Author: Kyme Graziano

The Board of Commissioners of the Idaho State Bar is accepting applicants for an attorney member of the Idaho Judicial Council; for a five-year term that commences in June.
The Idaho Judicial Council is empowered by statute to nominate to the Governor persons for appointments to vacancies in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and district courts. It may make recommendations to the Supreme Court for the removal, discipline, and retirement of judicial officers. It is comprised of seven members. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who is chair, a district court judge and two lawyers appointed by the governing board of the Idaho bar with the consent of the state senate and three non-attorney members appointed by the Governor with the consent of the senate. Sitting in its disciplinary capacity, the Council may investigate complaints against justices, court of appeals judges or judges of the district courts or magistrate divisions, and members of the Industrial Commission, and in appropriate cases it may recommend to the Supreme Court the removal, discipline or retirement of a justice, judge, or magistrate judge. 

In making its selection, the Commission will be guided by the following statutory considerations, found in Idaho Code Section 1-2101: Appointment shall be made with due consideration for area representation and not more than three (3) of the permanent appointed members shall be from one (1) political party.

Idaho State Bar members interested in the position should submit a letter of interest along with a resume or biographical sketch to the Idaho State Bar office by May 5, 2022.  Submissions must include information about the applicant, why the applicant is interested in the position, and a bio or resume.

Letters and questions may be directed to: Diane Minnich, Executive Director, Idaho State Bar, P.O. Box 895, Boise, ID 83701, 208-334-4500. 

We are happy to announce that the Access to Justice Fund Run is back on June 4th.

The Idaho State Bar Professionalism & Ethics Section present the Richard C. Fields Civility Award each year. Dick Fields was consistently recognized for his service, professionalism, and leadership within the Idaho State Bar and was known in the legal community as an advocate for civility in the practice of law. Dick received the Idaho State Bar’s Distinguished Lawyer Award in 2000 and chaired the Dean’s Advisory Council at Concordia Law since its inception in 2009, until his passing in April 2014. In honor of Dick’s memory and the legacy he left for future generations of lawyers in Idaho, this award is presented to an Idaho lawyer who demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and civility in the profession. 

Previous recipients include:

2014            Hon. Mikel H. Williams

2015            Reginald R. Reeves

2016            William F. (Bud) Yost III

2017            Richard E. Hall

2018            Theodore E. Argyle

2019            Charles A. Homer

2020            B. Newel Squyres

2021            Paula A. Landholm Kluksdal

How do you nominate an individual? 

Email your nomination to the Chair of the Idaho Professionalism and Ethics Bar Section, Erica White at ewhite@adacounty.id.gov, by May 13, 2022. 

Who can nominate someone?

Anyone who knows and is familiar with the attorney.  In the past, great nominations have been received from judges, legal assistants/paralegals, law clerks and community members.

Who can be nominated?

Any attorney, who primarily practices in Idaho, who demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and civility and is an example to his or her peers.

For the 2022 award, the selection committee kindly asks you to refrain from nominating an attorney posthumously or a member of the judiciary, even though both categories undisputedly have several qualified nominees.

What should the nomination include?

The composition of the nomination submission is up to the nominator.  It can be a few sentences about the person being nominated and why he or she is qualified.  It can be a formal letter.  Numerous people can get together and submit a nomination “packet” for one person, or each person can submit his or her own nomination.  Information about activities participated in and/or examples or conduct which you believe demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and civility are helpful.

The Idaho Supreme Court has issued an Order amending the Idaho Court Administrative Rule 75. Please read the full Order linked below:

In RE: Amendments to Idaho Court Administrative Rule (I.C.A.R.) 75

The Idaho Supreme Court’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee is seeking input on proposed revisions to Idaho Juvenile Rule 26 and a proposed “New” Idaho Criminal Rule.  A copy of the revisions can be found on the court’s website at https://isc.idaho.gov/main/rules-for-public-comment. 

Please send your comments to Deena Layne, by Thursday, April 21, 2022. 

Idaho Juvenile Rules & “New” Idaho Criminal Rule

The Idaho Supreme Court’s Children and Families in the Courts Committee is seeking input on proposed revisions to the Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure.  A copy of the revisions can be found on the court’s website at https://isc.idaho.gov/main/rules-for-public-comment. 

Please send your comments to Deena Layne, by Thursday, April 21, 2022. 

Comments Sought on Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure Amendments

The Idaho State Bar is offering a limited number of scholarships to the 2022 Annual Meeting, July 20-22, at the Canyon Crest Event Center in Twin Falls. The scholarships will include full registration, tickets to the social events and per diem up to $75 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 scholarship, please fill out this 2022 Annual Meeting Scholarship Request Form.  If you have any questions, please contact the ISB Commissioner who represents your judicial district or the ISB Program and Legal Education Director Teresa Baker.

The Fourth District Bar, the Sixth District Bar and the Idaho Women Lawyers are also providing several scholarships.  If you are a member of the Fourth District, the Sixth District Bar or Idaho Women Lawyers and would like to apply for one of their scholarships, please use the same Scholarship Request form and the applications will be forward to the District Bar or IWL officers for their review.

The deadline for scholarship requests has been extended to Thursday, June 30, 2022.