District Judge Katherine M. Bidegaray, a native of Sidney, Montana, grew up on a farm/ranch in the rural expanses of Richland County, Montana.

Her academic journey began in Culbertson, Montana, where she was the valedictorian of her 1978 class. Pursuing higher education, she attended the University of Montana, earning dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Philosophy, both with High Honors, in 1982. Her pursuit of law led her to obtain a Juris Doctorate from the University of Montana School of Law in 1985.

Post-graduation, Judge Bidegaray began her career in public service, first as an Insurance Department Staff Attorney and then as Deputy Securities Commissioner at the Montana State Auditor’s Office.

Transitioning from public service, she then established her legal practice in Sidney, Montana. Her practice covered a broad spectrum, including estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, agricultural law, oil and gas, family law, and criminal law. Beyond her practice, she contributed her expertise as a hearing examiner for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, where she handled contested cases related to special education issues, in addition to her role as an investigator.

In 2002, after over 17 years in legal practice, Judge Bidegaray was elected to the bench of the Montana 7th Judicial District, representing Dawson, McCone, Prairie, Richland, and Wibaux Counties. Alongside her then-husband, she raised five children on their family farm/ranch in northeastern Montana. Currently, Judge Bidegaray is honored to serve her fourth term as a Montana District Court Judge, a role that underscores her unwavering commitment to justice and the community she holds dear.