Berger appointed as new judge

Late last month, Montana Governor Steve Bullock appointed a new 5th Judicial District Judge.

According to Montana State Supreme Court Administrator Beth McLaughlin, Bullock named Lewis and Clark County Deputy Attorney Luke Berger to the position that covers Jefferson, Madison, and Beaverhead Counties.

He will take over for Judge Loren Tucker whose last day in the position was Friday, January 27.

Berger was one of three finalists for the position. The other two finalists for the position were Lori Ann Harshbarger of Whitehall and Beaverhead County Attorney Jed Clayton Fish.

Berger is subject to confirmation during the 2017 Legislative Session, and is also subject to election in 2018. The successful candidate will serve a six-year term.

The Judicial Nomination Commission members were District Judge Richard Simonton of Glendive; Janice Bishop of Missoula, Karl Englund of Missoula, Elizabeth Halverson of Billings; Hal Harper of Helena; Lane Larson of Billings; and Nancy Zadick of Great Falls.

Berger is a graduate of Beaverhead County and attended law school at the University of Montana.