Speech

Appointment of Bozeman District Judge

Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
State Capitol
2/19/2004

**Check Against Delivery**


Good morning. Thank you for being here.

Montana’s judiciary is based in our local district courts. They are responsive and provide and excellent foundation for our tradition of swift and fair justice.

Each time that I have appointed a member of the judiciary I have looked for someone who will best continue that tradition we enjoy in Montana.

That is why it is a pleasure for me today to announce the appointment of Holly B. Brown of Bozeman to the position of judge for the 18th Judicial District.

Holly succeeds Judge Mark Guenther, who past away last November.

She was one of eight attorneys who sought this appointment, and one of three excellent individuals recommended to me by the Judicial Nomination Commission.

I believe that Holly will work hard to achieve the respect and admiration that Judge Guenther garnered, and will serve the judiciary with distinction.

Holly has had a distinguished legal career in Bozeman where she has had a private practice since 1989. For three years prior to that she was an associate with the firm of Kirwin and Barrett.

Holly also practiced for four years in Wyoming before moving to Bozeman.

She was the valedictorian of her 1975 class at Jackson Hole High School, and she received two undergraduate degrees with honors from the University of Wyoming in 1979.

She then earned her law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1982.

In addition to her excellent education, I am also impressed with the amount of time Holly has devoted to serving her community. Since l999, she has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of the Rockies.

Since l998, she has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bozeman Public Library.

She also represents, without charge I might note, the Big Sky Cancer Research Center, a non-profit corporation, which facilitates care for cancer survivors and assists the families of cancer patients.

Holly was admitted to the practice of law in Wyoming in 1982. In l986, she was admitted to the Montana State Bar. In l987, she was admitted to the U.S. District Court in Montana and in l988, she was admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Ninth Circuit.

Holly’s practice has been diverse, which I believe will serve her well on the bench.

Since l996, she has been a member of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association, and she has represented individuals in the area of family law and criminal defense cases.

After reviewing her resume and application for this judgeship, and reading through the recommendations submitted on her behalf, and finally, after interviewing her, I believe that the people of the 18th Judicial District will be well served by her appointment.

Before formally introducing her, I am going to read from a portion of her application, because it speaks well of Holly and tells me that the people of the 18th district will be well-served by a individual who is concerned about the future of their community.

I quote,

“I have lived and practiced in Gallatin County for the majority of my legal career.
My devotion to public service and working with the members of all aspects of this community is a matter of record.

I have a breadth and depth of legal and personal experience, from litigating complex issues, to running a solo law practice, with all of the business concerns that entails. I am practical, efficient and decisive. I am very fair when advocating for my clients.”

Holly truly is a forward thinking leader.

With that, I’m proud to formally introduce attorney Holly B. Brown of Bozeman, Judge for the 18th Judicial District.

-End-