Chief Justice Cory Swanson announces Water Court appointments
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News from the Montana Judicial Branch
HELENA — Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson today announced the appointments of the Chief and Associate Water Judges for the Montana Water Court.
Chief Water Judge Russ McElyea retired in 2024 after a long and distinguished career as a water judge. Chief Justice Mike McGrath appointed Stephen Brown to succeed Judge McElyea. Judge Brown began serving as the Water Court Chief Judge on January 1.
Stephen Brown brings a wealth of experience and water expertise to this position. He was a partner in the Garlington, Lohn & Robinson law firm for 24 years, where he specialized in water and natural resource law, and has long been recognized as an expert in this field. Judge Brown was appointed as Associate Water Judge in 2019, and served for 6 years in that position.
Judge Brown thanked Chief Justice McGrath for appointing him and remarked, “Serving the citizens of Montana as a water judge has been the highlight of my professional career and I look forward to continuing the legacy of Judge McElyea.”
Judge Brown’s appointment to the Chief Judge position created a vacancy in the Associate Judge position. Newly-elected Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson has conducted the interview and selection process, and today announced he has selected Bina Peters as the next
Associate Judge for the Montana Water Court.
“I was impressed with the caliber of candidates who applied for this important judicial position,” Swanson said. “We had six well-qualified candidates, but Bina Peters rose to the top of the field.
I have full confidence she will carry out the duties of Associate Water Judge with the highest degree of wisdom, skill, and diligence.”
Peters is a 2009 graduate of the University of Montana School of Law. She served as a Water Master at the Montana Water Court for five years, and has been an attorney in private practice in Bozeman since 2016. She is widely regarded as one of the best water lawyers in Montana, and has represented clients all over the State. Peters received wide support from the agricultural irrigation community.
Peters enthusiastically accepted the appointment. “I am honored to serve the State of Montana as the Associate Water Judge. I am committed to fulfilling the long-standing responsibility to water users in Montana to complete the adjudication and issue final, enforceable water rights.”
Both Judge Brown’s and Judge Peters’ appointments are subject to confirmation by the Montana State Senate. Chief Justice Cory Swanson has sent formal notification of the appointment to Senate President Matt Regier, requesting to begin the confirmation process.
