An Experienced Judge for Montana Supreme Court

Judge Wm. Nels Swandal is a third generation Montanan, born and raised in the same valley his grandparents settled when they emigrated from Norway 100 years ago. He graduated from Wilsall High School in 1971, Montana State University in 1975, and the University of Montana School of Law in 1978. He and his wife, Debra, and their three children moved from Livingston back to his family ranch in 1994, where he and Debra still reside after 30 years of marriage.

For the past 16 years, Judge Swandal has been the District Court Judge for Montana's 6th Judicial District. In 2008, Judge Swandal retired from the United States Army after 30 years of service to our country. During that time, Judge Swandal was on active duty from 1978-1981, followed by the U.S. Army Reserves until 1988 when he became a member of the Montana Army National Guard. Judge Swandal retired as a Colonel and the State Staff Judge Advocate for the State of Montana. He worked as the Park County Attorney 1983-1994. Prior to that, Judge Swandal worked with his mother at the law firm of Swandal, Douglass & Swandal and as the Park County Public Defender.

Judge Swandal is currently the President of the Montana Judges Association. He has formerly served as the President of the Montana County Attorney Association, in addition to chairing the Southwest Montana Chemical Dependency Center and Youth Dynamics. He has also chaired the Gateway Hospice Advisory Board, and served on the Board of Trustees for Livingston Memorial Hospital. He is a member of the Montana Bar Association, Montana National Guard Association, and National Guard Association of the United States. He has also been active in Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2009, Judge Swandal was named CASA Judge of the Year. He has also received the Army Commendation Medal as well as the Legion of Merit.