Meet Judge Judith
Judith has over 35 years of law experience and has worked extensively in the Bloomington Community.
A Strong History
Benckart moved to Bloomington in 1988 to start her family with her husband, Ted. Together they raised 3 children who were involved in many local activities including a variety of youth sports, the Civil Air Patrol, and acting in musicals. Ted’s parents started a family owned trucking company in 1951 in Bloomington where Ted continues to work with 2 of their 3 children. Through their careers and supporting their children’s involvement in actives, the Benckarts have established and continue to maintain relationships with many members of the community, both Republicans and Democrats.
Qualifications
Judge, Monroe Circuit Court 8, Seat 5
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of Misdemeanors
Benckart’s caseload consists of matters involving domestic relations, small claims, evictions and damages claims, protective orders, ordinance violations, name changes, and other miscellaneous matters. She is currently serving on the Judicial Protective Order Committee that meets in Indianapolis on a regular basis.
Benckart served as the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of Misdemeanors assigned to Circuit Court II, presiding under The Honorable Marc R. Kellams in Bloomington, IN from February 2017 to November 2018.
Legal Assistant
From June 2014 until February 2017, Benckart provided legal assistance to three Attorneys at the Monroe County Legal Department in Bloomington, IN.
Administrative Assistant
While working at Bynum Fanyo Utilities, Inc. in Bloomington, IN, Benckart provided Administrative Assistance to the Division Director from May 2011 until June 2014.
Corporate Counsel
Benckart served on the Corporate Counsel at Stone Belt Freight Lines, Inc in Bloomington, IN from February 2001 to June 2014.
Shareholder
In October of 1993, Benckart became Partner/Shareholder for Jones, McGlasson & Benckart, PC in Bloomington until January 2001.
Associate Attorney
From November 1990 to October 1993, Benckart worked as an Associate Attorney at Rogers & Jones in Bloomington, IN.
Supervisor of Motor Carrier Authority Legal Section
Benckart started as a Hearing Officer-Fuel Tax and Consultant for Motor Carrier Authority Legal Section with the Indiana Department of Revenue in Indianapolis, IN in March 1989. She then became the Supervisor of the Motor Carrier Authority Legal Section in August of 1989 and worked there until November 1990.
Associate Attorney
Benckart worked as an Associate Attorney at Smith & Murdock, PC in Indianapolis from August 1986 until January 1989.
Administrative Law Judge
In July 1985, Benckart began working as an Administrative Law Judge at the Public Service Commission in Indianapolis, IN. She worked there until August 1986.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
From 1979 – 1982 Benckart served as a counselor for the state department in Lafayette, IN helping individuals, including those with disabilities re-enter the workplace.
Goodwill Industries
From 1978 – 1979 Benckart helped place individuals in jobs within Goodwill Industries in South Bend.
Experience
Education
Indiana University School of Law
Benckart studied at Indiana University School of Law from August 1982 to May 1985 and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Purdue University
Benckart studied 21 hours of Business Management courses at Purdue University in 1981-82.
Indiana University-Purdue University
Benckart studied three hours of Introductory to Vocational Rehabilitation in the Fall of 1979.
Indiana University
Benckart studied three hours of Behavior Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence during the Spring of 1979.
Ball State University
Benckart studied at Ball State University from September 1974 to May 1978 to receive a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She also received a Minors in Psychology of Human Development and Social Work.
Corporate Counsel
Advising
Benckart’s responsibilities included advising on all federal and state statutes, rules and regulations as well as drafting contracts.
She also provided counsel for Stone Belt Freight Line, Inc., her husband, Ted’s business from 2001 – 2015.
Human Resources
Judith helped to provide guidance to HR for interpreting and applying policies involving the hiring/termination of personnel, corrective actions, unemployment claims, and legal research.
Civil Practice
Banking
Benckart has experience with cases involving bankruptcy and creditor’s rights.
Real Estate
She has worked on cases involving property disputes, real estate, foreclosures, estate planning and probate, and landlord/tenant disputes.
Other
Benckart has also practiced cases of motor carrier law and personal injury.
Judicial Experience
Civil
While in Civil Practice, Benckart was second chair in a Federal trial as well as being involved in various bench trials involving bankruptcy, small claims, estates, wills, trusts and collection matters.
Administrative Law
Benckart served as an Administrative Law Judge from July 1985 to August 1986 where she presided over bench trials regarding motor carrier applications seeking authority to operate between points in Indiana.
Pro Tempore
Benckart served as pro tempore for the Honorable Douglas Bridges, the Honorable David Welch, and the Honorable Steven Galvin.
Criminal Practice
Deputy Prosecutor, Misdemeanors
Benckart handled a caseload of 250-300 cases involving defendants charged with crimes ranging from C misdemeanors to level 6 felonies, putting her in court approximately 15 days a month.
Community Service
Volunteer
Red Cross Monroe County – Board Member 1994-1997
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School – Board of Education 2007-2010
Meals on Wheels, Inc. – Benckart volunteered as a driver from September 2009 to June 2010 . in Bloomington.
Pro Bono
Benckart has prepared estate planning documents, helped individuals with landlord/tenant and collection issues pro bono, not associated with a formal organization.
Local Efforts
Over the past 30 years Judith has served Monroe County in many ways. She has served as an active voluteer in youth sports including swimming, baseball, football and soccer, the arts including Sounds of South and Stages, and Cubs Scouts.
Get In Touch
This page is created and monitored by the Committee to Elect Judith Benckart, and not Judith Benckart. Judith Benckart is not in any way involved in the solicitation of campaign funds.