Additional Awards
Section of the Year Award
The Professionalism and Ethics Section has been a small but mighty section that has helped to foster the professionalism and civility that Idaho State Bar members enjoy.
For over 20 years the Section has sponsored and been the sole financier of the University of Idaho College of Law Professionalism Day event on both the Moscow and Boise campuses. This event takes place on the first day of law school for incoming first-year students. During the event, members of the Bar and judges meet with groups of students to discuss ethical scenarios that attorneys may face in their careers. This conversation takes place over lunch, as breaking bread together is seen as a way to foster civility. This event is highly regarded by the law school, the students, and the attorneys and judges who take part in the program.
Additionally, the Section has sponsored “Ethical Happy Hour” for many years. These events are open to all members of the Bar to facilitate connections, help members get to know one another, and obtain CLE credits in a fun, game-style format.
Lastly, the Section led discussions on professionalism and civility related to proposed IRPC Rule 8.4(g). Although the rule was not amended, the conversations and discussions were beneficial and advanced civility amongst the membership.
Workers’ Compensation Professionalism Award
James Arnold is a partner at Peterson, Parker & Arnold in Twin Falls and the recipient of the 2026 Idaho State Bar Workers’ Compensation Section Professionalism Award. This prestigious honor reflects the deep respect he has earned from colleagues, opposing counsel, and judges alike for his ethical practice, legal acumen, and unwavering commitment to justice in the workers’ compensation arena.
His dedication to workers’ advocacy is rooted in his early experience working on his family’s farm, where he gained firsthand knowledge of demanding agricultural labor. This experience fostered a lifelong respect for the agricultural workforce, particularly the migrant laborers who sustain the industry.
Driven by this commitment, Mr. Arnold dedicated years to challenging a 2011 Idaho Industrial Commission ruling that denied permanent disability benefits to undocumented workers. In a landmark victory following seven years of litigation, he successfully argued the case before the Idaho Supreme Court, securing full workers’ compensation and permanent disability benefits for all undocumented workers in Idaho. While Mr. Arnold has argued multiple cases before the state’s highest court, this historic ruling remains his most rewarding professional achievement due to its profound impact on an underserved community.
Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section Professionalism Award
Randall A. Peterman was the 2026 recipient of the Professionalism Award presented by the Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section. He is a veteran Idaho attorney specializing in bankruptcy, loan workouts, commercial litigation, and agricultural lending. He possesses extensive experience representing banks, leasing companies, and commercial lenders in complex credit transactions.
Mr. Peterman is one of only four Idaho attorneys named a fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy and is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers. In addition to his legal practice, he serves as outside general counsel and an MBA adjunct professor for Northwest Nazarene University. He graduated summa cum laude from Northwest Nazarene University and earned his J.D. from the University of Washington Law School. He is a member and past chair of both the Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section, as well as the Business and Corporate Law Section.
Retired Judges
Hon. Dane Watkins – 7th District: Attended Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on April 29, 1999.
Hon David Gratton – Court of Appeals: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 27,1985.
Hon. James Barrett – 7th District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on April 26, 2001.
Hon. Molly Huskey – Court of Appeals: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 23, 1993.
Hon. James Combo – 1st District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 21, 1979.
Hon. Theresa Gardunia – 4th District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 26, 1996.
Hon. Barbara Duggan- 1st District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 19, 1991.
Hon. Robert Jackson – 3rd District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on April 29, 1983. Retirement date: 9/1/2026.
Hon. G Richard Bevan – Idaho Supreme Court: Attended Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar September 24, 1987. Retirement date: 10/30/2026.
Hon. Bernard McHugh – 1st District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on November 21, 1985. Retirement date: 1/3/2027.
Hon. Lynn Norton – 4th District: Attended University of Alabama and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on April 26, 2001. Retirement date: 1/3/2027.
Hon. Patrick Miller – 4th: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 28, 1984. Retirement date: 1/19/2027.
Hon. Scott Hansen – 7th District: Attended Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on Apil 16, 1987. Retirement date: 1/10/2027.
Hon. Justin Julian – 1st District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to Idaho State Bar on April 18, 1991. Retirement date: 1/10/2027.
Hon. Deborah Orr – 3rd District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on March 31, 1988. Retirement date: 1/10/2027.
Hon. Jeff Payne – 2nd District: Attended University of Montana School of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on April 13, 1989. Retirement date: 1/10/2027.
Hon. Casey Robinson – 5th District: Attended University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 22, 1988. Retirement date: 1/10/2027.
Hon. Thomas Kershaw – 5th District: Attended Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar on September 27, 1985. Retirement date: 1/10/2027.