Hummel appointed justice of the peace

Eric earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana and his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law. He is married.

Eric was previously in private practice and served as a substitute judge. He also served as a Flathead Deputy County Attorney and a law clerk at the Montana Supreme Court.

Eric S. Hummel is the current Flathead County Justice of the Peace. He was first appointed in 2016 and is serving his 3rd term. In 2010, he ran for the Department 2 Justice of the Peace position, but did not win. 

Candidate website

Earned his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law.

The candidate's website says, "Flathead County Justice of the Peace – 8 yrs"

As Justice of the Peace, presided over minor legal matters, such as issuing warrants, performing marriages, and overseeing small claims disputes.

While working in private practice, provided legal counsel, represented clients in court proceedings, drafted legal documents, and negotiated settlements on behalf of his clients.

The candidate's website says, "Substitute Judge – Kalispell • Whitefish • Columbia Falls – 12 yrs"

As a Substitute Judge, fulfilled the main duties of a judge when the regular judge was unavailable, presiding over court proceedings, making legal rulings, and ensuring fair administration of justice.

The candidate's website says, "Former City & County Prosecutor"

As a Deputy County Attorney, conducted legal research, drafted legal documents, prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the county, and provided legal advice to county officials and departments.

The candidate's website says, "Former Law Clerk – Montana Supreme Court"

As a Law Clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, was responsible for conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and assisting justices in various aspects of case analysis and decision-making.

- Earned his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law.
- As Justice of the Peace, presided over minor legal matters, such as issuing warrants, performing marriages, and overseeing small claims disputes.
- While working in private practice, provided legal counsel, represented clients in court proceedings, drafted legal documents, and negotiated settlements on behalf of his clients.
- As a Substitute Judge, fulfilled the main duties of a judge when the regular judge was unavailable, presiding over court proceedings, making legal rulings, and ensuring fair administration of justice.
- As a Deputy County Attorney, conducted legal research, drafted legal documents, prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the county, and provided legal advice to county officials and departments.
- As a Law Clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, was responsible for conducting legal research, drafting opinions, and assisting justices in various aspects of case analysis and decision-making.

Legal Experience

As of June 8, 2025, Eric S. Hummel’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

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Eric S. Hummel

Judge Paul Sullivan

Paul earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Montana, Davidson Honors College, and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Carey School of Law. He has worked with the Bigfork School Board, and the Internal Review Committee at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, as well as giving his time to CASA Kids, and the Northwestern Montana Bar Association. Paul is married to his wife, with whom he has 3 children.

Paul previously operated his own law office. He then served as an attorney and partner at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, PC.

Paul Sullivan was elected as Flathead County Justice of the Peace in late 2018 and has served in this capacity since January 2019.

The candidate's website says, "Attorney/Partner | Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, PC July 2009 - Dec 2018"

Has experience in firm leadership as an attorney and partner.

The candidate's website says, "Prior to his election as Justice of the Peace, Paul was in private practice as an attorney."

Has experience in private and public practice.

- Has experience in firm leadership as an attorney and partner.
- Has experience in private and public practice.

As of June 8, 2025, Paul Sullivan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Was involved with the Bigfork School Board.

Served on the Internal Review Committee at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Serves on the Northwestern Montana Bar Association.

- Was involved with the Bigfork School Board.
- Served on the Internal Review Committee at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
- Worked with CASA Kids.
- Serves on the Northwestern Montana Bar Association.

Paul Sullivan

- Montana District Courts are central to the state’s judicial system, handling most major legal proceedings and providing a pathway for appeals from lower courts.
- Montana District Court Judges handle a wide variety of cases, including all serious criminal charges and smaller felonies. These courts also take on major civil disputes and state financial claims.
- In civil matters, these judges deal with wills and estates (probate), disputes over contracts and property ownership, and other non-criminal legal issues.
- These judges also have the authority to review decisions made by smaller local courts within their jurisdiction, as allowed by state law and the Constitution.
Judges in the District Courts are elected by the public in their districts, emphasizing the importance of community representation.

Montana District Court Judge, District 11

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Candidates (2)

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Legal Experience

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement