Gov. Greg Gianforte has appointed a seven-member advisory council to help review candidates for the vacant district court judgeship in Montana’s Sixth Judicial District, which serves Park County and Sweet Grass County.
The council will assist the governor in evaluating the lone applicant for the position, Livingston attorney Rebecca Robyn Swandal, after the application and public comment period closed earlier this month.
The advisory panel includes former Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler, attorney Pat Dringman, former Sweet Grass County Commissioner Susie Mosness, attorney Jami Rebsom, CASA Program Director Ann Schilling, community representative Larry Stephenson, and attorney Kellie Voyich.
Gianforte first announced in February that he was accepting applications and nominations from qualified attorneys in good standing to replace retiring Judge Brenda Gilbe1. Swandal was the only applicant to submit materials for consideration.
Swandal has operated Swandal Law PLLC since 2013 and previously worked for Crowley Fleck, clerked for former Montana Supreme Court Justice John Warner, and briefly served as acting Meagher County Attorney in 2018.
She stated that her practice has focused heavily on family law, probate, estate planning, civil litigation, and mediation. Swandal wrote that she has represented clients in 360 Park County cases, served more than 150 days as a judge pro tempore in Park County Justice Court, and helped more than 1,000 clients with estate planning matters since opening her practice.
In her application, Swandal said one reason she is seeking the judgeship is public service and a desire to give back to a community where her family has lived for generations. She also pledged to ensure all parties receive a fair hearing and that decisions are made promptly, writing that justice delayed is justice denied.
She is the daughter of former District Judge Nels Swandal who served on the bench from 1995 to 2012.
Swandal described her judicial philosophy as one rooted in separation of powers, saying courts should interpret the law rather than make policy from the bench. She also emphasized adherence to constitutional text and predictable governance.
Letters of support submitted during the public comment period praised Swandal’s courtroom experience, legal ability, community ties, and reputation for professionalism, according to materials filed with the governor’s office.
The governor is expected to make the final appointment after reviewing the advisory council’s recommendation.
By: DNU staff