May 8, 2014

On May 5, 2014, Governor Steve Bullock appointed Hon. James Jeremiah Shea to the vacant Associate Justice Position on the Montana Supreme Court.  Governor Bullock will appoint the next Workers’ Compensation Judge per statutory procedures, which may involve a period of time.

Workers’ Compensation Court staff will attempt to accommodate parties practicing before the Court to the extent possible.  Pursuant to ARM 24.5.340, § 2-4-611, MCA, and Mont. R. Civ. P. 53, Judge Shea has appointed law clerks Jeanine M. Blaner and Richard E. Bach as Hearing Examiners/Standing Masters to conduct trials/hearings and to issue rulings on pending motions in all cases before this Court until further Order.  The Hearing Examiners’/Standing Masters’ findings of fact and conclusions of law will be submitted for approval to the incoming judge before being disseminated to the parties.  Parties must stipulate by a scheduled deadline to allow a Hearing Examiner/Standing Master to hear their case at trial.  Parties will be notified of the deadline for filing the stipulation.  If the parties fail to file a stipulation, or cannot reach agreement, the case will be reset to be heard by the incoming judge.

Please bear in mind the Court offers settlement conference/mediation services, conducted by the law clerks, in Billings, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula.

We appreciate your patience during this transitional period.  Please do not hesitate to contact the Court should you have any questions.

                                                  Jackie Poole
                                                  Clerk of Court
                                                  Workers’ Compensation Court