Commission grants county attorney up to three months to wrap up private cases

Butte-Silver Bow commissioners on Jan. 8 unanimously concurred to grant County Attorney Ann Ruth up to three months from the date she took office to finish previously opened private matters, as allowed under state statute cited in her communication (2025-22).

Ruth told the council she has about four remaining family-law cases that are set for mediation and that clients have already paid fees; she said the cases are scheduled within the next month and that if they cannot be closed within the 90-day period she will withdraw and the clients will need to find new counsel. Ruth said she has been closing matters since the election and that the statute exists to allow a short transition for newly elected county attorneys with a prior private practice.

Commissioners asked about conflict and workload; Ruth said she will continue to perform county duties and would not be off for three months. She also confirmed she maintains professional liability insurance in her private practice and that the statute allows the limited wrap-up period. Several commissioners said the voters will ultimately hold the county attorney accountable in future elections; the council approved concurrence and placed the communication on file by a 12-0 vote.

The agenda entry and discussion cited the relevant Montana law (as read into the record) and noted the county attorney's commitment to transition cases promptly while maintaining county responsibilities.