I was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, where I learned early on that nothing is given, and everything is earned. That drive took me to the University of Minnesota, where I had the privilege of playing Division I baseball while earning degrees in Marketing, International Business, and Entrepreneurial Management.

While I enjoyed my time in the Midwest, Montana has always been home. I returned to attend the University of Montana School of Law, graduating in 2020. During my time there, I was honored to be selected by my peers as the Class Speaker for our graduating class—a recognition that taught me the importance of being a voice for those around you.

Knowing the Opposition
My legal career began in the trenches of Cascade County, working for one of the premier criminal defense attorneys in the area. It was high-stakes work that taught me how to think on my feet and navigate the courtroom.

However, life—and love—brought me to this part of the state. After meeting my wife, Tayler, I moved to the Joliet area. I initially took a position in Billings defending insurance companies in personal injury cases.

That year was pivotal for me. For twelve months, I saw exactly how insurance giants operate, how they evaluate claims, and how they try to minimize payouts to regular people. I realized quickly that I was fighting for the wrong side.

Choosing to Fight for Montanans
I left insurance defense to join one of the state's premier Plaintiff’s firms. For three years, I used the knowledge I gained from the “other” side to fight for injured Montanans, securing the recoveries they deserved.

But as much as I loved the work, I wanted to be closer to the community I actually live in. In January 2026, I founded Olinger Law Firm in Joliet. My goal was simple: to ensure
that the people of Carbon County didn’t have to drive into the city to find an attorney with big-firm experience and a track record of success.