On October 6, 2026, the Idaho State Bar in conjunction with the Idaho State Courts, held the 2026 Bench & Bar CLE and Reception: Celebrating the Constitution and Honoring Judicial Excellence. The event was held at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in downtown Boise. The event brought together members of the judiciary and legal communities to recognize exceptional judicial service and celebrate America’s 250^th commemoration with an exploration into the origins of the U.S. Constitution

The event featured the presentation of the 2026 Idaho State Bar Distinguished Jurist of the Year Award. This year’s award recipient was the Honorable Jessica M. Lorello. Appointed to the court in 2017, Judge Lorello has demonstrated a strong commitment to the law, judicial service, and the education of future generations.

The event’s opening remarks were delivered by F.J. Hahn, commissioner serving the Sixth and Seventh Districts of the Idaho State Bar, followed by a brief presentation by Anne Haws, Idaho Women Lawyers, Chair, Judicial Committee.

Honoring Judge Jessica M. Lorello

The award presentation was preceded by an engaging interview with Judge Lorello, conducted by Lori Fleming, Supreme Court Staff Attorney. The conversation offered attendees an opportunity to hear her perspective on effective advocacy, the role of appellate courts, and the lasting impact judges can have both inside and outside the courtroom.

When asked what qualities she most admires in attorneys who appear before her, Judge Lorello emphasized the importance of preparation and a thorough understanding of the law.

“The number one quality I admire and appreciate the most is pure preparation,” she explained. “You don’t have to be exciting or funny…but pure preparation and the ability to answer the court’s questions and to be frank about the facts and about the law. We are ultimately trying to make the best decision that we can based on those two things.”

Fleming also asked Judge Lorello what she hoped attorneys and the public better understood about appellate courts. Judge Lorello emphasized that an appellate court’s role is defined by the issues presented, the record established in the trial court, and the applicable standard of review.

“I hope both lawyers’ understanding and the general public’s understanding [of appellate courts] is that our role is limited,” she said. “Our job is to rule on the issues that are brought to us by the parties, based on the record that is brought to us by the parties that was created in the trial court.”

She further explained that appellate decisions are governed by established standards of review and must be grounded in the law and the record—not personal feelings about a particular issue.

Beyond her work on the bench, Judge Lorello has made civic education an important part of her professional life. When reflecting on the legacy she hopes to leave, she expressed a desire to be remembered as a good and fair judge, a valued colleague, and an advocate for legal and civic education.

“I hope that people remember me for my efforts as it relates to education of law students and civics education, especially with youth. The court has given me a platform for civic education,” she said.

Judge Lorello is a dedicated advocate for civic education and is active in several initiatives including Attorneys for Civic Education, Idaho’s Mock Trial Program, Youth in Government, We the People, and the 4-H Know Your Government program.

Mentorship is another important part of Judge Lorello’s approach to public service. Asked what she hoped her law clerks would say about their time working with her, she emphasized the importance of supporting their individual and professional growth.

“Mostly I hope that their time with me was meaningful; that they viewed me as an advocate for them, individually and professionally; that I supported them; that I was a good mentor to them; and that I hope that they would also always consider me a friend to them for the rest of their time in the law or outside the law.”

Outside the courtroom, Judge Lorello is also an avid baseball fan who particularly enjoyed watching her son, Spencer, grow up playing the sport.

Following the interview, F.J. Hahn, commissioner serving the Sixth and Seventh Districts of the Idaho State Bar, presented Judge Lorello with the Distinguished Jurist of the Year Award. The award was established in 1994 to honor outstanding members of the judiciary. The award recognizes excellence, integrity, and independence by a member of the judiciary. Nominees are selected for their competence, fairness, goodwill, and professionalism.

Celebrating the Constitution at 250

The evening continued with remarks from Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan, who introduced the event’s special guest speaker, Professor Neil S. Siegel. Professor Siegel is a professor of law and co-director of the Center on the Structural Constitution at Texas A&M School of Law, as well as a nationally recognized constitutional scholar.

As part of the America 250 commemoration, Professor Siegel presented a thought-provoking program exploring the origins of the U.S. Constitution and the enduring significance of one of the most influential governing documents in history. His presentation examined the challenges that emerged under the Articles of Confederation and the reasons the nation’s founders sought a stronger framework of government. Professor Siegel explored how the Constitution established a more effective federal system by strengthening Congress and creating a national executive and judiciary, while providing a framework for upholding the rule of law.

The 2026 Bench & Bar CLE and Reception provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with colleagues, recognize excellence on the bench, and celebrate the enduring principles of the U.S. Constitution.