Mike McGrath

Mike McGrath was elected Montana's 19th attorney general in November 2000 and ran unopposed for his second term in 2004. In his dual role as the state's chief law enforcement officer and top legal official, he has significant responsibilities in both criminal and civil law.

Mike has devoted his career to public service.  Prior to becoming attorney general, Mike served five terms as Lewis and Clark County Attorney. In his 18 years as a prosecutor, McGrath focused on family violence issues, including domestic abuse and sexual assault of children.

As attorney general, McGrath has emphasized public safety, victims’ rights, consumer protection and natural resource issues.  Mike created the Office of Consumer Protection and Victim Services, which has elevated the rights of victims and assisted hundreds of Montanans with problems such as identity theft, counterfeit checks and telemarketing calls.

Mike has led the fight in Montana against methamphetamine by promoting stronger law enforcement, extensive public education and better drug treatment – including special long-term programs for meth-addicted mothers and their children.  His office developed Meth-Free Montana and, with the Office of Public Instruction, a package of drug awareness programs for schools. Mike also currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the Montana Meth Project.

Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath, second from right, is congratulated during a ceremony recognizing his extensive support of Montana hunting and fishing issues.

As an avid floater and hunter, Mike knows how important our lands are to Montanans.  He has been a strong supporter of increased access to public lands, the cleanup of the Clark Fork River and removal of the Milltown Dam.

Mike has served as chair of the Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG) and the criminal law committee for the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG).

Mike earned a degree in business administration from the University of Montana in 1970 and graduated from the Gonzaga University Law School in 1975. He was a Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer fellow in Reno, Nev., providing legal services to low-income clients. He is the co-author of two articles published by the Montana Law Review.

Mike is a veteran of the United States Air Force.  

Mike has always been active in his community, including service on the boards of the Montana Legal Services Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Helena, the Helena Friendship Center (a shelter for domestic violence victims) and the Helena Youth Basketball Association.

Mike was raised in Butte. He and his wife Joy have been married 36 years. They have two sons, Pat and Chris, and one granddaughter, Alexis.

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