Professional and Legal background

Governor appoints Yvonne Laird as District Court judge

Ballotpedia

Laird is from Hill County, Montana and graduated from Blue Sky High School. She holds a bachelor's degree from Concordia College and a law degree from the University of Montana. She is married to her husband, Myles, with whom they have one daughter together. 

Laird has experience as an attorney for Montana Legal Services, as a Sole Practitioner at her own law firm, Laird Law Office, PLLC, and as a Deputy County Attorney and County Attorney for Blaire County in Montana. 

Yvonne Laird is the District Court Judge for Judicial District 17. She was appointed to this position in 2016, and has served for two terms. 

Helland and Laird vie for 17th District Court Judgeship

Received Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law in 1996.

As an attorney for the Montana Legal Services Assocation, she provided civil legal services to low-income individuals, with a focus on family law cases and some related consumer law cases.

- Received Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law in 1996.
- As an attorney for the Montana Legal Services Assocation, she provided civil legal services to low-income individuals, with a focus on family law cases and some related consumer law cases.

Legal Experience

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

Ethics & Conduct

Said in her 2018 campaign, funding is a key issue, emphasizing concerns with a reduced budget saying "It is impossible to provide necessary rehabilitative services to persons who need them when the services are simply not available.", and that such losses necessitate finding innovate solutions, such as more advanced technology or peer to peer mentoring.

- Said in her 2018 campaign, funding is a key issue, emphasizing concerns with a reduced budget saying "It is impossible to provide necessary rehabilitative services to persons who need them when the services are simply not available.", and that such losses necessitate finding innovate solutions, such as more advanced technology or peer to peer mentoring.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Yvonne Laird

- 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.