Idaho Judicial Council Position Opening

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. 

Well-Being in the Law Week – Take Time to Focus on You!

The Idaho State Bar Attorney Well-Being Task Force invites you to celebrate Well-Being in the Law Week, May 1st through May 5th. Join other members of the profession, the courts and support staff by participating in these free activities that will improve your overall well-being.

We will focus on a different aspect of well-being Monday through Friday. Every day you will have at least three different suggestions for activities and education. This “well- rounded” wheel shows the well-being emphasis for each day of the week. There is something for everyone!

Click on the days of the week for specific activities including something to watch, something to read and something to do that is focused on an element of well-being for each day.

REGISTER FOR THIS: Moving Together: The Science and Experience of Communal Movement – May 1, 2023 – 11:30 MDT/10:30 PDT

WATCH THIS: Carter, Christine (2020) Confessions of Bad Exerciser, TedX. Marin Christine Carter PhD is a writer, speaker, coach and sociologist, as well as a Senior Fellow at the Greater Good Science Center. In this talk, filmed for TedX Marin, she argues that in order to build a new habit, like exercising, we need to release our perfectionistic desires and let ourselves be bad at it (at least for a while).

READ THIS: Kilkus, Jennifer (2022) Is the Mind-Body Connection Real?

DO THIS: Pick one activity from the “More Movement While Working” section of the Well-Being Week in Law Physical Health Activity Guide and implement that strategy today – maybe it’s a walking meeting, or setting a timer to remind yourself to stand and move during the work day. Pick something small, give yourself permission to do what you can (no perfectionism allowed!), and acknowledge your victories when you follow through.

Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind. – Nelson Mandela

REGISTER FOR THIS: What does the U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health and Well-being in the Workplace Mean for You? – May 2, 2023 – 11:30 MDT/10:30 PDT

WATCH THIS: OnBeing with Krista Tippett and Dacher Keltner: “The Thrilling New Science of Awe” (2023) Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. In this podcast, he talks with Krista Tippett about research on primary experience of awe in human life. We experience awe in moments when we have a sense of wonder, or mystery, that transcends our understanding.

READ THIS: Cross, Rob (2020) Do You Have a Life Outside of Work?

DO THIS: Complete the “Connections that Create Purpose” assessment in the Rob Cross article linked above, and identify one new purpose giving activity to explore bringing back in your life. Then talk to someone about this idea today – your spouse, a colleague, or a friend.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. – Pablo Picasso

REGISTER FOR THIS: Pro Bono & Community Service as a Pathway to Well-being & Job Satisfaction – May 3, 2023 – 11:30 MDT/10:30 PDT

WATCH THIS: Harris, Carla (2018How To Find The Person Who Can Help You Get Ahead At Work, TEDWomen Carla Harris is a business executive and author. In this talk, she explains why finding a sponsor is so important to propelling your career and provides tips for how to identify and approach a potential sponsor.

READ THIS: Hope Reese (2022), A Neurologist’s Tips To Protect Your Memory

DO THIS: Exert greater autonomy over your career and create a better fit between your strengths, values, preferences, and your work with this Job Crafting exercise.

“Passion for your work is a little bit of discovery, followed by a lot of development, and
then a lifetime of deepening.” – Angela Duckworth, psychologist and author of Grit

REGISTER FOR THIS: Building Friendship & Belonging – May 4, 2023 – 11:30 MDT/10:30 PDT

WATCH THIS: Julian Treasure (2011). 5 Ways to Listen Better. TEDx GLobal, 7 mins. In our louder and louder world, says sound expert Julian Treasure, “We are losing our listening.” In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening — to other people and the world around you.

READ THIS: Check out The Surgeon General’s Report on Workplace Well-being Guidelines. In the U. S. Surgeon General’s new Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being Guidelines, aspects of relationship quality are imbued in all “Five Essentials,” defined as (1) Connection & Community, (2) WorkLife Harmony, (3) Mattering at Work, (4) Opportunity for Growth, and (5) Protection from Physical and Psychological Harm.

DO THIS: Download this infographic on the Art of Listening and practice some of the listening strategies discussed in “5 Ways to Listen Better” above.

“That which isn’t good for the hive, isn’t good for the bee.” – Marcus Aurelius

REGISTER FOR THIS: How to Build a Workplace that Supports Emotional Well-Being – May 5, 2023 – 11:30 MDT/10:30 PDT

WATCH THIS: Adia Gooden (2018). Cultivating Unconditional Self-Worth, TEDx, 15:20 mins Gooden discusses the power of cultivating unconditional self-worth and how to break free from negative thought patterns so you can live more freely.

READ THIS: Elizabeth Ayoola (2022). Mental Health New Year’s Resolutions You Need On Your List For 2023, (Because who says mid-year isn’t the perfect time to assess and recalibrate?)

DO THIS: Cultivating Unconditional Self-Worth Through Self-Compassion, preferences, and your work with this Job Crafting exercise.

“Let’s not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives and
we obey them without realizing it.” -Vincent van Gogh

Thank you to the Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) for leading the effort to raise awareness of the importance of well-being for all. For additional information, resources, and activities, please visit the Institute for Well-Being in Law website.  

Member of ISB’s Attorney Well-Being Task Force wish all of you continued health and well-being, especially following these challenging times.  If you are in need of any particular assistance, the Idaho Lawyer’s Assistance Program and its website offers resources in a wide range of areas—please do not hesitate to reach out.

Keep the Momentum Going Throughout May with the 31-Day Mental Health Challenge!

Check out this calendar for tips to make your life and work a little easier by focusing on yourself and you loved ones in the month of May.

Share Gratitude and Kindness with Others!

Easily send notes of gratitude, encouragement, and affection using IWIL’s e-card form.

If you have suggestions for activities for the Attorney Well-Being Task Force, please feel free to email the chair Julie Stomper at julie@beardstclair.com.

Access to Justice FUND Run- Register Now!

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

Richard C. Fields Civility Award Nominations

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.

Amendments to Idaho Court Administrative Rule 75 – Effective April 4, 2022

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

Comments Sought on Idaho Juvenile Rules & “New” Idaho Criminal Rule

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

Comments Sought on Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure

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

Amendments to the Child Support Guidelines, Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure (I.R.F.L.P.) Rule 120

The Idaho Supreme Court has issued an Order amending the child support guidelines, Idaho rules of family law procedure (I.R.F.L.P.) rule 120. Please read the full Order linked below:

In Re: Amendments to the Child Support Guidelines, Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure (I.R.F.L.P.) Rule 120

Amendments to Idaho Juvenile Rules 4, 14, 27, 54 – Effective July 1

The Idaho Supreme Court has issued an Order amending the Idaho Juvenile Rules effective July 1, 2022. Please read the full Order linked below:

In Re: Amendments to Idaho Juvenile Rules 4, 14, 27, and 54

Idaho Supreme Court Special Committee on Judicial Recruitment and Selection

The Idaho Supreme Court invites Idahoans to apply for a unique chance to shape their future judiciary. Please read the full Press Release and informational document linked below:

For Immediate Release: Apply Now to Join Special Supreme Court Committee

Special Committee on Judicial Recruitment and Selection