Cuffe declares candidacy for District Court
The race to replace Judge Jim Wheelis in Montana’s 19th Judicial District Court has officially begun. Attorney Matthew J. Cuffe, a Libby native and partner in the Missoula firm of Worden Thane, has declared his intent to seek the post after the anticipated retirement of Wheelis at the end of his term in 2016.
“I confirm that I have filed a C-1 Statement of Candidate with the Commissioner of Political Practices indicating my intention to run for District Court Judge of the 19th Montana Judicial District,” Cuffe said. “I am aware that the Honorable James Wheelis, currently-sitting judge for the district, will be retiring at the end of his term in 2016.”
Cuffe, the son of Montana State Rep. Mike Cuffe of Eureka, was raised in Libby. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and his law degree from the University of Montana. He began working for Worden Thane as an intern in 1996, during his third year of law school, and took a position as an associate later that same year. Cuffe took a three-year hiatus from the firm from 2001 until 2004, to focus on trial work. In 2007, three years after his return to Worden Thane, he was made a partner in the firm.
Cuffe said he looks forward to the possibility of coming home.
“One of the most exciting aspects of seeking the position is the possibility of returning to my hometown,” he said. “Having been raised in Libby, with many family members and friends still in Lincoln County, I have a deep connection to the area and the people. I am grateful for the education and upbringing I received from this community. On a daily basis I use the skills I learned from teachers, coaches and even former employers in my legal practice – namely, to respectfully disagree and find a reasonable resolution for all. While I have already talked to many people in Libby, Eureka and Troy about their needs in a judge, I look forward to speaking with many more as the campaign unfolds.”
Cuffe’s official biography on the Worden Thane website touts a wealth of experience in a variety of legal practice areas, especially litigation. Cuffe said his broad range of experience qualifies him for the post.
“I am well qualified to assume this role,” he said. “I have almost 20 years experience as a lawyer, and have worked primarily as a trial attorney. My breadth of experience is varied and diverse, and I have worked on almost every type of civil case that might come before the District Court. In both the state and federal courts I have represented people hurt in accidents and those accused of hurting others in accidents. I have represented plaintiffs and defendants in marriage dissolution cases, employment issues, custody disputes, contract disputes, cases that deal with foreclosure, easement disputes, insurance coverage disputes, cases involving wills and probate and grandparent visitation cases. I even prosecuted misdemeanor criminal actions in Justice Court during my third year in law school.”
Cuffe said he is seeking the position in order to give back to the Lincoln County community.
“I want to be the District Court judge to make a meaningful contribution to the community where I was raised,” he said. “I believe a judge has a critical role in administering justice in a fair and even-handed manner. A judge can positively influence not only the legal profession, but can make the legal system and process accessible to all citizens. I understand the need for a judge to be professional, consistent, compassionate, and yet firm, when dealing with those involved in the cases.”
Cuffe’s said he is working to develop a website and other resource materials in hopes of familiarizing Lincoln County residents with his campaign.