The Hon. Stephen R. Brown is the associate judge for the Montana Water Court. He was appointed to the bench by Chief Justice Mike McGrath in 2019, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Douglas Ritter.
The Water Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of water rights claims, including within the state and Indian and Federal reserved water rights claims. The Court is divided into four water divisions formed by the natural boundaries between drainages and the state’s borders. They include the Yellowstone River Basin, the Upper Missouri River Basin, the Lower Missouri River Basin, and the Clark Fork River Basin.
Prior to beginning his judicial career, Brown was a managing partner at Garlington, Lohn & Robinson in Missoula. He joined the firm as an associate in 1994, and his practice included water and natural resources and energy law matters. Brown also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Montana, Alexander Blewett III School of Law.
He began his legal career in private practice at Stoel Rives in Portland, Oregon, in 1989.
Brown received a B.S. in geology from Whitworth University in 1983. He then completed a J.D. at Lewis & Clark Law School in 1989.
Brown attended Wilson High School in Tacoma, Washington. He enjoys outdoor activities, including ultra-marathons.