Like many people, new Deputy City Attorney Ole Olson didn't necessarily appreciate his hometown until after he lived a few other places.

"I spent my first 18 years trying to get out of Helena and then spent the last six or so years trying to get back," Olson explained with a laugh. "I love it here."

Olson's desire to return to the Queen City was additionally fueled by events that drew him back, including meeting his wife in a Helena restaurant when neither of them lived here any longer.

Olson, 31, was on vacation in Helena the summer before he went to law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., when he went out with a few friends and met his future wife, Maleen, who was visiting her grandparents and living in Las Vegas at the time. They chatted that night and kept in touch.

"Small decisions make big differences in your life," he said.

She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she taught elementary school.

The couple decided to move back to Helena in 2006 because they wanted to raise their kids here. The Olsons have two girls, 7-year-old Isabella and 8-month-old Jacqueline.

Since then, everything seems to be falling into place for Olson. He started his new job as a deputy city attorney about a month ago.

Helena City Court covers misdemeanor offenses ranging from traffic violations, DUIs and domestic violence cases. Olson said he oversees about eight to 12 cases per workday.

"It keeps me really busy," he said.

Judge Bob Wood, who Olson replaced in the City Attorney's Office after Wood was elected to his current position, said Olson is fitting in well in the bustling court.

"He seems like a very bright, young, talented man. We have a lot of talented attorneys here and he is one of the new ones," Wood said.

Thomas Jodoin, a deputy city attorney, agreed.

"He picks up on things very fast," he said.

Kim Sell, a paralegal with the City Attorney's Office, said Olson is pleasant and easy to work with.

"I think he will do just fine. I think he'll be a really good asset to our office," Sell said. "We like him."

Olson said the most difficult cases are the ones involving dogs. Sometimes the dogs get out of the yards and after paying the court fines, the families can no longer afford to keep the pet.

"It's emotionally hard," said Olson, who has a mutt named Truman.

The best part of the job is working with the public, he said.

"Trials are fun but the best part is helping people," Olson said. "It's all I expected and more."

Moving to Helena from Washington, D.C., also allowed Olson to return to a few of his loves, including his family and the outdoors.

Olson's parents, Debbie and Dave, live in Helena along with his older brother, Brad.

He said his loved ones were as excited to have him back as he was to be back.

"Especially since we've had the baby -- my mom is just levitating around the room," Olson said.

Olson, who was the state pole-vault champion in 1995 when he was attending Helena High School, remains active, although he explained, "Pole vault is not a lifetime sport."

He recently walked in the Governor's Cup with Jacqueline riding in a stroller and Isabella walking alongside him, later jumping up for a piggyback ride when she grew tired.

"It was great fun," Olson said.

Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com