[6][7] Shearing practiced for several years in Las Vegas, and became a juvenile court referee in 1975.
[8][9] Shearing was an advocate of abortion rights who during the election campaign urged "a female voice" on the court.
[8] The election was deeply bitter in tone, which the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline criticized, prompting Shearing and Thompson to apologize and agree "to refrain from negative campaigning in the future.
[8] Shearing served on the court for twelve years, and was named chief justice in 1997.
[6] Shearing said that upon retirement she would divide her time between Las Vegas and Incline Village.