FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2018-The Idaho State Bar will present three awards to Western Treasure Valley attorneys at the Third District Bar Annual Resolution Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 7. The meeting will be held at Brick 29, 320 11^th Ave. S., in Nampa, beginning at 5:30 pm.

• Matthew J. Roker of Caldwell will receive the Professionalism Award. Roker is a partner in the Law Firm of Lovan, Roker & Rounds.  A native of Eastern Idaho, Roker graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted into the Idaho State Bar in 1994. Mr. Roker’s practice area focus includes criminal defense and juvenile court matters. He is a member of the Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

The Idaho State Bar Professionalism Awards are given to at least one attorney in each of Idaho’s seven judicial districts who has engaged in extraordinary activity in his or her community, in the state, or in the profession, which reflects the highest standards of professionalism.

• Alexander Spayd of Caldwell will receive the Denise O’Donnell Day Pro Bono Award. Upon admission into the Idaho State Bar in 2016, Mr. Spayd contacted the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program and took pro bono cases. Just days before Christmas 2017, Mr. Spayd agreed to assist a disabled man in the middle of eviction proceeding set for trial on January 5. He settled the case for the client on the courthouse steps. In another case, he served as guardian ad litem for three children whose mother was addicted to drugs. His representation ensured the kids could remain with their grandmother. A graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, Mr. Spayd is an attorney for the Canyon County Public Defender’s Office.

The Denise O’Donnell Day Pro Bono Awards are presented to the person(s) from each judicial district that have donated extraordinary time and effort to help clients who are unable to pay for services.

• Retired Nampa attorney Reese E. Verner will be recognized for his 50 year anniversary of admission into the Idaho State Bar. He was admitted to practice law on May 14, 1968. In 2000, Mr. Verner received the Idaho State Bar Professionalism Award and in 2015 he received recognition for his lifetime commitment to pro bono services. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law.

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