Ben Alke is a Montana-born attorney and public servant known for his deep commitment to justice, constitutional law, and the well-being of his home state. Raised in Helena, Alke graduated from Capital High School in 1997 before earning a degree in finance and business economics from the University of Notre Dame. He later obtained his Juris Doctor from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
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Alke began his legal career clerking for Montana Supreme Court Justice Brian Morris. He then joined the Bozeman-based firm Crist, Krogh, Alke & Nord, where he became a partner specializing in commercial litigation. His legal work spans a broad spectrum, including constitutional law, land use, business disputes, and civil rights cases. Notably, Alke has represented clients in cases defending public access to lands and challenging unconstitutional state laws. His peers have recognized his excellence, naming him a “Rising Star” in business litigation by Mountain States Super Lawyers. (Crist, Krogh, Alke & Nord, PLLC)
In 2023, Alke entered politics, launching his first campaign for public office as the Democratic candidate for Montana Attorney General. He positioned himself as a centrist focused on restoring integrity and competence to the Department of Justice. His campaign emphasized nonpartisan law enforcement, combating the drug crisis, and addressing human trafficking. Alke criticized the incumbent, Republican Austin Knudsen, for politicizing the office and neglecting its core mission. (Montana Free Press, apps.montanafreepress.org)
Despite a spirited campaign, Alke was defeated in the November 2024 general election, receiving 39.6% of the vote to Knudsen’s 60.4%. Throughout his campaign, Alke maintained a focus on issues over partisanship, advocating for a justice system that serves all Montanans.(Ballotpedia)
Outside of his professional life, Alke is a devoted husband and father of four. He enjoys Montana’s outdoors and is committed to preserving the state’s natural beauty for future generations. His dedication to public service and the rule of law continues to influence his work and community involvement.(alkeformt.com)
For more information about Ben Alke and his ongoing work, visit his official website: https://www.alkeformt.com/about-ben-alke.(alkeformt.com)
Montana Roots
Ben Alke is a husband and father of four great kids. He is also a son of Montana, having grown up in Helena with his mother, father, and brother, closely surrounded by grandparents and extended family. Ben’s family goes back at least four generations in Montana. As a local, avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Ben cherishes the value of the land and is committed to ensuring Montana remains Montana for future generations.
Education
Ben is a 1997 graduate from Capital High School in Helena. He then went to the University of Notre Dame and earned a degree in finance and business economics. After college, he attended law school at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago.
Legal Career
Ben’s professional career is focused on practicing law in Montana. He is a litigator who has represented individuals and businesses, non-profits and police officers. He has litigated and won cases involving the constitutionality of Montana laws. His work has included fighting to re-open public roads to maintain access to public lands, representing individuals to protect their constitutional rights, representing business in complex disputes, and representing individuals against powerful corporate interests.
Political Aspirations
Ben’s career is dedicated to the state of Montana and its people. That is why he is running for political office for the first time, to serve as the next Attorney General for the State of Montana.
Judicial Philosophy
Ben believes strongly in the independence of the court system and that there is no room for politics in the Montana Department of Justice.