Governor calls for applications for judge in Seventh Judicial District

By Keila Szpaller for the Daily Montanan

With Judge Katherine Bidegaray heading to the Montana Supreme Court, Governor Greg Gianforte is calling for applicants and nominations for the vacancy in the Seventh Judicial District.

The judicial district is comprised of Dawson, Prairie, McCone, Richland and Wibaux counties.

The Governor’s Office said any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications for holding the office may apply or be nominated for the post.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Monday, December 16. Apply at nominatejudges.mt.gov.

The Governor’s Office said the public will be given the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments at the same link from Tuesday, December 17, until Thursday, January 16.

“Applicants must receive at least three letters of support to be considered for appointment by the governor,” said a news release from the Governor’s Office.

Bidegaray was elected this month to replace outgoing justice Dirk Sandefur on the state’s highest court.

Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.