[2][3] In 1995, Governor Ben Nelson appointed Gerrard to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

[3] At 41 years of age, Gerrard was the youngest ever appointee to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

In January 2011, then Senator Ben Nelson, recommended Gerrard to fill a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska that would be vacated later that year by Judge Richard G.

[3] On May 4, 2011, President Barack Obama formally nominated Gerrard to replace Kopf on the federal bench.

The Senate confirmed Gerrard's nomination on January 23, 2012, by a 74–16 vote.