The Montana Supreme Court has a hired a new court administrator for the state's judicial branch.

The court named Beth McLaughlin, who had been the director of court services, as the replacement for Lois Menzies, who retired last month.

In her new position, McLaughlin will be the top administrator for courts throughout the state.

She was selected from a field of five finalists.

Chief Justice Mike McGrath said Tuesday that McLaughlin has worked with district courts and courts of limited jurisdiction across Montana, making her well qualified for the position.