John H. Pratt

Biography

John H. Pratt brought a thoughtful legal mind to the bench after years of public service, helping to steer the United States District Court for the District of Columbia through some of the nation’s most complex cases. His colleagues admired him for combining deep knowledge of the law with an unwavering sense of fairness, and he listened carefully to every voice that came before him.

Outside the courtroom he championed efficiency and innovation in the federal judiciary and reached out to inspire a new generation of lawyers, offering measured guidance while staying grounded in principle. He is remembered for the calm dignity with which he carried the heavy responsibilities of the bench, and his legacy endures at Arlington National Cemetery.