Billings Attorney Emily Jones Appointed to Montana Judicial Standards Commission

HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced Tuesday the appointment of Billings attorney Emily Jones to the Montana Judicial Standards Commission, the five-member panel responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct.

Jones, who has more than 15 years of private practice experience, will serve a four-year term from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029. Her appointment requires Senate confirmation.

“Maintaining public trust in our judiciary demands unwavering ethical standards,” Knudsen said. “Emily Jones’s extensive legal experience and dedication to justice make her an exceptional addition to the Judicial Standards Commission.”

Jones has represented a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. From 2022 to 2024, she served as a special assistant attorney general, supporting the Montana Department of Justice on complex civil litigation.

In March, she was appointed to the Montana Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Governor Gianforte has previously appointed Jones to judicial advisory councils in 2021 and 2023 to help review candidates for district court judge vacancies in the Thirteenth Judicial District.

A graduate of the University of Montana School of Law, Jones is licensed to practice in Montana state and federal courts, Arizona superior courts, the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I am honored to serve the people of Montana on the Judicial Standards Commission,” Jones said. “This role is a profound responsibility to uphold the integrity of our judicial system. I am committed to promoting accountability and transparency, ensuring our courts remain a trusted pillar of justice for all Montanans.”

Chief Justice Cory Swanson praised the appointment, emphasizing the commission’s constitutional role: “The Judicial Standards Commission serves an important Constitutional role to provide independent oversight and due process for the judicial branch and Montana citizens. I want to thank Emily Jones and her fellow commission members for taking on this important task.”

Governor Greg Gianforte also endorsed the selection: “Montanans must have trust that our courts are impartial, fair, and ethical and that they operate with the greatest integrity. Given Emily’s extensive background and experience, her membership on the Judicial Standards Commission will help ensure our judiciary is accountable to deliver on that public trust.”

The Judicial Standards Commission investigates allegations of judicial misconduct or unethical behavior. The five-member commission includes two district judges appointed by the Speaker of the House and confirmed by the Senate, one attorney with at least 10 years of Montana practice appointed by the Attorney General and confirmed by the Senate, and two non-attorney, non-judge citizens appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Members serve staggered four-year terms to ensure continuity in the commission’s oversight responsibilities.