Bergman is a Professor of Law at the University of New Mexico, where she teaches evidence, trial practice, advocacy and criminal procedure. She was formerly a staff attorney at the Public Defender Service in the District of Columbia and was an associate counsel to President Jimmy Carter. In addition, Ms. Bergman serves on the board of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Professor Bergman received her B.A. in 1973 from Bradley University and her law degree in 1976 from Stanford University. She is a member of the California, District of Columbia, and New Mexico Bars.

In 2000-01, and in the spring of 2004, Professor Bergman put her teaching into practice when she worked on the defense team in the State of Oklahoma v. Terry Nichols, a state death penalty case. Nichols was prosecuted for conspiracy and murder in connection with the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City.

Professor Bergman has lectured and published extensively, including serving as editor of the Fourth Edition of the D.C. Criminal Jury Instructions. In 2001, Professor Bergman received the Robert C. Heeney Award, the highest honor given by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The Roscoe Pound Foundation also honored her with the Richard S. Jacobson Award for excellence in teaching of trial advocacy.