This November we have the opportunity to elect a Montana Supreme Court candidate with unparalleled qualifications. Kristen Juras was raised on a Montana ranch and has taught agricultural law, so she understands the issues facing farmers and ranchers.

She has expertise in areas not shared either by her opponent or by any of the existing justices. Those areas include: formation and operation of all kinds of business entities, business succession, tax matters, real property, estate planning, probate and trust. She has regularly taught at the annual Montana Tax Institute.  

Kristen is highly intelligent, has a keen analytical mind, is an excellent writer, and is fair minded — optimum qualities for a Supreme Court justice. She also gets along with everyone. She is liked and respected, both by her students and her attorney peers. Unlike her opponent, she is not beholden to the Plaintiff Trial Lawyers Association. Contrary to her opponent’s claims, Kristen supports public stream access and views it as settled law.

I have known Kristen Juras for 12 years, and for 10 of those years have been urging her to run for a judgeship. I co-taught a business class with her for two years and have worked extensively with her on faculty committees. I believe Kristen Juras would make an outstanding Montana Supreme Court justice, and I urge you to vote for her in the upcoming election. —Charles W. “Chuck” Willey, Missoula, adjunct professor of law (retired)