Idaho State Bar & Idaho Law Foundation Announcements
The following announcements have been published within the past six months.
May
Welcome New Members!
The Idaho State Bar welcomes its newest members admitted on May 3 and 4, 2012. New Members List.
ABA State Bar Delegate Position, Commissioners Accepting Applications
The Idaho State Bar Board of Commissioners appoints one Idaho Bar member to the ABA House of Delegates. The term of Michelle R. Points, the current state Bar delegate, expires in August 2012. Ms. Points is eligible to be reappointed. The term of the appointed delegate will be August 2012 to August 2014. The position holder is a voting member of the ABA House of Delegates which controls, formulates policy for, and administers the ABA. Interested attorneys should write or send an email to Executive Director Diane Minnich, P.O. Box 895, Boise, ID 83701 or dminnich@isb.idaho.gov by May 15, 2012.
April
Proposed Rule Amendments to Allow Email Notice
The court is considering amendments to the civil and criminal rules to allow the district court clerks to email notices, orders and judgments. In addition, the court is considering proposed amendments to the rules on criminal mediation and I.R.E. 507 on the mediator privilege.
The proposed amendments can be found on the court’s website at http://www.isc.idaho.gov/problem-solving/idaho-court-rules-and-amendments-available-for-public-comment. The comment period ends on April 24.
List of Successful Bar Exam Applicants Released
The List of Successful Applicants from the February 2012 Idaho bar examination was released on April 19, 2012. The Idaho Supreme Court and U.S. District Court of Idaho combined Admission Ceremony for these applicants is scheduled for May 3, 2012 at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise.
Nominations Sought for Family Law Award of Distinction
The Family Law Section presents an Annual Award of Distinction to a member of the bar, the judiciary, or the public who has provided outstanding service in the realm of family law. Nominations are currently being sought for the 2012 award, which will be presented at a reception to be held at the ISB Annual Meeting in Boise from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, July 12, 2012.
The Family Law Section is pleased to accept your nomination of a lawyer, judge, or citizen connected with family law who has distinguished themselves during their career in the advancement of family law in Idaho. Section membership is not a requirement, though support of the Family Law Section might well be one of the elements of the nominee’s distinction on behalf of family law. Please review the Family Law Award of Distinction Prior Awardees List to avoid nominating someone who has previously received the award.
If you would like to nominate someone for the award, please send a short letter of nomination to Mahmood Sheikh at the Idaho State Bar, msheikh@isb.idaho.gov. He will forward the nominations to the review committee. If you have questions, please contact Family Law Section Vice-Chairperson Debra Alsaker-Burke at DAlsaker-Burke@idcourts.net. All nominations must be received on or before Friday, May 4 at 4:00 p.m. (MDT).
March
2012 Desk Book Directory in the Mail
The 2012 Desk Book Directory has been printed and is being mailed to all active members of the Idaho State Bar. Books should arrive during the first week in April. Those Bar members who responded to an ISB email offer in March will receive the digital version via email next week. Both versions are identical and include the attorney roster, the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct, court rules, contacts, attorneys listed by city and those advertising according to their Fields of Practice. Additional hard copy books are available for $20 for members and $40 for non-members. For a free digital version, or any questions, please contact ISB Communications Director Dan Black directly at (208) 955-8866 or by email at dblack@isb.idaho.gov.
Comments Sought for Revised IRPC 16(k)
Comments are due by April 2, 2012, and the proposal can be found at http://www.isc.idaho.gov/problem-solving/idaho-court-rules-and-amendments-available-for-public-comment.
New Casemaker to Arrive April 1st
The Idaho State Bar will launch the new Casemaker on April 1, 2012.
Casemaker, provided to active members of the Bar and the Judiciary at no cost, will save Idaho lawyers hundreds of dollars every month on legal research. The new version has been completely updated to give you the state-of-the art, Google-like search capabilities and much more!
It will include features that many of you have been asking for, such as:
- Faster search results with a more intuitive interface
- Personalized search history; save and reuse your research
- Save research in folders organized your way
The new version is loaded with organizational features that make it more than a research library with a fast search engine. It also will allow the consolidation of work in one, convenient location.
For those who prefer a gradual change, Casemaker 2.2 will remain available until June 30, 2012.
For login and password information please call the Idaho State Bar at (208) 334-4500. Technical questions can be directed to Casemaker at (877) 659-0801, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 8 pm or email support@lawriter.net.
Fourth District Law Day Committee Accepting Nominations for 2012 Liberty Bell Award
The 4th Judicial District Law Day Committee is pleased to host our April 27, 2012 Law Day events with the theme “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom.” This theme provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the crucial role open and accessible courts play in upholding the rule of law in the United States, as well as assess how severe funding cuts are crippling the ability of courts across the nation to serve as a fair and impartial forum to reach a just result.
In conjunction with Law Day, the 4th Judicial District also presents the Liberty Bell Award, which is given to acknowledge outstanding community service by a person or persons who have: (1) Promoted better understanding of the rule of law; (2) Encouraged a greater respect for law and the courts; (3) Stimulated a sense of civic responsibility; and (4) Contributed to good government in the community.
Generally, the recipient of the Liberty Bell Award is a layperson, but the award can also go to a lawyer or a judge in the right circumstances. Also, the award is sometimes given to an organization, rather than an individual.
The Law Day Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Liberty Bell Award. Please submit the name of your nominee and a brief summary of why your nominee should receive the award to Jason Prince at jeprince@stoel.com no later than March 30, 2012. The Liberty Bell Award will be announce during our Law Day celebration reception on April 27, 2012, at the Rose Room between 4:30-6:00 p.m. Drinks and light hors d'oeuvres will be served courtesy of the 4th Judicial District and everyone is welcome to attend.
2012 Annual Meeting Scholarships Available
The Idaho State Bar is offering a limited number of scholarships to the 2012 Annual Meeting, July 11-13, in Boise. The scholarships include registration fee and a per diem (up to $50 per day) for travel and lodging. The scholarships are designed to provide assistance to those attorneys who, due to financial or professional circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend. To apply for a scholarship, contact the ISB Commissioner who represents your judicial district (see contact information below) or ISB Deputy Director Mahmood Sheikh at (208) 334-4500.
1st and 2nd Districts
Commissioner Paul W. Daugharty,
(208) 664-3799, pwd110@aol.com
3rd and 5th Districts
Commissioner William H. Wellman,
(208) 467-5009, wellmanwilliamh@qwestoffice.net
4th District
Commissioner Molly O’Leary,
(208) 938-7900, molly@richardsonandoleary.com
Commissioner Robert T. Wetherell, (208) 424-8872, rwetherell@capitollawgroup.net
6th and 7th Districts
President Reed W. Larsen,
(208) 235-1145, reed@cooper-larsen.com
Nominations Requested for Diversity Section's "Justice for All" Award
The ISB Diversity Section has established a special award to recognize an individual who has made a singularly important and meaningful contribution to the promotion of diversity in the legal profession and in the law, as well as championing access to justice for the disenfranchised in Idaho society. The award may also recognize an outstanding individual who has made a significant, lifelong contribution to achieving the ideal of equal opportunity for all people. Nominees do not have to be practicing attorneys.
The purpose of this award is to highlight the progress and impact an individual has made to bring the opportunities of the law to bear in the areas of discrimination and diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnic background and national origin, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation and sexual preference, poverty, age and family status. The Section’s intention is to create a broad umbrella of concern for those who have been denied full participation in American society, from housing to education, public accommodation, employment, health care, family status and more.
The nominee should be a member of the Idaho legal community or someone who has had a direct effect on the law. Nominations need not be lengthy. Please send nominations, in letter form, to Jana Gómez, jgomez@adaweb.net. If you have other comments or questions, you may also contact Section Chair Linda Pall, lpall@wsu.edu. Nominations must be received on or before noon, MDT, Friday, April 13, 2012. The recipient of the award will be notified at the end of April. Your consideration is much appreciated.
The award will be presented at the Annual Idaho State Bar Meeting to be held in Boise, July 11-13, 2012. If the successful nominee is from outside the Boise area, in addition to being treated to breakfast at the award ceremony, the Section will pay for one night’s lodging in Boise. Tickets will be available for $15.00 each.
Past winners of the “Justice for All” award include Ernesto Sanchez, Executive Director of Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc., and Leslie Goddard, former director of the Idaho Human Rights Commission.
2012 Nominations for ISB Commissioners due April 3
Attorneys in the 6th and 7th districts will be electing new representatives to the Idaho State Bar Board of Commissioners this spring. The new commissioners will replace Reed Larsen of Pocatello.
Pursuant to Idaho Bar Commission Rule 900, the new commissioner representing the 6th and 7th districts must reside or maintain an office in the 7th district.
Commissioners of the Idaho State Bar, the elected governing body of the Bar, serve for three years, beginning on the last day of the ISB annual meeting following their elections. The Board of Commissioners is charged with regulating the legal profession in Idaho, which includes the admission and licensing of attorneys, overseeing disciplinary functions and administering mandatory continuing legal education requirements.
Nominations must be in writing and signed by at least five members of the ISB in good standing, and eligible to vote in the districts. The executive director must receive nominations no later than the close of business on April 3, 2012. The nominating petition is available on the Idaho State Bar website or a petition may be obtained by calling the office of the executive director at (208) 334-4500.
Ballots will be mailed to all members eligible to vote in the 6th and 7th districts on April 16, 2012. All ballots properly cast and returned to the executive director will be counted by a board of canvassers at the close of business on May 1, 2012.
Criminal, Civil & Evidence Rules Amended by Idaho Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has approved amendments to the Idaho Criminal Rules, Evidence Rules and Rules of Civil Procedure, effective July 1, 2012. The orders can be found on the court’s website at http://www.isc.idaho.gov/rulesamd.htm. (2012-03-05)
February
Fourth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Appointed
The Magistrate Commission for the Fourth Judicial District has appointed a new magistrate judge in Valley County - Lamont (Monty) Berecz, 37, of Boise. Mr. Berecz has been employed as a magistrate judge assigned to the juvenile court in Ada County since 2008. From 2001-2008, Mr. Berecz was employed with the Ada County Prosecutor’s office where he was a felony trial attorney focusing on domestic violence cases and served as an on-call drug prosecutor. From 2000-2001, Mr. Berecz worked as an associate attorney for the Stoel Rives law firm in Boise, where he specialized in products liability defense. Outside the legal profession, Mr. Berecz has over 10 years experience in working with youth as an assistant summer camp director, counselor and instructor in Wisconsin, Colorado and Michigan. Mr. Berecz holds Bachelor’s of Art degree in Biology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Mr. Berecz will begin his Valley County assignment on April 2, 2012. He and his wife, Sophie, and their four daughters currently live in Boise and will relocate to Valley County in the near future.Idaho Law Foundation Seeks Pro Bono Volunteers
The Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program is recruiting attorneys to take cases on behalf of clients who have a pressing need for legal services but insufficient resources to pay. The Program is especially in need of attorneys who can take Family Law cases. All cases have been screened for financial eligibility and priority. The Idaho Law Foundation provides liability insurance for its pro bono lawyers. For more information, contact IVLP Director Mary Hobson at 334-4510 or check the IVLP Website.
ADR Settlement Week Includes Training
Advanced Mediator Training will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 (full day), and Wednesday, April 4, 2012 (half-day) at the James A. McClure Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Boise, Idaho. The training will be conducted by Berry Mitchell, ADR Program Administrator for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Select one of the following for Additional Information and/or Registration Form.
Desk Book Updates
We are preparing the 2012-2013 Idaho State Bar Desk Book Directory. All address updates must be received by March 5, 2012 to be included in the upcoming edition. Please check your address information in the Attorney Directory and send any changes to the Licensing Department by March 5, 2012.
Final Licensing Deadline
The final deadline for the 2012 licenisng is March 1, 2012. Remember, you can use the Online Licensing Renewal Portal to complete your licensing up through the deadline. On March 2, 2012, the names of all attorneys who have not paid their licensing fees will be submitted to the Idaho Supreme Court for license cancellation. If you have questions, please contact the Licensing Department at (208) 334-4500.
Comments Sought for Mediators Rule Change: Education Requirement
The Idaho Supreme Court will be considering an amendment to I.R.C.P. 16(k) regarding continuing education requirements for civil mediators. It will also be considering several amendments to the new rule on criminal mediation, I.C.R. 18.1 and I.J.R. 12.1, and a corresponding amendment to I.R.E. 507 on mediator privilege The proposed amendments and explanations can be found on the court’s website at http://www.isc.idaho.gov/problem-solving/idaho-court-rules-and-amendments-available-for-public-comment and comments are due by Monday, February 13, 2012.
January
Idaho Law Foundation Now Accepting Donations Online
The Idaho Law Foundation can now accept donations online. The secure site, run by Access Idaho, accepts donations for ILF general support as well as donations directed to Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program and the Law Related Education Program. To make a donation online, click the Donate Now button on the front page of the Law Foundation website. For questions about donating to the Idaho Law Foundation, contact Carey Shoufler at (208) 334-4500 or cshoufler@isb.idaho.gov.
2012 Licensing Deadline
The 2012 licensing deadline is February 1, 2012. All licensing payments and forms must be physically received in the Idaho State Bar office by deadline to avoid the late fee. Postmark dates do not qualify. Licensing received after the deadline must include the appropriate late fee: Active, Out of State Active and House Counsel - $50; Affiliate and Emeritus - $25. The final licensing deadline is March 1, 2011. Remember, Online Licensing Renewal is available on our website 24/7 through March 1, 2012. Contact the Licensing Department at (208) 334-4500 if you have any questions or need a new licensing packet.
December
Lawyer Representative Appointed to U.S. District & Bankruptcy Court in Idaho
Bruce A. Anderson was appointed lawyer representative to the U.S. District & Bankruptcy Court in Idaho. Anderson graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1985. He is a partner in the Coeur d’Alene law firm Elsaesser Jarzabek Anderson Elliot & MacDonald. His main emphasis is commercial, tax, corporate, bankruptcy matters and litigation. Anderson has practiced law in Idaho for 17 years.
Canyon County Courthouse Office Space Relocation
Effective January 9, 2012, the Canyon County Courthouse will be moving office space to better accommodate the needs of practitioners and be more user friendly for the general public. All criminal filings will now be in room 201 - this includes traffic, small claims, juvenile and criminal office. All civil filings will now be in room 202 - this includes all civil, divorce, and special proceedings. Those who have attorney boxes should note that their boxes will remain in room 201. You are kindly requested to forwards this notice to your runners and office staff so they are made aware of the changes.
To view the floor plans for this relocation, please click: Canyon County Civil Proceedings Office OR Canyon County Criminal Clerks Office.
On-Demand CLEs Available Online
For your convenience, ISB/ILF offers CLE programs for online viewing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These programs qualify for self-study credits only and CANNOT be used to fulfill live credit hours. For a full listing, select ISB/ILF ON-DEMAND CLEs.
November
Student Loan Help for Some Prosecutors, Defenders
The Department of Justice has approved the continuation of the John R. Justice grant for the state of Idaho. The John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program (JRJ) provides loan repayment assistance for state and federal public defenders and state prosecutors who agree to remain employed as public defenders and prosecutors for at least three years. Applications are at the following site: https://www.uidaho.edu/law/jrjgrant. Deadline for application is December 31, 2011.
Ineligible employment: Prosecutors who are employees of the federal government are ineligible. Attorneys who are in private practice and not a full-time employee of a non-profit organization, even if individually or part of a firm that is under contract with a state or court appointed to provide public defense services, do not qualify as “public defenders” and therefore are not considered to be eligible.
UI Honors Allen Derr
Reception Honoring Allen Derr & the 40th Anniversary of Reed v. Reed
Wednesday, November 30 at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
UI Boise-5th Floor of the Water Center
Please join us on November 30th for a reception honoring Allen Derr and marking the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Reed V. Reed, a landmark court ruling for gender equity.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by by email to Eric White at emwhite@uidaho.edu or by phone at (208) 364-4560.
2012 Licensing Packets Mailed
The 2012 licensing packets were mailed on November 18. Please contact the Licensing Department if you do not receive your packet by December 9. Licensing can also be paid online by using the Online Licensing Renewal program. The licensing deadline is February 1, 2012. Please email Licensing or call 208-334-4500 if you have any questions.
2011 Membership Survey Results
The ISB thanks the 1,802 members who filled out the anonymous survey. It provides a valuable snapshot of the membership including details about income, hours worked, pro bono and satisfaction with the profession. Click HERE for an easy-to-read pdf file.
District Judge Candidates for Third Judicial District
The following are candidates for a vacant seat on the Third Judicial District Court:
GROVE, RANDALL S. -- Lawyer in private practice, Caldwell
GRUNKE, JENNY C. -- Deputy Attorney General, Boise
HESS, JEFFREY L. -- Lawyer with Hawkins Companies, Boise
HUSKEY, MOLLY J. -- State Appellate Public Defender, Boise
JACKSON, ROBERT L. -- Lawyer in private practice, Parma
KETLINSKI, TY A. -- Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney/Canyon County, Caldwell
NYE, CHRISTOPHER S. -- Lawyer in private practice, Nampa
SISSON, LARY G. -- Lawyer in private practice, Caldwell
SOUTHWORTH, GEORGE A. -- Magistrate Judge, 3rd Judicial District, Caldwell
SULLIVAN, THOMAS A. -- Law Clerk, 3rd Judicial District, Caldwell
October
Comments Sought on Proposed Rule Amendments
The Criminal Rules Advisory Committee, the Civil Rules Advisory Committee and the Administrative Conference have proposed rule changes for the court to consider. Your comments are welcome before the court does so. The proposals can be found on the http://www.isc.idaho.gov/problem-solving/idaho-court-rules-and-amendments-available-for-public-comment, or you may review the Committee Minutes. Comments are due by November 15.
2011 Idaho State Bar Resolutions
The 2011 Resolution Process Voter Pamphlet is available online and will be mailed to all voting members during the week of October 24. The District Bar Association Resolution meetings will be held November 9-17. Meeting Dates and More Information.
