Ritter selected to serve in Montana Water Court
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News from the Montana Supreme Court
HELENA — Chief Justice Mike McGrath today announced he has selected Douglas Ritter to serve as the Associate Judge of the Montana Water Court. Ritter’s appointment is effective Sept. 16. Ritter was selected from a list of three candidates recommended by the Judicial Nomination Commission.
“After interviewing all candidates, it was clear Doug was the person most qualified to move into this position. He has spent a career at the Water Court and fully understands what needs to be done to provide finality to water users,” Chief Justice McGrath said.
The Associate Judge position was created by the 2011 Legislature to expedite the adjudication of water rights in Montana. Chief Water Judge Russ McElyea moved from the associate to the chief position when long-time Chief Water Judge C. Bruce Loble retired in July. The Water Court was created by the 1979 Montana Legislature. It has exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of all water-rights claims in Montana. More than 200,000 water rights claims will eventually be adjudicated through the Water Court.
Ritter, of Bozeman, is currently a Senior Water Master with the Water Court. He has been a Water Master since 1992. Prior to his time at the Water Court, he was in private practice. He received his law degree from the University of Montana and a bachelor’s degree in history from Montana State University. Ritter is active in a variety of community activities including the Eagle Mount adaptive ski program.
Ritter’s appointment is effective until July 2016. He will earn $117,600 per year.
