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1/12/2009

Leonard “Len” Langen (April 7, 2008) and Kathryn Louise “Kitty Lou” Langen (Sept. 6, 2008) led busy and active lives, yet they still found time to donate to one of Judge Len Langen’s favorite charities, The National Judicial College. Through the couple’s planned giving initiative, the Langen’s recently bequeathed more than $20,000 through a charitable remainder unitrust to the NJC in support of furthering justice and the rule of law.

Judge Len Langen was profoundly influenced by the NJC’s judicial education programs as well as the College’s commitment to helping judges be more proficient in their roles. According to their son, John, the couple wanted to support the program that gave back so much to his father during his judicial career.

“My parents knew the importance of the NJC as the leader in judicial education and they wanted to help others experience it too,” said John Langen. William F. Dressel, president of the NJC, noted that the Langens’ gift sends a strong message about the importance of planned giving for the College as it will allow the institution to continue to provide needed programs and services to the judicial community. “We are grateful to the Langens for their gift which will be used to educate judges, enhance existing programs and support new programs that will make a difference in achieving fair and impartial justice,” he said.

According to John Langen, after his father’s career in the FBI and later as a successful trial attorney, the senior Langen became a judge for the Seventeenth Judicial District in January of 1977. He attended the General Jurisdiction course at The National Judicial College in the spring of that year. “Dad was concerned about the quality of the Montana court system and worked constantly to improve it, said John Langen of his father. John Langen practiced law in his district for 12 years and has personal knowledge about his professionalism and dedication to the court.  

“On more than one occasion he singled out The National Judicial College as representing high standards of excellence,” said John Langen. "I know both mom and dad were happy to be able to support in some small way the mission of the Judicial College.”

For more information about NJC's planned giving program, please visit the Planned Giving page or contact Gretchen Alt Sawyer at (800) 25-JUDGE.