The disciplinary hearing for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen reached its conclusion on October 10, 2024, with both sides delivering closing arguments before the Commission on Practice. The case revolves around accusations of professional misconduct by Knudsen during a 2021 legal battle involving the Montana Supreme Court and legislature.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel ODC filed 41 counts of alleged misconduct, citing derogatory and inflammatory remarks Knudsen made about the judiciary in court filings and public statements.
Montana Solicitor General Christian Corrigan, representing Knudsen, argued that any punishment would exacerbate tensions between the judicial and legislative branches, potentially eroding public confidence in the judicial system.
He framed Knudsen’s actions as zealous defense of his legislative clients in a period of constitutional crisis.
On the other hand, special counsel for the ODC, Tim Strauch, emphasized the severity of Knudsen’s conduct, stating that it represented an unprecedented breach of ethical standards. Strauch called for serious disciplinary action, referencing other cases where attorneys faced suspension or disbarment for lesser misconduct.
He argued that Knudsen’s behavior undermined the rule of law and called for a strong response to maintain legal standards.
The five-member Commission on Practice will now deliberate and make recommendations to the Montana Supreme Court, which could impose penalties ranging from no punishment to disbarment.
This decision comes at a politically sensitive time, as Knudsen is up for re-election in November.
