Justice  Donald Molloy worked in private practice, where he focused on civil litigation, before he was appointed U.S. district judge for the District of Montana, Missoula Division in 1996.

With jurisdiction over a vast amount of federal land, including 10 national forests, Molloy has been described as "one of the greenest judges in the west" by High Country News, a magazine dedicated to reporting environmental news in the West.

Molloy graduated with a BA in political science from the University of Montana, and received a JD from the university's Law School after serving five years active duty in the U.S. Navy.

His Irish ancestors emigrated from counties Offaly and Cork to Montana.

Of his sense of Irish connection in America, Molloy says, "Being Irish is being part of a very large clan that tends to take care of its members socially, spiritually and in their essence."

Molloy instituted an internship program under which law students at University College Cork have the opportunity to attend the University of Montana.

He and his wife Judith have five children.

Return to RETURN TO LEGAL 100 LIST