing each individual with the respect and consideration these processes deserve is of the highest importance to Hathaway and is reflected in the empathetic approach he takes to his job as attorney. Authentic connections require compassion, patience and respect for the people – these are attributes that Hathaway applies to both his personal and professional relationships every day.

A consistent focus of personal importance for Hathaway remains the education and well being of his community’s youth. Whether serving as a Judge for Teen Court with Volunteers for Youth in Orange County, volunteering with the 15B Judicial District Guardian Ad Litem program or chaperoning an annual Civil Rights field trip that visits historic sites throughout the south with local youth, Hathaway recognizes great responsibility that a community shares in the health, education and well-being of a child. As an attorney, Hathaway continues to seek opportunities to build relationships with, and to learn from, residents of the community that he is a part of. He looks forward to serving this community as a District Judge in 2020.