ABOUT TARA ELLIOTT

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     Tara Elliott has been a trial attorney for 23 years and has worked in the US Attorney’s office for the District of Montana since 2009, where she investigates and prosecutes cases involving narcotics, firearms, money laundering, and violent crime. She has argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and handled complicated trials in Missoula, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Billings. Elliott previously served at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for eight years. Throughout her career, Elliott has been known for taking a balanced approach in deciding what cases to pursue, knowing incarceration isn’t always the solution.

 

     In the past year, Elliott helped start the first Federal Drug Court in Montana as an alternative to incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and treatment. Drug courts reduce the burden and costs of non‐violent offenders in courts, jails, and prisons while providing offenders an opportunity to receive treatment and education.

 

     Elliott currently serves as the Chairperson of the District of Montana’s Diversity Committee, where she helps ensure equality in the workplace and hiring. In 2014, the Montana Supreme Court appointed her to the State Board of Bar Examiners, where she continues to give back to her professional community.

 

     “People must have confidence in the judicial system whether they are a defendant, victim, attorney, witness, or member of our great community,” said Elliott. “I am the candidate to keep politics out of the courtroom and take a balanced approach to ensuring the process is fair for all involved.”