Judge Raaum received his undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University in 1989 and his Law Degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1992. Judge Raaum was in private practice in Grand Junction from 1992 to 2006 when he was appointed to the bench. Judge Raaum served as a Bond Magistrate for the 21st Judicial District from 2004 through 2006. He was appointed to the County Court bench by Governor Owens in January, 2007.