Judges

Honorable Thomas B. Powers

Presiding Judge

Judge Powers Biography

Judge Powers graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Florida State University, and received his J.D. from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis& Clark College in 1998. Powers practiced as an associate attorney and partner at the Portland-based firm Williams, Love, O'Leary & Powers from 2000-2013. Powers represented individuals in pharmaceutical, medical device, and other product liability cases in both state and federal jurisdictions around the country. From late 2013 until taking the bench in April 2017 Judge Powers led a solo practice in Enterprise, OR, specializing in both civil cases and indigent criminal defense. August 2015-March 2016 Powers had a 7 month hiatus working with the Oregon DOJ's Consumer Protection/Financial Fraud Section. Powers returned to his solo practice in Enterprise in early 2016, and was appointed by Governor Kate Brown in April 2017 to fill the vacancy in the 10th Judicial District created by Judge Brian Dretke's return to private practice

During his time in eastern Oregon, Powers served as the defense bar representative in the Wallowa County Treatment Court. Since taking the bench in April 2017, Judge Powers has presided over the treatment court programs in both Union and Wallowa Counties.

Judge Powers is an outdoor enthusiast enjoying biking and skiing in his off time.

Judge Boyd Honorable Jared Boyd
Circuit Court Judge

Judge Boyd Biography

Judge Boyd graduated from the University of Idaho in 2005 with a B.S. in Political Science with an emphasis on game theory and organizational analysis and a minor in History. He then received his law degree from Willamette University College of Law in 2008. During law school he worked with the Oregon Department of Justice and Marion County District Attorney Juvenile Department as a legal clerk, as well as a researcher in the law library.

Upon graduating he first worked as a prosecutor at the Union County District Attorney's Office from 2008-2015, leaving as a Senior Deputy District Attorney. He opened his own firm in La Grande, Oregon in 2015 as a small town general practitioner primarily handling public defense work on contract with the State. As a private attorney he was the Union County Treatment Court defense bar representative, and did pro bono work with several local organizations. Judge Boyd was elected in 2024 and took the bench January 2025.

Judge Boyd lives in La Grande with his wife, daughters, and two golden retriever puppies. When not working he enjoys camping, hiking, flying drones, and working on computers.