The Idaho State Bar celebrated its 100^th Anniversary in conjunction with the 50^th Anniversary of the Idaho Law Foundation in Boise at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (“JUMP”) in July 2025.

The celebration began with a leadership social on Tuesday, July 15^th with members of the ISB Board of Commissioners, the ILF Board of Directors, officers of the District Bar Associations and Practice Sections in attendance. The social was held in the offices of Stoel Rives, LLP on the 19^th floor overlooking beautiful downtown Boise. 

The following day, Wednesday, July 16^th began with a noon luncheon and the Idaho Law Foundation (“ILF”) Annual Meeting led by the ILF President Sunrise Ayers of Boise. The election of new board members was held with Michelle Crist-Aguiar, and Lynette M. Davis, both of Boise, Corey J. Smith of Coeur d’Alene and Carole Wesenberg of Pocatello elected for three-year terms. Outgoing Board member and Past President Fonda L. Jovick of Sandpoint was honored for her nine years of service.

At this luncheon, the Future Fund campaign was launched. With 2025 marking the 50th Anniversary of the Idaho Law Foundation, this campaign is an opportunity to make plans for future Idahoans through the Idaho Law Foundation’s Endowment Fund to provide sustainable, long-term funding for Foundation programs, positively impacting our community in the areas of civic education and access to justice. The Future Fund campaign’s goal is to increase the Endowment from nearly $650,000 to $1,000,000 by the end of 2025. Pledges are designed to spread financial commitment from donors throughout the next five years.

Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program volunteer Abigail Schultz of Boise, spoke about the impact that her volunteer work has had on her and her clients.  Additionally, Samara Coleman, a four-year high school mock trial participant and recipient of the Top 10 Attorney Award at the 2025 National High School Mock Trial Championship, talked to the attendees about the influence the program has on students as she heads toward college.

The Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation Service Awards were then presented to attorneys and non-attorneys from around the Gem State who have provided volunteer time to support the work of the Bar and the Law Foundation. Those honored include Diane K. Minnich, retired executive director of the ISB/ILF, the Honorable Debora K. Grasham, Taylor Mossman-Fletcher, William K. Fletcher, and Kenneth C. Howell, all of Boise, Fonda L. Jovich of Sandpoint, and Amanda E. Ulrich of Idaho Falls. The Section of the Year Award was then presented to the members of the Idaho Legal History Section for their work and financial contributions to support the publishing of Tents to Towers: The History of the Practice of Law in Idaho. Section Chair Christopher P. Graham and other members of the section present accepted the award. The luncheon concluded with Maureen Ryan Braley, Executive Director, thanking the ISB/ILF staff in attendance for their service to the profession and their work on the anniversary programs and events.

Next, two one-hour legal history CLEs were presented by Mr. Chris Graham, Judge Jessica M. Lorello, and Kolby K. Reddish, all of Boise. Their presentations explored notorious cases and appeals in Idaho legal history. Each CLE was attended by over 110 attorneys in person and via webcast.

The highly anticipated Anniversary Gala kicked off that evening with a 1920s speakeasy themed cocktail hour including jazz music from the Frim Fram Four, festive drinks in commemorative engraved glasses and decorations that took attendees back to the glamour of the Gatsby era. Attendees joined in the festivities by donning their best 1920s attire with beads, sequins, tails, gloves and feathers and posed for photos with a backdrop commemorating the special evening.

The program began with President Mary V. York of Boise, and immediate past President Jillian H. Caires of Coeur d’Alene, acting as mistresses of ceremony. A champagne toast was given by President York congratulating the members on the past and future of the legal profession in Idaho. They then introduced the other ISB commissioners, the ILF Board of Directors, the Anniversary Committee, the evening’s honorees and the other dignitaries. They also introduced and thanked the many anniversary sponsors whose financial contributions made the gala possible. Lastly, they thanked Idaho artist Dan Looney for his donation of a painting entitled “Idaho Law: The Beginning.” The limited edition signed prints of painting are available for purchase with proceeds benefitting the Foundation. Congratulatory remarks were given by Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan of the Idaho Supreme Court. Dinner, styled from the 1920s era, was then served to the over 260 guests in attendance.

After dinner, the keynote address “Tents to Towers: Bringing Idaho’s Legal History to Life” was given by Judge Grasham. During her forty-five-minute presentation, she walked attendees through the past century through colorful stories and pictures of Idaho’s attorneys, judges and litigants. These stories and more were all captured in the newly published book “Tents to Towers: The History of the Practice of Law in Idaho.” Copies of this book are available for purchase with proceeds also benefiting the Foundation.[i]

After the presentation, ILF Past President Jovick was invited to the stage to introduce the Foundation’s Future Fund to the audience. A short video of volunteers from the Foundation’s various programs was played detailing the impact of the Foundation’s programs have on Idaho communities. Ms. Jovick then solicited donations to the Future Fund from the audience.  Throughout the day’s events there was over $80,000 pledged to the Future Fund by attendees. This is the largest amount of money pledged to the Law Foundation in a single day in its 50-year history.[ii]

Next, the evening’s awards were presented. The 2025 Outstanding Young Lawyer Award was presented to Alexandra Hodson of Boise, and the 2025 Distinguished Lawyer Awards were presented to Charles A. Homer of Idaho Falls and Tim Gresback of Moscow. Each award recipient was introduced with a short video of an interview by a colleague or friend and then each graciously accepted their award at the podium and introduced their families and friends in attendance.

The celebration closed with the passing of the gavel to the new Idaho State Bar President Kristin Bjorkman of Boise, and more jazz music as attendees said their goodbyes.

The Anniversary Gala and events throughout the rest of 2025 would not be possible without the support of our very generous sponsors. The sponsors include the Fourth District Bar as the platinum sponsor, the University of Idaho College of Law, Holland & Hart, Parsons Behle & Latimer and Hawley Troxell as gold sponsors and silver sponsors River’s Edge Mediation, Stoel Rives LLP, Brassey Crawford, Johnson May and the Idaho Community Foundation.

Teresa A. Baker is a member of the Idaho State Bar. After practicing law for 20 years, she decided to serve her fellow attorneys and currently is the Program and Legal Education Director for the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation.

[i] https://isb.idaho.gov/anniversary/.

[ii] https://ilf.idaho.gov/future-fund/.