Benita Y. Pearson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benita Y. Pearson
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio | |
| Assumed office December 27, 2010 |
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| Appointed by | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Peter C. Economus |
| Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio | |
| In office August 2008 – December 27, 2010 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 1963 (age 62) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Education | Georgetown University (BS) Cleveland State University (JD) |
Benita Yalonda Pearson, born in February 1963, is an important judge in the United States. She works as a federal judge for the Northern District of Ohio. Before this, she was a magistrate judge in the same court.
Contents
Becoming a Judge: Benita Pearson's Journey
Early Life and Education
Benita Pearson was born and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. She studied at Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1985. Later, she went to law school at Cleveland State University College of Law. She earned her law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1995.
Her Professional Career
Before becoming a judge, Benita Pearson had a varied career. From 1985 to 1992, she worked for a company called BP. She started as an accountant and later supervised retail marketing accounting. She also worked in retail sales.
After her time at BP, she focused on law. From 1992 to 1994, she worked as a law clerk for a law firm in Cleveland. A law clerk helps lawyers with their research and paperwork. From 1995 to 1996, she was a litigation associate, meaning she helped with lawsuits.
She then worked as a law clerk for Judge John Michael Manos from 1996 to 1998. This was at the same court where she now serves. From 1998 to 2000, she worked for a large law firm called Jones Day. Finally, from 2000 to 2008, she was an assistant United States attorney. This means she worked for the government, representing the United States in legal cases.
Serving as a Federal Judge
In August 2008, Benita Pearson became a United States magistrate judge. A magistrate judge helps federal judges with many tasks. They handle some parts of cases and help keep the court running smoothly.
In July 2009, both Senators from Ohio, Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich, suggested her for a higher role. They recommended her to become a United States district judge. On December 3, 2009, President Barack Obama officially nominated her for the position. She was chosen to take the place of Judge Peter C. Economus, who was retiring.
The United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary reviewed her nomination. They approved her on February 11, 2010. On December 21, 2010, the full Senate voted to confirm her. This means they approved her appointment. The vote was 56 to 39. She officially received her commission on December 27, 2010. This made her the first African-American woman to hold a federal judgeship in Ohio.
See also
- List of African-American federal judges
- List of African-American jurists
- List of Cleveland State University College of Law alumni
- List of first women lawyers and judges in Ohio
