Gov. Greg Gianforte announced on Wednesday that Andrew Breuner will serve on the 18th Judicial District Court.

Breuner worked in private practice in Gallatin County for 15 years and served as a city judge for the Belgrade City Court of Record since 2015.

Breuner earned a law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1993 and has taught as an adjunct professor at Montana State University since 2019.

Appointing a new judge took several months to process.

The chief justice of the Supreme Court of Montana notified Gianforte about the vacancy in the 18th Judicial District on Sept. 8.

From Sept. 19 to Oct. 13, Gianforte solicited applications and nominations from lawyers with good qualifications for holding the position of a District Court judge.

On Oct. 14, a 30-day public comment period was initiated by the governor until Nov. 13.

Then the advisory council held a public meeting on Nov. 19 to consider and review applicants. The governor met with all candidates the council advanced.

In a press release about the newly appointed judge, Gianforte stated:

“Andrew Breuner is a talented attorney who will make an exceptional judge in the 18th Judicial District. He is committed to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law, and I’m confident he’ll serve Gallatin County well by interpreting laws, not making them from the bench.”

Breuner will be sworn in to serve on the Montana 18th Judicial District in January.