---
title: "Barbara L. Whelan | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/barbara-l-whelan-nd-historical"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Barbara L. Whelan

North Dakota Northeast Judicial District Court · Former District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Northeast Judicial District Court
- State: North Dakota
- Role: Former District Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-10-02

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Retired District Court Judge of the North Dakota Northeast Judicial District, appointed in 2017 and resigning effective April 30, 2026
- Her earlier career comprised private practice in Maryland (1990–1993), Hettinger (1993–1994) and Grafton (1994–1998), followed by service as Pembina County state’s attorney (1999–2005) and Walsh County state’s attorney (2006–2017)
- Position: District Court Judge, Northeast Judicial District, Department 6 (Grafton, ND)
- Former North Dakota Northeast Judicial District judge

### Education

- University of Baltimore School of Law — J.D. (1990)

### Additional information

- The official court announcement confirms her resignation effective April 30, 2026, following appointment by Governor Doug Burgum in October 2017 to judgeship 6 in Grafton.
- She joined the North Dakota bar in 1993.
- Born in Turtle Lake in 1963, she obtained a Bachelor of Administration in Hospital Administration from Concordia College in 1986 and a University of Baltimore J.D. in 1990.
- She thanked attorneys, court staff, court administration, and fellow judges for their support North Dakota Court System

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota Administrative Rule 52 permits reliable electronic-means proceedings in district and municipal courts on the court's or a party's motion; a party seeking the proceeding must give notice and obtain court approval.

Evidence excerpt: Parties seeking to hold an electronic means proceeding must provide notice to the other parties and obtain approval from the court.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota's official Rule 52 guidance states that in civil actions a court may conduct a hearing, conference, other proceeding, or take testimony by reliable electronic means.

Evidence excerpt: In a civil action, the court may conduct a hearing, conference, or other proceeding, or take testimony, by reliable electronic means.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/nejd-judge-whelan-announces-resignation)
- [Official roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/nejd-judge-whelan-announces-resignation)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/nejd-judge-whelan-announces-resignation)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/nejd-judge-whelan-announces-resignation)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)

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