Hummel appointed justice of the peace

Eric earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana and his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law. He is married.

Eric was previously in private practice and served as a substitute judge. He also served as a Flathead Deputy County Attorney and a law clerk at the Montana Supreme Court.

Eric S. Hummel is the current Flathead County Justice of the Peace. He was first appointed in 2016 and is serving his 3rd term. In 2010, he ran for the Department 2 Justice of the Peace position, but did not win. 

Candidate website

Earned his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law.

The candidate's website says, "Flathead County Justice of the Peace – 8 yrs"

As Justice of the Peace, presided over minor legal matters, such as issuing warrants, performing marriages, and overseeing small claims disputes.

While working in private practice, provided legal counsel, represented clients in court proceedings, drafted legal documents, and negotiated settlements on behalf of his clients.

The candidate's website says, "Substitute Judge – Kalispell • Whitefish • Columbia Falls – 12 yrs"

As a Substitute Judge, fulfilled the main duties of a judge when the regular judge was unavailable, presiding over court proceedings, making legal rulings, and ensuring fair administration of justice.

The candidate's website says, "Former City & County Prosecutor"

As a Deputy County Attorney, conducted legal research, drafted legal documents, prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the county, and provided legal advice to county officials and departments.

The candidate's website says, "Former Law Clerk – Montana Supreme Court"

As a Law Clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, was responsible for conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and assisting justices in various aspects of case analysis and decision-making.

- Earned his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law.
- As Justice of the Peace, presided over minor legal matters, such as issuing warrants, performing marriages, and overseeing small claims disputes.
- While working in private practice, provided legal counsel, represented clients in court proceedings, drafted legal documents, and negotiated settlements on behalf of his clients.
- As a Substitute Judge, fulfilled the main duties of a judge when the regular judge was unavailable, presiding over court proceedings, making legal rulings, and ensuring fair administration of justice.
- As a Deputy County Attorney, conducted legal research, drafted legal documents, prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the county, and provided legal advice to county officials and departments.
- As a Law Clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, was responsible for conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and assisting justices in various aspects of case analysis and decision-making.

Legal Experience

As of June 6, 2025, Eric S. Hummel’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Eric S. Hummel

Paul is originally from Flathead Valley, Montana. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Montana and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He lives with his wife and 4 children.

Paul was an attorney and partner at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, PC. He also had his own practice, the Law Office of Paul Sullivan.

Paul Sullivan currently serves as Flathead County Justice of the Peace. He was elected in 2018 and is serving his 1st term.

As a justice of the peace, oversees cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administers oaths to public officials, handles requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performs marriage ceremonies.

As a legal associate at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, PC, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil litigation, family law, and criminal cases.

As a legal partner at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O'Brien, PC, managed key client relationships, pursued new clients, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients.

- As a justice of the peace, oversees cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administers oaths to public officials, handles requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performs marriage ceremonies.
- As a legal associate at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, PC, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil litigation, family law, and criminal cases.
- As a legal partner at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O'Brien, PC, managed key client relationships, pursued new clients, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients.

As of June 6, 2025, Paul Sullivan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Flathead County Justice of the Peace Paul Sullivan Announces Candidacy for District Court

Pledges to bring “fairness, integrity, and impartiality” to the bench.

- Pledges to bring “fairness, integrity, and impartiality” to the bench.

Paul Sullivan

- Montana District Courts are central to the state’s judicial system, handling most major legal proceedings and providing a pathway for appeals from lower courts.
- Montana District Court Judges handle a wide variety of cases, including all serious criminal charges and smaller felonies. These courts also take on major civil disputes and state financial claims.
- In civil matters, these judges deal with wills and estates (probate), disputes over contracts and property ownership, and other non-criminal legal issues.
- These judges also have the authority to review decisions made by smaller local courts within their jurisdiction, as allowed by state law and the Constitution.
Judges in the District Courts are elected by the public in their districts, emphasizing the importance of community representation.

Montana District Court Judge, District 11

Election results

Candidates (2)

Compare candidates

Legal Experience

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement