Montana Solicitor General Runs for Supreme Court, Citing Experience

On Monday, Lawrence VanDyke filed to run for the Montana Supreme Court
against Mike Wheat. As Montana's sitting Solicitor General, VanDyke's
job has been to present cases in front of the Montana Supreme Court on
the State's behalf. However, his experience goes far beyond his
current role.


Lawrence is a 5th generation Montanan who began working in a family
construction business in the Gallatin Valley after graduating from
MSU. While he enjoyed working in his family's small business, his
love of the law drove him to apply to Harvard Law School. Not only
was he accepted, but he graduated with high honors.


After law school, VanDyke worked in private practice for several
years, focusing on appellate and constitutional issues.


As Lawrence put it in a press release, "Constitutional law has always
been a passion of mine. I've argued cases before several states'
Supreme Courts, numerous Federal Appellate Courts, and appeared many
times before the US Supreme Court. I would like to bring that history
to the Montana high court."


VanDyke's clients have been as diverse as his court experience. In
Lawrence's long record of defending civil rights, he has represented
people across a wide ideological spectrum. From gay advocacy groups
to conservative religious liberty groups. From Washington, D.C. to
Salem, Oregon. Lawrence VanDyke has a tremendous range of
constitutional experience to bring to the Montana Supreme Court.


"I've always put the law in front of any personal feelings or
politics. This is why my cases range from representing the ACLU to
defending conservative and religious organizations. I believe that
the constitution is what matters most."


Lawrence has been married to his wife, Cheryl, for nearly 20 years,
raising three amazing kids. He will continue to serve as Montana's
State Solicitor until this summer.