Occupation: Judge, Marion County Circuit Court since 2003.

Occupational Background: Judge; lawyer in public and private practice for 22 years (Assistant Attorney General, Oregon Department of Justice for 11 years). As a young woman, Judge James worked as a waitress, factory worker, cashier, and sports reporter.

Educational Background: B.S. (Honors), Business Administration, Portland State University (1978); J.D., University of Notre Dame Law School (1981).

Prior Governmental Experience: Pro tem hearings officer (1998-2003); Special Counsel, Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability (1996-1998); Assistant Attorney General (1983-1994); Special Prosecutor, Washington County District Attorney (1984).

Personal Background: Raised in Oregon, Judge James and her husband have been Salem residents for 20 years. She believes in COMMUNITY SERVICE, as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Humane Society, Oregon Women Lawyers, State Bar, Marion County Bar Assn. (volunteer judge, Teen Court Program), Co-chair, Marion-Polk Campaign for Equal Justice, Classroom Law Project, State Police Foundation; Pentacle Theater, and supports the Interfaith Hospitality Network, Elsinore Theater, Family Building Blocks, YWCA and the Oregon Garden.

Judge Mary James will ensure justice for our community because she is a committed community leader. As a lawyer, she tried jury cases and handled important disputes affecting Oregonians, helped clients and counseled government leaders on constitutional and other legal issues. As a judge, she is professional, decisive, and fair, yet firm. Your vote will assure Judge Mary James’ continued service to Marion County.

“Judge Mary James’ experience and skill make her an excellent addition to the Marion County Circuit Court. I am pleased to have been able to appoint a lawyer of her caliber to this position.”
Governor Ted Kulongoski

“Judge Mary James has the qualities Marion County deserves in a Circuit Court judge. She is fair, hard-working, practical, and level-headed.”
Hon. Paul Lipscomb, Presiding Judge, Marion County Circuit Court

(This information furnished by Committee to Retain Judge Mary James.)