HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his appointment of Gregory Bonilla to serve on the Ninth Judicial District Court, which includes Glacier, Pondera, Teton, and Toole Counties. Bonilla fills the vacancy created by Ninth Judicial District Judge Robert G. Olson’s retirement.

“A Shelby native, Gregory is an accomplished attorney distinguished by his professionalism, intellect, and diverse legal background,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to his service to the people of Glacier, Pondera, Teton, and Toole Counties on the Ninth Judicial District Court.”

Bonilla graduated from the University of Montana in 1991 and the University of California Berkeley School of Law in 1996. He served Cascade County as Deputy County Attorney from 2001 to 2006, and has served as an attorney for the County Litigation Group since 2009.

On March 3, Governor Gianforte announced an advisory council of attorneys and community leaders in Glacier, Pondera, Teton, and Toole Counties to assist in identifying and reviewing qualified candidates to fill the district court judge vacancy in the Ninth Judicial District. 

The governor concluded, “I thank the members of advisory council for serving their community and giving their time to review and recommend highly qualified nominees to serve as the new district court judge.”

On January 6, the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Montana notified the governor of a vacancy in the Ninth Judicial District upon Judge Olson’s retirement on April 7, 2023. 

On January 13, the governor began soliciting applications from and nominations of any attorney in good standing with the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. The application period closed on February 13.

On February 14, the governor initiated the 30-day public comment period, which concluded on March 15.

In March, the advisory council held a public meeting to consider applicants and review Montanans’ public comments. The advisory council forwarded two nominees to the governor.

The governor met with the two candidates advanced by the advisory council.