by Evelyn Pyburn
Thomas Pardy has been selected to serve on the Thirteenth Judicial District Court in Yellowstone County by Gov. Greg Gianforte, to fill the vacancy created by District Judge Michael G. Moses’ retirement.
“Thomas is an accomplished attorney who is committed to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law and who will interpret laws, not make them from the bench,” Gov. Gianforte said.
Pardy has had his own law practice in Billings and has served as Billing Deputy City Attorney since 2014.
The Governor interviewed two candidates for the position who were recommended by an advisory council which reviewed four applications which were submitted for consideration.
On February 24, the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Montana notified the governor of a vacancy in the Thirteenth Judicial District, following Judge Moses retirement, effective July 1, 2023.
On March 6, the governor began soliciting applications from and nominations of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. The application period closed on April 5.
On April 6, the governor initiated the 30-day public comment period for the four applicants. During that period, the public had the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants. Applicants must receive at least three letters of support to be considered for appointment by the governor.
On May 18, the advisory council held a public meeting to consider applicants and review Montanans’ public comments. The advisory council forwarded two nominees to be interviewed by the governor.
Originally from Howard, South Dakota, Pardy graduated University of Montana School of Law in 1998. In 2018, Pardy retired from the Army National Guard as Master Sgt. after 32 years of service.
Half of Pardy’s private practice included criminal defense. The other half was handling family law, real estate, banking, human resources, contracts, bankruptcy and appeals.
Pardy previously campaigned to be district judge in the Thirteenth District in 2018, and was defeated by Judge Collette Davies.
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