Author: ccarns
From Access to Advancement: Mentorship and Sponsorship for Women Lawyers in Idaho by Lindsey A. Morgan, Kathleen M. Carr, Alycia Moss, Catherine Renshaw, and Katie Sheftic
A young associate wins her first motion. Her supervising partner nods approvingly, then turns to a male colleague and says, “This is your client—can you take the lead on the client call to discuss the win?” The associate did the…
Read Full ArticleA Seat at the Table: Credibility and the Invisible Work of Women in Transactional Practice by Sarah M. Ford
In transactional practice, credibility is often established before the negotiation even begins. The conference room fills. Introductions are exchanged. Business cards slide across the table. In those first moments, the participants in a deal quietly assess one another—who represents whom,…
Read Full ArticleWhy Fault Divorce Is Unpopular in Idaho by Jennifer E. Neyenhouse
Fault divorce is unpopular because it is a contest with no direct prize pot. Courts may consider the effect of facts related to marital misconduct when determining property division, alimony, or child custody, but fault grounds for divorce do not…
Read Full ArticleWhen My Signature Altered Outcomes: Building Credibility as a Female Attorney in Rural Practice by Jessica Perez
The day I passed the bar, I became a lawyer. The day I successfully tried my first case, I became one in the eyes of the judge. In between those two distinct moments, I learned that credibility in a courtroom…
Read Full ArticleSafeguarding the Right to Vote: Accessibility in the Pursuit of Equal Protection by Erin E. Tomlin
Women have long been experts on the importance of “access” and what that means to dignity, equal protection under the law, and justice. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman, is famously known to have said, “If they don’t give you…
Read Full ArticleIntroductory Letter from Kendall Bjornsen, IWL President and Jaime Matier, IWL Vice President
Milestone birthdays invite us to reflect, not just on how far we’ve come, but on the people and purpose that carried us here. This year, Idaho Women Lawyers (IWL) celebrates its 40th anniversary. For us, it’s a milestone that feels…
Read Full ArticleMember Services Department Report by Teresa A. Baker
Members of the Idaho State Bar have access to a variety of programs, resources, discounts, and services available that you may not know are available. These resources can help improve your practice, your personal life, your leadership, and your community…
Read Full ArticleOutgoing President’s Message by Hon. Robert L. Jackson
This is my parting column as President of the Idaho State Bar. I have to say that the last three years on the Board of Commissioners have been very rewarding, not only because of the comradery with my fellow commissioners,…
Read Full ArticleWhat My Mother’s Generation Fought For, What Mine Took for Granted, What the Next Generation Shouldn’t Have to Fight For by Randi Johnson and Penelope Gaffney
Since Idaho Women Lawyers’ (IWL) founding 40 years ago, women have made tremendous strides in representation, responsibilities, and leadership across the legal field. This article honors the contributions of past generations of women lawyers by detailing how far women have…
Read Full ArticleTwo New Idaho State Bar Commissioners
Voting members of the Idaho State Bar in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Judicial Districts recently elected new members of the Board of Commissioners. The new Commissioners will serve three-year terms, beginning in June 2026. Twin Falls attorney, Matthew Wolfe,…
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