Carolyn Ostby

Judge Ostby is the finest judge on the federal bench in Montana. She is smart, polite, and extraordinarily capable whether it's as a trial judge, on motions or as a settlement judge.

Judge Ostby is a fair, intelligent woman who makes good decisions according to the law. She is a model for what the other federal judges of this state should be. She exercises power without being on a power-trip, she is courteous to counsel without being patronizing or pretentious, and she is fair without being weak or -- conversely -- harsh or unreasonable.

The Honorable Carolyn Ostby was very inflexible with scheduling, but upheld the Constitution set forth by our founding fathers with dignity and respect.

Judge Ostby is one of the best judges that I have ever practiced before. She is smart, she knows the law and she has alot of common-sense. She challenges counsel without being condescending. As a criminal defense lawyer, I lose alot of bail hearings in front of her. But, it always seems to me that her rulings (whether or not I like the outcome) are correct given the applicable law and facts. She is a fantastic judge. If we are lucky, she will someday ascend to the district court or circuit court bench.