Helland Named to List of Judicial Appointees

Governor Steve Bullock is currently considering four candidates for appointment to serve as judge on Montana's 17th Judicial District. The position is currently being held by the embattled Judge John C. McKeon, who announced his retirement some time ago and will leave his post at the end of November. Being considered for the position are Peter L. Helland of Glasgow, Yvonne Gaye Laird of Chinook, Dan Raymond O'Brien of Malta and Randy Homer Randolph of Havre.

According to his application for the position, Helland has been working as a lawyer in Montana since 1993 following his graduation from the University of Montana School of Law. He began his career in public service working as a law clerk for the Honorable Jack D. Shanstrom, U.S. District Court Judge in Billings until 1995. Helland began a career in private practice as an associate for Edmiston and Schermerhorn in Billings until 2001, when he became an associate with Gallagher and Archambault PC in Glasgow.

In 2003, Helland became the managing member and attorney for Helland Law Firm, PLLC in Glasgow. Helland graduated from Glasgow High School in 1984 and has lived in Montana for the last 50 years, according to his application for the position. Currently in addition to his private practice, Helland also serves as the Glasgow city attorney and the attorney for the city of Nashua. According to Helland's application, he focuses primarily on civil litigation and family law and spends a considerable amount of time in court with an estimate of two to five appearances a month in courtrooms.

In response to one of the application questions asking for Helland's philosophy on community service Helland answered: "Community service is part of what makes Glasgow a great place to live, not only because it makes where I live better, but also for the social interaction with other community members it provides." Helland highlighted his service philosophy by listing the organizations and departments he serves with and on from the Elks to the Glasgow Recreation Department and through his pro-bono work. Helland commented on his pro-bono work in his application by stating, "It has been my practice to try to have one pro-bono case at all times if possible."