Judge Jim D. Bland: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Jim D. Bland (Ret.) served as an associate judge for the Pittsburg County District Court in Oklahoma. Bland was appointed to the bench by former Governor Brad Henry in 2005, filling a vacancy created by the elevation of the Hon. Thomas Bartheld to a district judge seat. He retired on December 31, 2018, and entered into private practice as of counsel at Contreras & Bland.

Bland earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Henderson State University in 1979. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1982. He is admitted to practice in Oklahoma (1982), the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma (1984), and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (1984).

After graduating from law school, Bland entered into private practice in McAlester, Oklahoma. He worked in that capacity until 1994, at which time he was appointed special judge for the Pittsburg County District Court.