Professional and Legal background

Deputy city attorney for Billings in judge's race wants electronic case filing system to help with caseload

Pardy Selected as New District Judge in Yellowstone County

Gianforte appoints Thomas Pardy to Thirteenth Judicial District Court

Pardy holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana and a Law Degree from the University of South Dakota. He is a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Pardy has experience managing at his own law practice, the Pardy Law Firm, PC, and as Billing Deputy City Attorney. He is a U.S. military veteran, previously serving in the Army National Guard as Master Sergeant.

Thomas Pardy is the District Court Judge for the 13th Judicial District in Montana, He was appointed to this position in 2023, and is serving his first term. He previously campaigned to be district judge for the 13th District in 2018, but did not win. 

Received Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1998.

As an attorney for his own law firm, he focused on criminal defense cases, but also handled cases involving family law, real estate, banking, human resources, contacts, bankruptcy and appeals.

- Received Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1998.
- As an attorney for his own law firm, he focused on criminal defense cases, but also handled cases involving family law, real estate, banking, human resources, contacts, bankruptcy and appeals.

Legal Experience

As of September 17, 2024, Thomas Pardy did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

He said during his 2018 campaign, he wants to install an electronic case filing system and increase efficiency, informing attorneys notice of new files immediately.

Promised during his 2018 campaign, he would abide by sentencing guidelines according to the state law.

Said he wanted to "improve the case management/work-through process beyond just being another judge to help clear cases...", as he considered the district's caseload his top issue as a new judge.

- He said during his 2018 campaign, he wants to install an electronic case filing system and increase efficiency, informing attorneys notice of new files immediately.
- Promised during his 2018 campaign, he would abide by sentencing guidelines according to the state law.
- Said he wanted to "improve the case management/work-through process beyond just being another judge to help clear cases...", as he considered the district's caseload his top issue as a new judge.
- Wants to address drug abuse rates.

Judicial Administration

Opposes sentencing requirements preventing judge discretion, and said "I think sentencing ranges for given offenses are appropriate."

Supports longer sentencing for subsequent violations.

- Opposes sentencing requirements preventing judge discretion, and said "I think sentencing ranges for given offenses are appropriate."
- Supports longer sentencing for subsequent violations.

Judicial Philosophy

Previously coached Little League girls softball, Little Guy Football and other youth sports.

- Member of the Billings Rod and Gun Club.
- Previously coached Little League girls softball, Little Guy Football and other youth sports.

Community Involvement

Thomas Pardy

- 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.