Kalispell lawyer nominated for U.S. judge post

 HELENA (AP) — President Barack Obama has nominated a Kalispell attorney to replace retiring U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy.

Dana Christensen is a friend of Molloy’s and the two were classmates at the University of Montana School of Law.

The 59-year-old Christensen has been a partner in the firm Christensen, Moore, Cockrell, Cummings & Axelberg since 1996. He previously was an associate and a shareholder at two other Montana law firms.

A spokeswoman for Sen. Max Baucus says Christensen was the only recommendation from a committee of lawyers. The Montana Democrat forwarded the recommendation to Obama and the nomination was announced on Wednesday.

“Dana has an impressive track record and has clearly earned respect from all segments of the Montana legal community,” Baucus said in a news release Wednesday. “I’m certain his experience, leadership and prudence will serve Montanans well. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to move Dana’s nomination through the process.”

Christensen must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Molloy plans to retire in August, though he will continue to hear cases as a senior judge.

Attorneys who have practiced law with Christensen, as well as Montana’s two other federal judges, previously said the experienced attorney is well suited for a federal judgeship.

“There is not a better prospect in this entire state,” said Richard Cebull of Billings, the chief U.S. judge for the District of Montana who was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2001.

“He’s an outstanding lawyer. He’s been an outstanding trial lawyer In civil cases for over 30 years that I’ve known him.”

U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon of Great Falls said few attorneys can match Christensen’s resume, which includes membership in the American College of trial attorneys whose membership is limited to 1 percent of the bar.

“He’s a good lawyer, a good man and, in my opinion, ethically totally qualified,” Haddon said. “If he is confirmed by the Senate and becomes a justice of our court, the district will be well served to have him, and I personally would look forward to working with him.”

Haddon also was nominated by President Bush in 2001.