Judge Mary Ann Bearden: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Mary Ann Bearden (Ret.) served as a judge for the 2nd Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon. Bearden was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Kitzhaber in 1998. She retired on April 1, 2012.

The 2nd Judicial District encompasses Lane County.

Prior to her appointment, Bearden was a partner at Bearden & Weinstein, a law firm she opened in 1980. During her tenure there, she supplemented her practice with service as a judge for the Eugene Municipal Court (1994 to 1998).

Bearden earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Colorado State University in 1972. She spent the next few years working as a lineman and cable splicer for the Chesapeake & Potomac Bell Telephone Company before completing a J.D. at the University of Oregon School of Law in 1978.

After graduating from law school, Bearden entered into private practice as a sole practitioner. She worked in that capacity until 1980.