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 Williams

2015    Reginald Reeves

2016    William (Bud) Yost III

2017    Richard Hall

2018    Theodore Argyle

2019    Charles Homer

2020    Newal Squyres

How do you nominate an individual? 

Email your nomination to the Chair of the Idaho Professionalism and Ethics Bar Section, Erica White, ewhite@adacounty.id.gov by May 21, 2021. 

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 2021 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.