---
title: "Anthony Devos Johnstone | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/anthony-devos-johnstone"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Anthony Devos Johnstone

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · U.S. Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- State: National federal courts
- Role: U.S. Circuit Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-25

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- American judge serving on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit since May 5, 2023
- In summary: Anthony Devos Johnstone is a Senate‐confirmed federal appellate judge with a background in public service, academia, and private practice, now serving on the Ninth Circuit since 2023
- Helen and David Mason Professor of Law, 2019-2023
- Assistant attorney general, State of Montana, 2004-2008
- Assistant Attorney General, Montana Department of Justice (2004–2008)
- Adjunct professor, Carroll College, 2006-2007
- Litigation associate, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York (2000–2003)
- Law clerk, Hon. Sidney R. Thomas, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1999-2000

### Education

- University of Chicago Law School (with honors) — J.D. (1999)
- Yale University — B.A. (1995)

### Additional information

- His nomination was returned to the President at the end of the Senate’s January 2023 adjournment, and he was renominated on January 3, 2023.
- The Senate confirmed him on May 1, 2023, by a 49–45 vote, and he received his judicial commission on May 5, 2023.
- Affiliated professor of public administration, 2017-2023
- Private practice, Missoula, Montana, 2015-2023
- Solo practitioner in Missoula, Montana (2015–2023)
- Professor at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, University of Montana (2011–2023), with roles including associate dean and Helen & David Mason Professor of Law
- University of Montana Blewett School of Law, 2007-2009, 2011-2023
- Nominated by President Joe Biden on September 6, 2022, to replace Judge Sidney R. Thomas, who was taking senior status.
- Associate professor, 2014-2017
- Associate dean for faculty development, 2013-2014
- Assistant professor, 2011-2014
- Solicitor general, State of Montana, 2008-2011
- Adjunct professor, 2007-2009
- Private practice, New York City, 2000-2003
- Born 1973 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Date of birth: 1973
- As a circuit judge, Johnstone hears appeals in a wide range of federal cases within the Ninth Circuit’s jurisdiction, which covers 12 U.S. states and several territories.
- Birth place: Minneapolis

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### appellate oral argument

Scope: courtwide

In federal courts of appeals, oral argument is allowed unless a three-judge panel unanimously finds one of Rule 34's specified grounds for dispensing with it; the clerk provides the date, time, place, and time allocation.

Evidence excerpt: Oral argument must be allowed in every case unless a panel of three judges who have examined the briefs and record unanimously agrees that oral argument is unnecessary

[Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 34, Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/current-rules-practice-procedure/federal-rules-appellate-procedure)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.fjc.gov/node/13618506)
- [Official roster](https://www.fjc.gov/node/13618506)
- [Federal Judicial Center biography](https://www.fjc.gov/node/13618506)
- [Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 34, Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/current-rules-practice-procedure/federal-rules-appellate-procedure)
- [Judge Anthony Devos Johnstone](https://www.fjc.gov/node/13618506)
- [Wikidata: Anthony Johnstone](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113861487)

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