Montana Lawyer December 2024/January 2025

Chief Justice Mike McGrath Retires After 50 Years of Distinguished Service to Montana JOHN MUDD

After serving two terms as Montana’s Chief Justice, Mike McGrath made his last official act before retire ment to preside over the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, Cory Swanson. McGrath also presided as Hon. Katherine Bidegarry took the oath of office, replacing re tiring Justice Dirk Sandefur on Montana’s highest court. Both ceremonies took place on January 6 in the Supreme Court chambers. For McGrath, the day marked the end of a 50-plus year legal career, including service as Lewis & Clark County Attorney, Montana Attorney General, and Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court for the previous 16 years. Chief Justice Swanson praised McGrath to The Montana Lawyer. “Chief Justice McGrath has been a stal wart leader of the Court and a public servant for his entire career,” Swanson said. “I’m honored to follow him in of fice, and aspire to lead the Court as effectively has he has.” State Bar President Antoinette (Toni) Tease also rec ognized McGrath’s service. “We thank Justice McGrath for his service and are fortunate to have had a Chief Justice who is committed to the rule of law and to improving access to justice for the citizens of our state.”” Tease said. “His leadership has had a lasting impact on our judiciary and our state.” McGrath was raised in Butte and attended the University of Montana, graduating in 1970. After serving Chief Justice Mike McGrath was recently honored with the Montana Chapter of the American College of Trial Lawyers’ (ACTL) inaugural Judicial Independence Award. ACTL President-Elect Rick Deane presented the award. The ceremony included remarks from incoming state chair, Randy Bishop, who highlighted the American College of Trial Lawyers’ long-standing commitment to elevating the standards of trial practice and defending judicial independence. The event underscored the critical role of the judiciary in preserving constitutional rights and the rule of law. Chief Justice McGrath’s acceptance speech reflected on the importance of judicial independence, the contribu tions of Montana’s judiciary, and the support of his family throughout his career.

Cory Swanson, right, takes the oath of office to become chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court on Jan. 6.

in the United States Air Force, McGrath attended Gonzaga University School of Law, graduating in 1975. Fellow Butte native Robert M. (Bob) Carlson, former State Bar President and President of the American Bar Association during McGrath’s second term, echoed Tease. “Mike McGrath was a dedicated public servant who put family, the people of Montana and the legal profession first,” Carlson said. “But in doing so he never forgot his Butte roots. His thoughtful approach to the work of the Montana Supreme Court will be missed.”

Chief Justice McGrath Receives Judicial Independence Award

Pictured: Former Chief Justice McGrath receiving the Judicial Independence Award from ACTL’s Montana State President Mikel Moore and President Elect, Randy Bishop

DECEMBER-JANUARY 2025

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