About
District Judge Katherine M. Bidegaray, a native of Sidney, Montana, grew up on a farm/ranch in the rural expanses of Richland County, Montana.
Her academic journey began in Culbertson, Montana, where she was the valedictorian of her 1978 class. Pursuing higher education, she attended the University of Montana, earning dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Philosophy, both with High Honors, in 1982. Her pursuit of law led her to obtain a Juris Doctorate from the University of Montana School of Law in 1985.
Post-graduation, Judge Bidegaray began her career in public service, first as an Insurance Department Staff Attorney and then as Deputy Securities Commissioner at the Montana State Auditor’s Office.
Transitioning from public service, she then established her legal practice in Sidney, Montana. Her practice covered a broad spectrum, including estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, agricultural law, oil and gas, family law, and criminal law. Beyond her practice, she contributed her expertise as a hearing examiner for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, where she handled contested cases related to special education issues, in addition to her role as an investigator.
In 2002, after over 17 years in legal practice, Judge Bidegaray was elected to the bench of the Montana 7th Judicial District, representing Dawson, McCone, Prairie, Richland, and Wibaux Counties. Alongside her then-husband, she raised five children on their family farm/ranch in northeastern Montana. Currently, Judge Bidegaray is honored to serve her fourth term as a Montana District Court Judge, a role that underscores her unwavering commitment to justice and the community she holds dear.
Rooted deeply in the very essence of Montana, Judge Katherine Bidegaray epitomizes the spirit of the state she aspires to represent on the Supreme Court. Her narrative is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an intrinsic comprehension of the law.
Growing up on a farm/ranch in the rural expanses of Montana, she was imbued with a sense of community and an acute awareness of the challenges confronting the everyday citizens of Montana. This early life experience forged within her a robust dedication to safeguarding the constitutional rights that empower families to surmount adversity and pave the way for a more promising future.
Spanning more than 38 years, Judge Bidegaray's legal odyssey is marked by a breadth of experiences that distinctively qualify her for the Supreme Court. In her time as a practicing lawyer, she adeptly handled intricate legal matters across a spectrum of fields, including estate planning, agriculture, and family law. Subsequently, as a District Court Judge, she adjudicated hundreds of cases, gaining intimate insights into the profound influence of the law on Montanans' lives. Her commitment to equity and justice is evident in each ruling she makes.
Yet, Judge Bidegaray's identity extends beyond her legal acumen. She is a visionary, an innovator, and an advocate for the principles that are the bedrock of Montana. Her leadership in establishing treatment courts has carved out avenues for rehabilitation for individuals battling addiction. She remains a staunch defender of public lands and education, acknowledging their crucial contribution to the prosperity of Montana.
In the face of current unprecedented challenges confronting the Montana Supreme Court, including assaults on the rule of law that endanger the liberties and rights dear to Montanans, Judge Bidegaray grasps the magnitude of these issues. She stands ready to confront these challenges head-on, committed to defending the Constitution and delivering justice for everyone.
Judge Bidegaray is poised not merely to follow but to lead. Armed with her quintessential Montana resilience and steadfast integrity, she is set to introduce a vital perspective to the Supreme Court – a perspective that truly embodies the heart and spirit of the state she cherishes.
