by Wilton H. Strickland

Since I moved to Montana four years ago, several people have asked me why I came here from my home state of Florida. Indeed, on more than one occasion I’ve heard the following: “Did you throw a dart at a board?” It’s a fair question, and any Montanans out there wondering who I am and why I’m here deserve an answer. 

When I arrived here in 2010 I was married and had been practicing law in Florida for almost ten years. Though I love Florida and still enjoy visiting family and friends there, it has changed quite a bit from the idyllic place of my youth, back when it was uncrowded, everyone knew each other, and children could play outdoors unsupervised. My ex-wife and I decided that we wanted to start a family in just such a place, wherever it might be, even if it meant giving up the ocean and perpetually warm weather. After searching a while, we visited Montana and immediately fell in love with it. Here was a land of incredible natural beauty, open spaces, low crime, and a strong sense of community.

I wasted no time and threw myself into studying for the Montana bar exam, scraping together precious moments during lunch, after work, or on the weekends (Montana, like Florida, is a demanding jurisdiction that requires sitting for the exam regardless of prior licensing or experience elsewhere). Lightning struck when I came here for the exam because I received a job offer in Missoula. It seemed like destiny. In short order I wound up my Florida affairs and moved everything I own across the country, settling into my new work while also getting to know my new surroundings.

Yet before 2010 was over I suddenly found myself divorced. This was the most difficult time of my life, and I had to make a choice: go back to Florida with my tail between my legs, or stay the course. I stayed, and it’s the best choice I ever made. Over the past few years I have gazed at countless stars through clear skies; savored the changing seasons; hiked up mountains; gone curling; taught oral advocacy and international law to students at the law school; represented the Montana Bar in Cuba; taught Spanish to people from all walks of life; competed for the state chess championship; argued in the courts; learned how to shoot; and made new friends to last a lifetime.

Most recently I decided to launch this law firm, a risk I never would have taken before becoming the new person Montana has made me. What does the future hold? I don’t know, except for this: I love Montana and am here to stay. Thank you for welcoming me. It truly is our “last best place.”