Adjunct/Affiliated Professor
Judge Gearin recently retired as a trial court judge in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District (St. Paul and suburbs) where she served over 25 years. During her tenure she served two terms as Chief Judge of the District. Her caseload included criminal, civil, and juvenile cases. Judge Gearin is past president of the Minnesota District Judges Association, recipient of the MEA School Bell Award, YWCA Leadership Award, the 2000 St. Patrick’s Day Association’s “Distinguished Irishwoman” award, 2009 American Board of Trial Advocates Minnesota Trial Judge of the Year award, MSBA Rosalie E Wahl Judicial Award of Excellence, 2010 University of St. Catherine distinguished Alumna award, and 2013 William Mitchell Warren E. Berger Distinguished Alumni Award.
She has served on numerous task forces and committees at the state and national level dealing with issues including child abuse, sexual assault, judicial education, and jury reform. She is a frequent lecturer at continuing education courses for judges and lawyers on issues ranging from judicial decision making to juror stress.
