Month: April 2023

Please see attached document.

The Idaho Supreme Court and Board of Commissioners recommend that the Idaho bar exam passing score should be lowered from 272 to 270 (68% to 67.5%) to be more consistent with the surrounding states. Changing the passing score for the Idaho Bar Exam will set a passing that is consistent with Idaho’s geographic neighbors and other jurisdictions that administer the Uniform Bar Examination. Below is a map of the minimum passing score for all jurisdictions administering the UBE.

Currently, of the 41 jurisdictions that administer the Uniform Bar Exam only 3 states (including Idaho) have a passing score greater than 270. The goal is for the change to take effect prior to conclusion of the fall resolution process. The time frame for the change eliminates the option of proposing the rule change through the 2023 resolution process. Consistent with Idaho Bar Commission Rule 906(l), it was determined that an Emergency Resolution is the best course of action. The resolution is presented and supported by the Idaho Supreme Court and the Board of Commissioners of the Idaho State Bar.

A ballot will be mailed to all voting members of the Idaho State Bar on April 28. Ballots can be returned by mail, email, or hand delivered to the bar office. All votes are due to the Idaho State Bar office by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23.

If you have any questions, please contact Diane Minnich, dminnich@isb.idaho.gov or Maureen Ryan Braley at mryanbraley@isb.idaho.gov.

https://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube/score-portability/minimum-scores/

STATEWIDE – The Board of Commissioners of the Idaho State Bar is seeking attorneys interested in serving on the Idaho Judicial Council for a term commencing on July 1, 2023. The Commission will be guided by the statutory considerations found in Idaho Code Section 1-2101 as amended during the 2023 legislative session, effective July 1, 2023.  Under the amended statute, the Board of Commissioners is responsible for submitting names to fill two positions on the Council. The Board of Commissioners submits three names for each open position to the Governor. The Governor selects the attorneys to serve on the Council.

Idaho State Bar members interested in serving on the Judicial Council should submit a letter of interest along with a resume or biographical sketch to the Idaho State Bar office by May 8, 2023. Submissions should include information about the applicant and why he or she is interested in the position. Letters and questions may be directed to: Diane Minnich, Executive Director, Idaho State Bar, P.O. Box 895, Boise, ID 83701, 208- 334-4500, dminnich@isb.idaho.gov.

Attention: Court mail service fees for mailing physical copies of court documents through the U.S. Postal Service will rise starting Monday, May 1. The new rates will match recent increases to mailing fees made by the USPS itself. These changes are only for physical mail service and do not affect electronic service of documents.

The new rates include:

Standard envelope (1-4 pages) – $1

Large envelope (5-9 pages) – $2.30

Large envelope (10-25 pages) – $5.15

Large envelope (26-50 pages) – $10

Registered mail – $15.25

No question about it, running a solo or small firm can be challenging. Juggling legal and administrative work, stand out from the competition, and keep clients happy–without burning out.

Join ISB benefit provider Clio for a first-of-its-kind virtual gathering about how you can gain more time and revenue with less effort.

For more information visit https://www.clio.com/events/solo-and-small-firm-virtual-summit/

Please see attached Amendments.

Voting for Idaho State Bar Commissioner will open on Monday, April 17^th and conclude at 5:00 p.m. (MT) on Tuesday, May 2. Ballot information will be sent to eligible voters in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Districts early Monday morning, April 17^th. We encourage your participation in this election!