Katherine M. Bidegaray was born in Sidney, Montana. She earned a high school diploma from Culbertson High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in 1982, and a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law in 1985. Her career experience includes working as a judge. Prior to her election to the bench, Bidegaray was an attorney in private practice. She worked for the Montana State Auditor’s Office for about 3 years after graduating law school. There she served as a staff attorney for the Montana Insurance Department, and then as deputy securities commissioner.
