70 Years of Admission: Admitted in 1952

Leonard H. Bielenberg

Leonard H. (Len) Bielenberg of Moscow graduated from the University of Idaho with a business, and then law degree.  Upon receiving his law degree in 1952, he was appointed Assistant Attorney General by Robert E. Smylie, who was a great mentor.  After two and a half years in this position, he returned to his roots at the invitation of Tom Felton where he held private practice for nearly 50 years.  Bielenberg practiced various types of law, later focusing on estate planning, trusts, probate, and real estate.  He served three terms as Prosecuting Attorney of Latah County and from time to time was a lecturer of various courses at University of Idaho School of Law.

Bielenberg served as a member of the Selective SVC Civilian Review Board, and was President of several community service organizations, including Lions Club, Jaycees, and Knights of Columbus, among others. Early in his practice and thereafter Len was rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell.

Len and his wife, Fern, of 69 years have 4 children, Terry, Anne, Paul, and Mary, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.  In their younger years, they motorcycled many of Idaho’s backroads and enjoyed camping, water and snow skiing as well as spending many years as snowbirds in Green Valley, AZ.  Len continues to be active in the Moscow Lions Club and Friendly Neighbors senior club and will be celebrating 95 years in July!

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Reginald R. Reeves

Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Reeves enlisted in the Army in August 1945 at the age of 17. He graduated from the University of Idaho college of Law in 1952. Honored with the Nathan Burkham Memorial Competition award in 1954, his military awards include National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Commander’s Award for Public Service and Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. In 1968 Reginald was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and retired from the Army. He is revered for his pro bono work with veterans and efforts to assist local and international soup kitchens and charities. He is most proud of developing a local, national, and international program to build computer schools and a free dental clinic in Guatemala and supplying millions of dollars’ worth of medical supplies and equipment to Vietnam, Haiti, Ghana and the Virgin Islands. Reginald is the recipient of the Idaho State Bar Service Award in 2012, an honoree of the University of Idaho Alumni Hall of Fame and recipient of the Governor’s Brightest Star Award for Public Service. He currently is involved in many social service activities and continues to practice family law in Idaho Falls. He and his wife Donna operate the Sun Valley Charitable Foundation.

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Wilber L. Rowberry

Bill took the suggestion and urging of his father and made the decision to apply to law school. He graduated from the University of Idaho and with the recommendation from Professor George Bell, went to work for 37 years with the US Atomic Energy Commission which became the Department of Energy. Bill took two cases to the US Supreme Court which took considerable time and effort. He cites his greatest personal accomplishment as raising his two sons with wife Jeanene. He suggests new attorneys “identify the area of law you enjoy the most. Try to obtain a mentor in that field of the law and work diligently to become one of the best attorneys in your chosen field.” Since his retirement in 2012, Bill enjoys tennis, fly fishing and travel.

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Fred A. Schwartz

Fred Schwartz is a graduate of the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. He and his wife Gwynne life in Sacramento, California.

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Jay H. Stout

Jay Stout is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. He lives in Encinitas, California.

65 Year Attorneys: Admitted in 1957

John R. Coleman

John was born in 1933 in Rexburg, Idaho and attended University of Idaho College of Law during which he was also working at First Security Bank. Coleman’s first job in the field of law was as an associate in the firm of Parry, Robertson & Jacobson in Twin Falls, Idaho in 1957. He then became partner of the firm in 1960 and continued working there into it divided in 1979. The three senior active partners at the time formed a new partnership Larson, McIntrye & Coleman.

During his 46 years of practice, he represented banks, canal companies, irrigation districts, general contractors, farmers, ranchers, doctors, accountants and many individuals who have become dear friends. He also represented First Federal Savings Bank from 1958 until retirement.

In 1964 John was appointed by Governor Smylie to be one of five members of the Board of Trustees for the new College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls and served on the board until 1980. John was instrumental in the construction of what is now a beautiful and wonderful college. In 1982 he was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme court while being sponsored by Senator James McClure. He is very proud of his 65 years spent as an Idaho Attorney. 

After retirement in 2004 John and his late wife Marjory served a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in the Boise LDS Temple until 2008 and since has served in the Twin Falls Temple. Currently John is farming, ranching, and raising beef cattle to occupy his time. He served for 10 years as a 4-H leader of youth with livestock projects.

John’s oldest daughter, Sue, was born 16 days before he entered law school, followed by his second daughter, Kathleen, the day after his last final of law school. In the time after they moved to Twin Falls, John and his wife had three more children John A., Diane and David A. who has since taken over as a partner of the firm now known as Coleman, Ritchie & Jacobson that John originally started in 1979. John is immensely proud of his family and will always love his wife Marjory of 59 years, 5 months and 19 days who gave him a happy and wonderful marriage.

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Wayne P. Fuller

Judge Fuller received his juris doctorate from Stanford University. He always felt that law was a natural fit and was often settling disputes between classmates. He served as District Judge for nine years, spending most of his career practicing general law. Judge Fuller retired in 1995 but is still active as a volunteer attorney for Idaho Legal Aid. He enjoyed the challenges, opportunities and independence of being an attorney. In 1982 Wayne received the ISB Service Award, in 2009 the Pro Bono Award and is a past member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. He and his wife Margaret have five children and seven grandchildren. His daughter Leslie K. Smith is an attorney practicing in Eagle, Idaho. Judge Fuller enjoys hiking, cross country skiing and spending time with his family in their cabin in the Sawtooth Mountains.

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Wallace M. Transtrum

After completing his undergraduate degree in sociology at the Utah State Agricultural College, Judge Transtrum entered the U.S. Air Force flight training program where he worked with members of the Judge Advocates Staff. Upon his discharge after his tour of two years, he decided to pursue a legal career which eventually took him to serve as a Caribou County Prosecuting Attorney, Magistrate Judge and District Judge. He passes on the same advice he was given, “Do your work the very best that you can, and on time. Treat your clients with respect and honesty.” Judge Transtrum enjoys spending time with his family 4 wheeling in the Island Park area, traveling, golf, playing guitar. He and his wife Glenna spend five month of the year in Yuma, Arizona. They have two children, three stepchildren, sixteen grandchildren and thirty (!) great grandchildren.

60 Year Attorneys: Admitted in 1962

Phillip M. Becker

Phil graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1961. After graduation he started off in private practice for several years before transitioning to a Public Defender for Gooding, Camas, Lincoln, and Jerome Counties from 1965-1977. He did a short year stint at a Prosecuting Attorney for Gooding County in 1978 before being appointed Magistrate Judge. Phil was given the position of District Judge for the Fifth Judicial District in 1983. Finally, retirement came in 1996. Well so he thought. Three days after retirement Phil got a call from Chief Justice Robert Bakes. Some sort of emergency had happened, and Chief Justice Bakes was in desperate need of a judge. Phil told him he was retired and no longer on the bench. At this point Chief Justice reminded him of his title and appointed Phil the title “Special Senior Judge”. Phil made himself immediately available to start working that Monday.

Phil is very proud of his time spent as a Tribal Court Judge for Shoshone-Paiute Tribe in Nevada as well as being on the Tribal Court of Appeals. He now enjoys spending time with his wife, Louise and his three wonderful grandchildren Elissa, Camas, and Kenneth. When asked about his life, Phil said it was one full of excitement and fulfillment. “As the carnival people would say – it was a hell of a ride.”

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Larry R. Duff

Larry Duff is a graduate of the Williamette University College of Law. Larry and his wife Merry live in Rupert.

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J. Dennis Faucher

After high school in Boise and two years in the Marine Corps, Dennis earned his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Idaho.  He then stayed at the College of Law for a year as a Visiting Assistant Professor and then practiced in Boise for eight years.  In 1971 he left Boise and for the remainder of his career he practiced in Philadelphia, where he still resides.

Among his accomplishments as a lawyer is his pro bono representation of an Alabama death row inmate, and being a lead attorney in representing people who were World War II slave laborers in their litigation against major German companies.  He has also been active in supporting the University of Idaho.  He is a Jim Lyle Awardee, and is an Emeritus Director of the University of Idaho Foundation and an Emeritus Member of the College of Law Advisory Council.  Sigma Chi Fraternity has honored him as a “Significant Sig.”

Dennis was married for 59 years to fellow native Boisean and Vandal Michael Beglan Faucher, until her death in 2019.  He has three sons, including Boise lawyer Bob Faucher, and eleven grandchildren. He is proud of having been a member of the Idaho State Bar for 60 years. 

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Edward G. Johnson

Edward Johnson is a graduate of the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law. He and his wife Janice live in Boise.

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Hon. Edward J. Lodge

Judge Edward Lodge is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Lodge and his wife Patty live in Boise.

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Paul D. McCabe

Paul was raised in St. Maries, Idaho where he says was a good place and time to experience the “Wonder Years”. He graduated from University of Idaho College of Law in 1962, later in that same year he passed the bar and was sworn in. He then entered the military after receiving a commission through ROTC. He served for two years as lieutenant in the infantry and then was honorably discharged. After being stationed in Benning, George and then at Fort Ord in California he separated from the military in 1964.

After the military he moved to Coeur d’Alene and have never left. He started his law practice in the office of Wm. Hawkins. He later partnered with David Frazier to open their own firm. Thereafter they separated and Paul was the sole practitioner until he, Sidney Smith and Charles Hosack established an office in Coeur d’Alene. He often did general practice including Court and Jury Trials an appearances before the Idaho Supreme Court and the Idaho Court of Appeals.

In 1987 McCabe took a position as Magistrate Judge in the First Judicial District which he held until his retirement December 31, 1999. Thereafter he worked part time at the same position for an additional six years.

Paul has been married to his wife, Beverly for 59 years. He praises her for being a good sport and putting up with his for all these years. He says he has been blessed with two children, Melinda, and Russell. All four of them graduated from the University of Idaho and are avid Vandal fans. Although he is fully retired Paul has maintained his membership to the Idaho State Bar for the last 60 years. He says it doesn’t seem possible that all this time has gone by.

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William F. Ringert

Bill started practicing law in 1962 with a monthly salary of $300. His primary practice areas being Desert Land Entries, agriculture, and water law. He was a part of several large projects including Sailor Creek, Black Mesa and Grindstone Butte. Bill also served on the Bureau of Land Management Board I the 70s as well as six years in the Idaho Senate in the 80s.

Bill moved to Hammett, Idaho in 1996 intending to still make his commute in Boise two or three days a week for work. This plan did not last long. He joined Rotary in 1997 and served on the board and as president in 2001. He was also apart of the Idaho Community Foundation for two years, Board of the Elmore Medical Center for twenty years, and Idaho Hospital Association Board for six years. Admitted into the Idaho Water Users Hall of Fame in 2001.

In 2000 Bill built Cold Springs Winery and planed 33 acres of wine grapes. During that time, he spent six years on Idaho Wine Commission Board. The board also awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. The winery was sold in 2020 when Bill moved back to Boise and finally retired.

Bill has been married to his lovely wife, Bing, for 63 years. They have two children John and Beth. Bill has two grandchildren he is very proud of, Billie a student at Oregon State University and AJ a cross country runner at Eagle High School. Bill also has a brother, Gary, who is a retired Air Force Pilot and Vietnam Veteran whose last assignment was flying Air Force One.

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Larry D. Ripley

Larry Ripley was determined to leave the small city lifestyle he had come accustomed to growing up in Wardner, Idaho; a small city in the northern Panhandle. He enrolled at the University of Idaho and completed law school in 1962. Afterwhich he joined the Army Reserve as a private on active duty for six months at Ford Ord in California. This is where he made his first appearance as legal representation.

Ripley moved to Idaho for a job as an Assistant Attorney General spending 7 years at the Idaho PUC. He was the only full time utility lawyer in the state of Idaho and remained so for a number of years. After his time there he made an impact at the firms of Elam & Burke, Evans, Koontz and Ripley. In later years of practice he became an in-house regulatory attorney for Idaho Power until retirement from practice in 2003.

The most memorable parts of Larry’s career were the many cordial friends and acquaintance who were executives, judges, attorneys and consumers residing throughout the United States.

In 1968 Larry married his wife Judy and remained married for 54 years. They raised two sons who have each have two children. Larry has enjoyed traveling and exploring the world with his wife.

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50 Year Attorneys: Admitted in 1972

Dennis L. Albers

Dennis Albers, U of I Law School graduate, worked for Paul Keeton in Lewiston for the first year after graduation. Then, moving to Grangeville he has practiced there since and is now “mostly retired”. He was Idaho County Prosecuting Attorney for eight years and Depute Prosecutor for seven both before and after his election. He had a general practice but specialized in Real Estate and Municipal work for many towns, serving thirty-five years as Grangeville City Attorney.

He spent 30 years as a member of the Grangeville Border Days Rodeo Committee and was later named Border Days Grand Marshall in 2021.

Albers has two children and three grandsons. His daughter, Kim, is a VA Administrator and is admitted to practice in Idaho and CA. his son is a construction manager. Albers and his wife Margaret have been married for 52 years and have a hobby farm in Grangeville as well as a cabin on the Salmon River. They started a Title Company in 1976. They travel whenever they can which included a cruise for the family of 9 to Venice and Greece.

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Stephen F. Bell

Stephen Bell is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Law. He and his wife Karen life in Coeur d’Alene.

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Donald L. Burnett

A native of Pocatello, Don received his baccalaureate degree magna cum laude at Harvard, his J.D. degree at the University of Chicago, and his LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree from the University of Virginia. He also graduated on the “Commandant’s List” of the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College. As a reserve officer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Don’s assignments included service as the reserve deputy commandant and academic director of The Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, Virginia. He received the U.S. Armed Forces Legion of Merit Award and retired as a Colonel.

Don’s civilian career began with service as a law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court, followed by service as an Assistant Attorney General for Idaho. He entered a general private practice in Pocatello; served as a judge of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Court, as executive director of the Idaho Judicial Council, and as a Commissioner of the Idaho State Bar. He ultimately received the Bar’s professionalism and distinguished lawyer awards.

In 1982 he was appointed as one of the original judges of the Idaho Court of Appeals. In 1990 he received a faculty appointment, including a decade of service as the dean, at the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville, where he taught criminal procedure, professional responsibility, law and economics, and judicial decision-making. While at Louisville, he co-founded the Kentucky Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development, and he served as presiding member of the Kentucky Governor’s Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy.

In 1999-2000, while still in Louisville, Don was asked to serve on a University of Idaho Select Committee on Strategic Directions for Idaho Legal Education. In 2002 he returned to his native state to join the faculty and serve as dean at the UI College of Law. He chaired the university’s Ethical Guidance and Oversight Committee, served as the coordinating dean for university-wide interdisciplinary programs, and chaired the university’s Steering Committee on Diversity and Human Rights. He chaired the Professionalism Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. Within the College of Law, he established the 1L orientation professionalism program, and he worked to broaden the curriculum, promote diversity, enhance fundraising, and create a branch location of the College of Law in Boise. In 2013-14 he served as interim president of the University of Idaho; in that capacity he also chaired the Idaho Higher Education Presidents Council.

Upon resuming faculty status at the College of Law in Moscow, Don taught Professional Responsibility along with Civil Procedure & Introduction to Law. He served as the initial program coordinator for the Idaho Law & Justice Learning Center in Boise, a collaborative undertaking of the Idaho Supreme Court and the University of Idaho. He co-founded annual institutes for schoolteachers and journalists, focusing on the rule of law and the work of an independent, impartial judiciary.

In 2016 Don received emeritus status at the University, and in 2018 law faculty bestowed upon him the Sheldon A. Vincenti Award for Exemplary Service. In 2019 the University of Idaho awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree. In 2022, recognizing Don’s role in fulfilling a vision for statewide public legal education, the largest classroom at the College’s building on Front Street in Boise was named for him. In retirement he remains active in continuing legal, judicial, and civic education.

Don’s wife of 52 years, Karen Trujillo Burnett, is another Pocatello native. A writer, she holds degrees from the University of Chicago, Idaho State University, Boise State University, and the University of Idaho. Don and Karen have two adult sons. Jason, an actuary and funds manager, is the father of two children. David, a professional photographer. Don has one brother, Howard, a lawyer, and partner in the Pocatello office of Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley.

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Robert A. Bushnell

Robert Bushnell is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law. Robert lives in Boise.

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Steven E. Clayton

Steven Clayton is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Steven lives in Las Vegas.

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Terry E. Coffin

Terry Coffin is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Terry and his wife Nancy live in McCall.

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Darrel R. Ellis

Darrel Ellis isa a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Darrel and his wife Charlene live in Cle Elum, Washington.

William D. Faler

William Faler has over 37 years of experience in representing parties in product liability, commercial law, toxic tort/ environmental law, personal injury and wrongful death and employment law. He has been involved in cases in both the federal court system and several state courts in the Intermountain West. He is admitted to practice in the State of Idaho and before the federal court in the District of Idaho and the United States Circuit Court for the Ninth Circuit. He is a member of the Idaho Bar Association, American Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, American Trial Lawyers Association, Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Inns of Court. Mr. Faler served for 5 years on Evidence Rules Committee for the Idaho State Bar and played a substantial role in the complete rewriting of those rules. He has lectured on parts of the Rules of Evidence and document control in complex litigation. His interests include fly fishing and photography. He served as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society  for 25 years, including a 10 year stint as a representative on the National Board of Directors.

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Patrick W. Fanning

Patrick Fanning is a graduate of University of San Francisco School of Law. Patrick and his wife Margaret live in Eagle.

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Jay R. Friedly

Jay Friedly graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law and passed the Nebraska and Idaho Bar Exam in 1972. He then moved to Idaho to work for Perce Hall as a JAG Officer for the United States Air Force in Mountain Home.

He has served as the attorney for the City of Mountain Home, the Mountain Home Highway District, Elmore Medical Center Hospital District, the City of Glenns Ferry, Grand View, and the Mountain Home School District No. 193. He recently scaled down his practice to estate planning, probate and contracts.

Jay enjoys the outdoors and scaling mountains. He has climbed all nine 12,000-foot peaks in Idaho. He has also climbed the highest peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, White Clouds, Boulder Mountains, Pioneer Range as well as the highest point in Elmore County. When he is not climbing peaks he enjoys sailing, cross country and downhill skiing, biking and scuba diving.

Jay says that one of the most wonderful things he discovered in Idaho was his wife Sandy. They were married in 1988 and raised two children. They now have three grandchildren who continue to amaze and bring joy to their lives.

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Michael A. Greene

When asked about his law career, Mike Greene says “I won much, lost few, and learned a lot.”. After graduating from Stanford University, he practice trial and appellate law primarily in California, Idaho and Oregon. His first case was against the Idaho State Bar and the Idaho Supreme Court for failing to admit all out of state graduates except himself.

Greene was the president of the Multnomah Bar Association and founder and chair of the MBA Community Foundation. He was a Circuit Judge Pro Tem and handled over 400 cases pro bono. Being a diabetic, he is very proud of his work as a volunteer for the American Diabetes Association included service as National and Oregon Chair of Diabetes Legal Advocacy and primary Amicus Counsel for the ADA. Community service and pro bono opportunities played a huge role in Mike’s life and law practice.

Mike has earned awards from many organizations, including The Distinguished Trial Lawyer, The Wendell Mayes Jr. Award for outstanding service in the Cause of Diabetes, and the Father of the Year Award. He also published many articles and Oregon publication, including the Journal of the American Medical Association. He was frequently asked to be an expert witness on legal malpractice, ethics, trial practice, an civil rights.

Mike has been married to his wife Alice Radcliff for 48 years year with much joy between them. They had a set of twins as well as an adopted daughter. They have 5 wonderful grandchildren. Mike loves spending time with his family and often reflects of his time teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish for trout.

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Quentin F. Harden

Judge Quentin Harden is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Harden and his wife Katheryn live in Bonners Ferry.

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Clinton J. Henderson

Clinton Henderson is a graduate of University of Idaho College of Law. Clinton and his wife Joann live in Moscow.

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Terry Hollifield

Terry Hollifield is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Terry and his wife Carol live in Hansen.

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Hon. Charles “Chuck” W. Hosack

Hon. Charles Hosack began his legal career in September 1972 in Boise with Moffatt, Thomas, Barret, and Blanton. The first couple of years, the firm had him pegged for an office practice. His desire to do trial work, combined with an inability to generate billable hours as a transactional attorney, led to a quick transition into trial work. The rest of his legal career was in trial work, first as an attorney in civil litigation, and then as a district judge. He was appointed by Governor Batt to fill a newly created district judge position in the First District, chambered in Coeur d’Alene, and began his judicial career on January 1, 1988, serving three terms and surviving a contested judicial election. Judge Hosack moved to senior status in 2010, until fully retiring as of June 30, 2020.

Judge Hosack mentions the notable career achievements are his admission as an attorney to practice in the state and federal courts in Idaho, including admission to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1978 and to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995; his appointment to First District Judge position in Kootenai County; and getting reelected to serve two additional terms. While sitting as District Judge, he also held the position of Administrative District Judge for the First Judicial District. Given his dual career as a trial attorney and as a trial judge, he has served as president of the First District John P. Gray Bench Bar Forum. He was a long time members of the Idaho Association of Defense Counsel, and had an insignificant, but highly treasured, membership in the American Trial Lawyers Association.

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Robert Korb

Robert Korb is a graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

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Donald W. Lojek

Don began his Idaho law practice in 1972 with the now defunct but then prestigious firm of Moffatt, Thomas, Barrett and Blanton for a salary of $10,000.  A University of Denver graduate, Don was privileged to work with the firm’s excellent trial attorneys, Dick Fields and Jack Barrett among them — a great education. He brought with him bar review outlines from Colorado. There was then no Idaho bar review course so the Colorado outlines were shared with Craig Storti and Don Burnett who were clerking for the Idaho Supreme Court. The many evening hours of study paid off as all three passed The bar exam when the pass rate was 40%. A grand total of ten lawyers were sworn in that winter.

An insurance defense practice was not comfortable for Don so he set out in another direction becoming University counsel for BSU for approximately 11 years while maintaining an eclectic civil trial and appellate practice. He earned an AV rating from Martindale Hubble and was admitted to the Colorado and Utah bars to accommodate client needs. He is admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court, numerous US District Courts and the Ninth and Tenth Courts of Appeals.

Don is a long time pilot and has now concentrated his practice in aviation matters. He taught Business Law and Aviation Law at BSU one evening per week for about 20 years.

He has lectured at the Stanford Law School and taught a full course in Employment Law at the University of Idaho Law School in Moscow flying himself there each week For a three hour class.

Don’s background includes service as an Army officer where he was Airborne and Ranger qualified, a master’s degree in Latin American Studies, and work as an investigator for the EEOC.  He also served in Viet Nam with the US State Department.

Married to Cecelia, Don has three children – one now an Ada County Magistrate – and seven nearly perfect grandchildren with whom he flies, hikes, fishes and camps at every opportunity.

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John K. Looze

John Looze is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law. John and his wife Donna live in Boise.

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John S. McKinney

John McKinney is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. John and his wife Pat live in Salmon.

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Wayne V. Meuleman

For more than 40 years, Wayne has focused his practice in construction law, business law, real estate law, and litigation. In 1980, Wayne formed a law firm in Boise, Idaho to meet the specialized needs of the construction and real estate industries which continues today. His experience includes representing clients in matter involving federal, state and local government construction, negotiation of commercial construction contracts, complex real estate transactions, project financing, claims and dispute resolution including dispute review boards, mediation and arbitration, business formation and advise, and extensive experience in complex litigation in state and federal court throughout the western United States, including practice before U.S. Courts of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Federal Claim.

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Kenneth L. Pedersen

Ken graduated from the law school in 1972 and joined the firm of Parsons & Smith and was later made a partner in 1973. He is well known for his zealous courtroom advocacy on behalf of his clients. He is proud to have with fine lawyers in Idaho and other states both as partners, associates, co-counsel and adversaries and have appeared before committed dedicated and honest judges and justices. Pedersen represented injured and other aggrieved people most of his career, which he saw as a great privilege.  He is proud to be apart of our great judicial system.

He was honored by his peers by receiving the Idaho Trial Lawyers Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2007, the Idaho State Bar Distinguished Lawyer Award and he also served as President of the Idaho Trial Lawyers in 1983-1984 where he also served on the Board of Governors for over 35 years.

Ken has been married to his wife, Trudy, for over 50 years. He admires her sacrifice to quit college to play a major role in raising their 3 children who are now fine adults with families of their own. They know have eight grandchildren.

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Michael G. Pierce

Mike Pierce is an Idaho native and graduate of the University of Idaho and Oregon with nearly 50 years of experience in the general practice of law. He is a member in good standing of the Idaho State Bar. Mike and his family have resided in Cascade for over 30 years.

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Richard A. Poplack

Rick Poplack graduated law school and passed the Oregon State Bar exam in 1969 after which he became an attorney with the Volunteers in Service to America. As a VISTA attorney, he was assigned to Western Idaho Legal Aid in Caldwell for a little over two years. He later took the Idaho State Bar Exam in 1972 and became staff attorney with the WILA and then Idaho Legal Aid Services.

In 1978 Rick left the legal services position and began working with Internal Revenue Service in Boise as an Estate Tax Attorney. As a tax attorney he primary worked on estate and gift tax as well as spent many years traveling speaking before groups of attorneys, accountants and appraisers explain the IRSs’ current position on a variety of tax issues. He remained in this position until 2007. Before and after retirement Rick was on the board of historic preservation organizations.

Rick has two children as well as two lovely grandchildren.

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Paul T. Smith

Paul Smith is a graduate of the California Western School of Law. Paul and his wife Kimberly live in Twin Falls.

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William R. Snyder

William is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. William and his Wife Dianne live in Boise.

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Hon. Richard T. St. Clair

Richard St. Clair was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 1972 and then attended the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s school in Charlottesville, Virginia. He completed three years of service in the Army JAGC initially at the Pentagon and then practicing military criminal appellate law before the U.S. Army Court of Military Review and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals in Washington D.C. He then completed a LLM Degree at the George Washington University’s National Law Center in 1975.

From 1976 to 1996 he practiced commercial and personal injury defense law in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 1996-2007 he served as an Idaho District Judge in the 7^th Judicial District. From 2007-2022 he served as an Idaho Senior Judge in the 5^th, 6^th,, and 7^th districts.

Richard is the proud father of three terrific children, and is presently married and enjoying retirement in Sun Valley, Idaho and Vero Beach, Florida. He travels frequently to Europe, South American and Africa. He has summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Rainier, and Mount Borah. Ken has also finished a Marine Corps Marathon and floated the Kobuk River in northern Idaho.

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Donald G. Stone

Donald is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Donald lives in Spokane, Washington.

Hon. Michael E. Wetherell

Mike was born in Redding, CA. and was admitted to practice law in Idaho in 1972 after studying at George Washington Law School.

Wetherell has spent his career ensuring the rights of people who suffer from epilepsy as well as numerous worker’s compensation cases and modified doctrine of social host liability under Idaho’s Common Law. In one of Johns notable cases, he established that a mother’s epilepsy could not form the basis for a denial of children’s custody. He is most proud of his ten years working for Senator Frank Church in Idaho and Washington D.C. From 1989 to 2022 he was a partner of the firm Hyde, Wetherell, Bray & Haff in Boise until he was made president of Boise City Council. Mike spent 12 years as District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District of Idaho until he retired in 2015.

Mike has been the recipient of many awards including Idaho State Bar Association Award for Outstanding Public Service to the Community and the Bar 1981, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America 1988, Epilepsy Foundation of America Outstanding Personal Achievement 1988, and Idaho Trial Lawyers Award for Outstanding Service to the Bar 1989.He has also taught several programs as well as been published many times.

The last couple years Mike has spent time on the Editorial Board of The Idaho Statemen from 2016-2021 as well as the Board of Directors of Opera Idaho from 2016-2020. Mike and his wife have three daughters Kelly, Kristen and Katherine that have given them 14 grandchildren! They are proud of each one of them.

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Hon. Darla S. Williamson

Judge Darla Williamson is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law. Williamson and her husband Max live in Boise.

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Theodore V. Wood

Theodore (Ted) was an active member of the Idaho State Bar from 1972 to 1989. During that time he was a partner at the firm St. Clair, Hiller, Wood and McGrath in Idaho Falls. During those years he was a trial lawyer specializing in both plaintiff and defense work in the areas of personal injury, property damage and product liability. From 1982 to 1983 he was president of the 7^th Judicial District Bar Association.

In 1989 he was selected as District Judge for the 7^th Judicial District. During this time he served on the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure Committee. In July 2000 he retired from the position of District Judge.

Since retirement he been active in scenic and wildlife photography, golf, backpacking in the Teton Range in Idaho and Wyoming and travel. Most recently he traveled to Antarctica and Iran.

For the past 20 years he has been married to his wife Eileen. They enjoy spending their winters in Rarotongo, Cook Islands. Together they have a blended family of 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Published August 2022

Service Awards

The individuals selected for this years’ Service Awards include attorneys and non-attorneys alike who have committed their time and expertise to the service of the legal profession. Whether it is serving in leadership or in a more intimate setting, these individuals are dedicated to the betterment of the profession. In addition to providing biographical information, the recipients were asked to answer the following two questions:

First, why is serving your community, personally or professionally, a priority to you?

And, what advice would you give your younger self as you entered your law practice or began your career?

Kimmer W. Callahan – Coeur d’Alene

Why Service: “In my career, and personal life, I have had the benefit of those who have gone before me, who have chosen to give and serve, willing to invest time and effort in helping me along the way. It is an honor to be able to do the same for others. The Idaho Bar that I joined years ago felt more like the joining of a fraternal order than of a group of advocates or competitors. It is my hope and desire that I have and will do my part to continue that legacy.”

Advice: ”Advice I wish I had received and followed was, get involved in the legal community, serve, and get to know your fellow attorneys outside of the courthouse. If we respect each other as people first, it will be easier to respect each other as advocates of clients. Advice I was given and have tried to follow: Look in the mirror every day and make sure that you are okay with the person/professional you are becoming.”

Kimmer Callahan graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1995, and received his LL.M. (Taxation) from the University of Denver in 1996. He was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 1995. After a few years of practicing as an associate attorney in the areas of income tax, and then estate planning, Kimmer opened his own firm, Callahan & Associates, Chtd., in Coeur d’Alene. His practice has primarily focused on the areas of estate planning, probate, and elder law. He received his Estate Planning Law Specialist designation in 2014 and was established as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) in 2019. He has been an active member in a variety of leadership roles in the Idaho State Bar’s Taxation, Probate & Trust Law Section.

Catherine A. Freeman – Boise

Why Service: “I love being a lawyer and I consider it a privilege to practice in our community. Because of this, I want to do whatever I can to improve the legal system for my fellow Bar members and for other individuals involved in Idaho’s legal system.”

Advice: “Keep showing up and being prepared. This will get you father than you’d guess.”

Catie Freeman is a trial lawyer with Gjording Fouser, representing businesses, public entities, and professionals in complex business, employment, and insurance defense litigation. Catie is the current Secretary of the Idaho State Bar’s Professionalism & Ethics Section and the current chairperson of the Section’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Committee. Catie is also a member of Idaho Women Lawyers and American Inns of Court No. 130.

Tracy W. Gorman – Idaho Falls

Why Service: “Serving on the character and fitness committee and the magistrate commission has taught me so much about the professional process. I know that I am a better practitioner because of it.”

Advice: “You do not have to take every case that comes through the door, and you should not if you do not believe in the client’s goal.”

Tracy Gorman is from Seattle, Washington. She started out in the Army Nurse Corps and after leaving active duty, attended law school at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. She relocated to Idaho Falls in 2002 with her family. Tracy took the Idaho Bar Exam in 2007 and began practicing family law – in her mid-forties. Being in a small community like Idaho Falls has given her so many opportunities – personally managing her caseload, taking cases to trial, and sometimes even the Idaho Supreme Court. She is grateful for the career that he has had and for practicing in an area where members of the bench and bar actually seem to like each other.

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Jennifer A. Hearne – Boise

Why Service: “I have realized SO many great benefits from serving my community. Perhaps, the most rewarding aspect has been the satisfaction that comes from helping people. There is a special type of intrinsic compensation that comes from assisting someone who would not otherwise have access to an attorney. I’ve also discovered a number of practical benefits to volunteer service. For example, grading bar exams or serving as an office with the Fourth District Bar Association is much more fun than spending a bunch of money on law firm advertising. Volunteer service has been instrumental to establishing an incredible network of likeminded attorneys. We regularly consult one another and share referrals, something not always easy to do as an attorney in solo practice. Whether intrinsic or practical, the benefits I’ve received from serving my legal community are invaluable to my law practice and to my personal sense of self-worth.”

Advice: ”Hello Young Jen – Please don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many, smart attorneys out there who are willing to lend a hand. As you gain experience, you will have the opportunity to give back by helping others!”

Jennifer Hearne is a lifelong Idahoan and the principal of Hearne Law, PLLC where she practices employment law. Jennifer’s legal clients include small business owners with a desire to become or maintain their status as an employer of choice, and individuals with an employment-related conflict. Jennifer attended Boise State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration. Fifteen years later, she was admitted to the University of Idaho College of Law where she earned recognition as a Dean’s list scholar and served as the Senior Blue Book editor for “the Crit,” the law school’s critical legal studies journal. After graduating from law school in 2011, Jennifer spent six years as In-House Counsel and Director of Human Resources for a private post-secondary college before taking an Associate position with a law firm in Boise. In 2017, Jennifer opened Hearne Law, PLLC, allowing her the opportunity to focus her practice on employment law matters.

Jennifer is an active member of the Employment & Labor Law and Business & Corporate Law Sections of the Idaho State Bar. She currently serves as Vice President for the Fourth District Bar Association and the Treasurer for Idaho Women Lawyers. Jennifer is also a member of National Ski Patrol and has been a volunteer for Bogus Basin for the past nine years. Jennifer is the proud mother of two amazing sons. Together, they enjoy boating, skiing, hiking, cooking, and laughing at every opportunity.

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Jolene C. Maloney – Boise

Why Service: “As attorneys we work in what is often a high stress and high stakes environment. Our clients, many of them in crisis, are under tremendous pressure. I believe these challenging and difficult realities are better managed, and better outcomes achieved, when we as professionals support and assist each other when opportunities present themselves. Support may manifest itself in many ways: simple encouragement, checking in which each other, addressing mental health, addiction and trauma, or being brave enough to be vulnerable to share our personal struggles so our colleagues feel connected in this community. Service to our legal community is important to me because I am the beneficiary of such professional kindness and grace. I have experienced its life changing impact. I must thank Bill Wellman, Anthony Geddes, the criminal defense bar, and certain members of the judiciary for their professional support and encouragement in my times of need.”

Advice: “Practicing law as a criminal defense attorney is an intense and demanding career. The circumstances and cases we deal with matter a great deal to those affected. Doing this work demands significant attention and commitment. While we invest ourselves in our cases and clients, we must not lose ourselves in them. We must remind ourselves that our disagreements are not personal but professional. We should work hard to cultivate cordiality and respect. Recognize the good work of your colleagues. Take the time to celebrate their triumphs with them and offer encouragement at times of disappointment. The professional community that you develop will likely have an impact on how satisfied you are in your career. Managing professional stress appropriately will give you the space to be present for your children, spouse, and friends.”

Jolene Maloney graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 2004. She has spent her career in the area of criminal law. She has a private practice in Boise, Idaho and her primary practice is working with indigent clients throughout the Treasure Valley.

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Sherry Montosa (NL) – Boise

Why Service: “I worked with esteemed attorney Merlyn Clark, for 32 years and he set a fine example of giving back to the community as well as having the highest legal standards. He taught me the standards of professional conduct and I believe it is extremely important to see that our legal community meets the highest standards. I enjoy serving on the Professional Conduct Board to help the Bar assure that those standards are met.”

Advice: “I grew up in Boise and my younger self did not have the experience to realize that women could have a career other than housewife, teacher, nurse, or secretary. I would tell my younger self to dare to do other than the conventional. I was not exposed to the legal profession until I had embarked on my working career, knowing what I know now, I would have enjoyed pursuing a career as an attorney.”

Sherry Montosa attended Boise High School and after gradation in 1966 moved to Moscow, Idaho where she worked in the Physics Department and was secretary to eight professors and 15 graduate students – all with no computer. Her work was done on an electric typewriting with carbon paper. Sherry was excited when she got her first IBM with correction tape! She worked in the Alumni Office at the University of Idaho, then at Boise Cascade, for the Adams County Prosecutor, and then for Merlyn Clark at Hawley Troxell for 32 years. Sherry retired in 2017, was accepted to serve on the Professional Conduct Board, and has served since retirement.

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Jamie C. Shropshire – Boise

Why Service: “I learned early in life from my mother the importance of sharing your resources and time with the community and your profession. She was always my best example. For many years, she operated a care house for her church that supplied food and clothing for free. She taught my brothers and me that giving to others brings joy to the giver and the receiver. As a government attorney for most of my practice, I had to find ways to volunteer for the Idaho State Bar. I chose grading and writing bar exams and volunteering on the Lawyer Assistance Program Committee. Both have been very rewarding. I was also honored to serve for 12 years on the Domestic Violence and Victims Assistance Council and was an initial member of the Juvenile Corrections Custody Review Board. As the daughter of a WWII Army Air Corps pilot and the surviving spouse of an Air Force veteran, I especially enjoy volunteering with veteran’s organizations and projects. One of which was the Wills Clincs sponsored by the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program and the Idaho Military Legal Alliance. While in Lewiston, I worked with veterans, veteran’s organizations, and the Courts in the Veterans’ Treatment Court where it was rewarding to see men and women who had honorably served this country overcome serious setbacks.”

Advice: “Do what you love and don’t’ worry about a paycheck. As attorneys, we spend too many hours at the office and too often bring work home. Learn to take care of yourself. The profession is stressful enough if you don’t enjoy your work. It affects your family and friends when you suffer from stress and anxiety. You will live longer and happier if you care about your health. As a new attorney, find someone who you can talk to about the areas of your practice with which you may be less familiar.”

Jamie Shropshire is a native Idahoan, born in Boise and raised in Nampa. She graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon and majored in biology with an emphasis on genetics. She then graduated from Santa Clara University Law School in 1983 and was admitted to the California State Bar that same year. She was later admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 1988. Jamie retired in 2015 and is now an Emeritus attorney. She lives with her four-legged only child, Allie, who brings her great joy and keeps her looking ahead. Jamie loves having time for photography and writing.

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T. Matthew Stoppello – Boise

Why Service: “I am an Idaho native who grew up in Eagle, Idaho with my parents and younger sister. I was given the opportunity from them to thrive growing up with a very active outdoor lifestyle. My parents always encouraged me, our surrounding neighbors, and friends to enjoy life and pursue every opportunity we could. Whether it be sports, academics, agriculture, or anything in between. I love this state, the community, and opportunities it holds for anyone who is willing to work for it. It has been a really tough couple of years for everyone, but this community has resilience and I am lucky to be a part of this community going forward.”

Advice: “The advice I would give myself would be to just ‘slow down.’ There are really good members of the Bar and this community that are mentors and people that are willing to sacrifice their time and energy helping you be successful. Listen to them and learn. I was very lucky as my career started as an Ada County Deputy Prosecutor under Greg Bower. From day one, I was provided with the hands on training, assistance in learning, and opportunities to grow.”

After Matt graduated from high school he joined the United States Marine Corps. His dad, both of his uncles, and his grandfathers has served honorably in the military prior to his enlisting. After he returned to civilian life, he went to school to complete his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Upon completion he attended the University of Idaho College of Law and graduated in December of 2000. Upon graduation he joined the Ada County Prosecutor in the criminal division as a Deputy Prosecutor. He spent approximately four years with Ada County before he joined his dad’s firm for another four years. In 2008, Matt started his own firm which he currently owns and operates with wonderful colleagues and staff that he couldn’t do without.

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Traci J. Whelan – Coeur d’Alene

Why Service: “It is important for each of us to be invested in rooting for and supporting the success of others. We succeed or fail as a group. I think we can see that in the current affairs in our nation. We lose our humanity when we refuse to serve those we don’t know or don’t agree with. This has not brought our society success but rather we can see the destruction and division. That is why serving each other is important.”

Advice: “I would assure my younger self that we picked the right career. Although there is a lot of exposure to the heartbreaking actions of our fellow human beings, there is also a lot of exposure to redemption and success.”

Traci J. Whelan is an Assistant United States Attorney and the Branch Manager of the Coeur d’Alene Branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Law College in 1991 and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in September of that year. Traci joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1998 after seven years as a Deputy County Prosecutor in Idaho. She has served as the tribal liaison for the Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, and Nez Perce tribes for 23 years. Traci has received the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement and commendations from the Director of the F.B.I. She is a member of the Idaho State Bar Professional Conduct Board. Traci’s commitment to public service is based upon a belief that we have an obligation to treat people fairly and with respect.