Gov. Greg Gianforte this month nominated Thomas “Lee” Bruner to the vacant judgeship on Montana’s Workers’ Compensation Court.
Bruner, who previously worked as a deputy clerk of the Montana Supreme Court under Republican Clerk Bowen Greenwood, was one of four applicants considered for the workers’ compensation judge position, which the Legislature created in 1975 to resolve disputes related to the Montana Workers’ Compensation Act, itself the subject of a major legislative overhaul in 1971.
“A Butte native, Lee Bruner is an accomplished, experienced attorney who will bring his commitment to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law to the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court,” Gianforte, a Republican, said in a statement. “Given his experience and the overwhelming, positive public comment supporting Lee, I’m confident he will make an exceptional judge and serve the people of Montana well.”
Bruner, reached by phone Friday, expressed gratitude for Gianforte’s nod and said he already has briefings spread out on his desk. He took his oath of office on Thursday.
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