Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen stood firm in his defense during a formal hearing Wednesday and Thursday regarding a professional conduct complaint against him by a California lawyer, which arises from a long-standing legal dispute between the state Legislature and the judicial branch. The hearing, conducted by an adjudicatory panel of the Montana Commission on Practice, marks a significant moment in the politically charged landscape of Montana governance.
At the outset of the hearing, panel chair Randy Ogle, a Kalispell based trial lawyer and longtime Democratic donor, noted the unusual nature of the complaint, which includes 41 counts alleging violations of ethical conduct. These accusations stem from Knudsen’s representation of Republican legislators in 2021 when they issued subpoenas for internal emails from Supreme Court justices and judicial staff. The legislators argued that these emails could shed light on potential biases affecting due process in ongoing legal challenges.
Solicitor General Christian Corrigan defended Knudsen’s actions, stating that they were made in good faith during high-stakes constitutional litigation between co-equal branches of government. He emphasized that regardless of differing opinions on Knudsen’s approach, the attorney general acted to protect the interests of the Legislature.