She served as in the Judge Advocate General's Corps in the United States Army from 1981 to 1984. Best holds a B.A. in Political Science from Montana State University and a J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law in 1981. [17] Best has emphasized her high peer rating and endorsements from former and current justices. She has also been appointed to serve the Montana Supreme Court commissions on civil procedure and evidence, and the Montana Federal Court Local Rules Committee.[16]