2026 Bench & Bar CLE & Reception: Celebrating the Constitution and Honoring Judicial Excellence                                         

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar and the Idaho State Courts

 

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (MT)

Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP)

1000 W. Myrtle St. - Boise

 

*Live Webcast Available

1.5 CLE Credits

 

Registration:         

Standard               $75

Law Clerks            $30

 

Join members of the Idaho State Bar and the Idaho judiciary from across the state for an inspiring afternoon of education, networking, and celebration of the United States Constitution.

As part of the America 250 commemoration, nationally recognized constitutional scholar Professor Neil S. Siegel will present a thought-provoking program exploring the origins of the U.S. Constitution and why it remains one of the most influential governing documents in history.

 

Professor Siegel will examine how the Constitution emerged in response to the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which left the young nation struggling to address critical challenges such as funding the federal government, regulating commerce, and providing national defense. Through engaging historical insights, he will reveal how the Constitution established a stronger, more effective federal government by empowering Congress and creating a national executive and judiciary to uphold the rule of law.

 

The event will also feature the presentation of the 2026 Idaho State Bar Jurist of the Year Award to the Honorable Jessica M. Lorello of the Idaho Court of Appeals, recognizing her outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to Idaho's judiciary and legal profession.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to:

• Gain valuable insights from a leading constitutional scholar
• Connect with judges, attorneys, and legal professionals from across Idaho
• Celebrate the enduring legacy of the Constitution during the America 250 observance
• Enjoy an afternoon of learning, fellowship, and professional engagement

Be part of this meaningful event as we reflect on the Constitution's origins, its lasting impact, and its relevance for future generations.

 

                     Program Agenda

3:30 p.m.      Networking Social – Sponsored by the Idaho Women Lawyers

4:30 p.m.      Presentation of the Idaho State Bar 2026 Jurist of the Year Award

                   Presented to the Hon. Jessica M. Lorello, Idaho Court of Appeals

4:45 p.m.      Introductory Remarks

                   Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan, Idaho Supreme Court

5:00 p.m.      The Collective-Action Constitution

                   Professor Neil S. Siegel, Texas A&M University School of Law

7:00 p.m.      Program Adjourns

 

*No refunds will be given after September 28^th or provided for "no-show" attendees. 

2026 District of Idaho Southern Bench & Bar Conference

Sponsored by the United States Courts, District of Idaho

 

Friday, October 9, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (MT)

 

Boise Centre

850 W. Front St. – Boise

*In-Person Attendance Only* 

6.0 CLE credits of which 1.0 is Ethics

 

Registration Fee:

Attorney                                                         $145.00

 

Federal Defender/US Attorney/Law Clerk

Law School Faculty & Staff or

Young Lawyers Section Member               $ 75.00

 

Federal Law Clerk/Judge/Law Students   

(With ID)                                                          No Charge

 

NOTE: All Registration Fees Will Increase by $10 on October 7^th.

 

Join the United States District Court, District of Idaho for their annual Southern Bench Bar Conference in Boise.

 

Agenda

8:30 am       Welcome and the State of the Federal Judiciary

                    Hon. Debora K. Grasham, U.S. Magistrate Judge

                    Hon. Amanda K. Brailsford, Chief U.S. District Judge

                    Hon. Raymond E. Patricco, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge

                    Hon. Noah G. Hillen, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge

9:00 am       The U.S. Supreme Court’s Most Recent and Upcoming Terms

                    Richard H. Seamon, University of Idaho College of Law

                    This presentation will highlight the major decisions from the completed October 2025

                    Term and discuss some of the major issues the Court will take up in the October

                    2026 Term

10:00 am    Break

10:15 am    Immigration Law Program TBD

                  Dana Camilleri, Green Evans-Schroeder

                  Maria Andrade, Green Evans-Schroeder

                    This panel will discuss current dealings in immigration cases from the judicial point of

                    view.  The goal of this presentation is to provide everyone with a basic understanding of

                    what’s happening procedurally in immigration cases.  

11:15 am     Persuasive Legal Writing – the Basics & Beyond

                   Tenielle Fordyce-Ruff, Arizona State University-Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law

                    The topics will include the fundamentals of persuasion including readability, correctness

                    and document design. The presentation will also go over a few advanced persuasive

                    techniques like alliteration & assonance, onomatopoeia, figures of speech, and cadence. 

12:15 pm    Award Presentation

                    Lawyer Representative Service Award

                    Presented to Sam L. Angell, Hall Angell & Associates, LLP and Lawyer Representative for

                    the 6^th and 7^th Judicial Districts

12:30 pm    Lunch & Mingle

1:30 pm      Ethos: A Legacy of Ethical Advocacy in Idaho

                   David L. Metcalf, University of Idaho College of Law

                    Mr. Metcalf will address examples of Idaho attorneys who have displayed the highest

                    ethical standards in their zealous advocacy.

2:30 pm      Ethics in Legal Practice

                   Joseph N. Pirtle, Idaho State Bar Counsel

                    Practitioners will learn about the recent public discipline cases and how the Idaho Rules of

                    Professional Conduct were implicated in each case. The presentation will also include an

                    overview of grievance investigations and the discipline process in Idaho.

3:30 pm      Break

3:45 pm      Ask the Experts: Federal Judicial Panel

                   Panel: All available Judges

                    Practitioners will have the opportunity to ask our appellate, bankruptcy, district, and

                    magistrate judges questions about best practices and preferred procedures for federal

                    practice. Please submit your questions at registration or come prepared to ask questions

                    at the conference.

4:45 pm      Program Conclude

2026 Employment Law Seminar: Employment Law in a Time of Transition

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Employment and Labor Law Section

 

Thursday, October 22, 2026

8:30 am – 3:30 pm MT

University of Idaho College of Law – Boise

501 W. Front St., Room 221 & Live Webcast

5.25 CLE credits of which 1.0 is Ethics

 

Registration:

Members of Employment and Labor Law Section     $110

General Registration                                                       $150

Law Students - First 20 Students                                   No Cost

Take advantage of Section benefits and join Employment and Labor Law Section here for $30!

 

Seminar Agenda

8:30 a.m.        Continental Breakfast and Registration

8:45 a.m.        Welcome Remarks

                              Jessica Gunder, Associate Dean of Faculty, University of Idaho College of Law

                              Justin D. Brown, Littler Mendelson, Incoming Section Chair

9:00 a.m.        Current State of the Law Regarding Discrimination in the Workplace

                              Emily A. MacMaster, MacMaster Law PLLC

9:45 a.m.        Break

10:00 a.m.      ADA Related Challenges Facing Employers including Remote Work, Return-to-Work, and Neurodiversity in the Workplace

                              John Ashby, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley, LLP

11:00 a.m.       Ethics Conflict Of interest for Clients with Similar Claims and Representation

                              Joseph N. Pirtle, Idaho State Bar Counsel 

12:00 p.m.      Hosted Lunch – Sponsored by Jennifer Nelson PLLC

12:30 p.m.      Saving Your Bacon vs. Letting It Fry:  Workplace Investigations and Why They're Worth It

                              Jennifer Nelson, Jennifer Nelson PLLC

1:00 p.m.         Survival of DEI Programs and Initiatives in the Workplace

                                Jennifer Walrath, Idaho Employment Lawyers                       

2:00 p.m.         Break

2:15 p.m.         What to Expect When Your Worker's Expecting: Navigating the PWFA, Disability and Leave Laws, Pregnancy Accommodation, Leave, and Return-to-Work Issues

                                Scott Prange, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Seattle

3:15 p.m.          Closing Remarks

                              Jonathan E. Roundy, Boise City Attorney's Office, Outgoing Section Chair

3:30 p.m.          Seminar Concludes

2026 Fall New Attorney Program

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc.

 

Friday, October 23, 2026
8:00 am to 12:30 pm (MDT)

Boise Centre on the Grove

850 W. Front St., Boise

 

*In-Person Attendance Only* 

4.0 CLE credits of which 1.0 is Ethics – NAC Approved

 

Registration Fee: 

Standard Registration   $120.00

Day of Registration       $150.00

 

The New Attorney Program consists of an introduction on Idaho practice, procedure, and ethics. This course meets the CLE requirements of Idaho State Bar Commission Rule 402(f)(3).  Participants must be admitted and sworn into the Idaho State Bar for this course to count toward the New Admittee CLE requirement. If a participant will not be sworn in on or by October 23, 2026, they will have to wait until May 14, 2027, to take this course. 

 

Agenda

8:00 am      Lawyering Skills

                   Moderator:     Hon. Jessica M. Lorello – Idaho Court of Appeals

                   Anne Henderson Haws, Haws Law Firm, PLLC

                  Jeremiah M. Hudson, Fisher Hudson Brown Horton

                  Sarah J. Serio, Idaho Supreme Court

                  Stephen S. Herring, J.R. Simplot Company

9:30 am       Break

9:45 am      Federal & State Judiciary Panel

                   Hon. Brent R. Wilson – U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Idaho

                   Hon. Brent L. Whiting – District Judge, 3^rd Judicial District

                  Hon. Lori Fortier – Magistrate Judge, 4^th Judicial District

11:15 am    Break

11:30 am     Idaho Lawyer Assistance Program

                   Mack Mayo – Paine Hamblen LLP 

12:00 pm    Idaho State Bar & Idaho Law Foundation Potpourri

                   Kim Wilson, Idaho State Bar

                   Teresa A. Baker, Idaho State Bar

12:30 pm     Program Concludes

*The next course will be held on Friday, May 14, 2027, in person in Boise

2026 Health Law Seminar

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Health Law Section

 

Thursday, October 8, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (MT)

University of Idaho College of Law – Boise

501 W. Front St., Room 221

 

*Live Webcast Available

4.0 CLE credits including 1.0 Ethics

 

Registration:

General Registration                                    $100

Health Law Section Member                      $75

Law Students                                                 No Cost

 

Take advantage of Section benefits, join the Health Law Section here for $25!

 

SEMINAR AGENDA

9:00 a.m.         Networking Breakfast

9:45 a.m.         Welcome Remarks from the Section Chair

                        Sydney M. McFarlin, Pennant Services

10:00 a.m.      Working with Outside Counsel, In-House Counsel, and Compliance

                        Joshua D. Hurwit, Holland & Hart, LLP

                        Thomas J. Mortell, Hawley Troxell

                        Brent T. Wilson, University of Utah Health

                        Joel P. Hazel, Kootenai Health

11:00 a.m.       Trends in Medical Malpractice Litigation

                        Trudy H. Fouser, Hawley Troxell

                        Jason G. Murray, Brassey Crawford, PLLC

                        Taylor H.M. Fouser, St. Luke’s Health System

                        Jason R.N. Monteleone, Monteleone Law Offices, PLLC

                        Jacob D. Bottari, Monteleone Law Offices, PLLC

12:00 p.m.      Hosted Lunch

1:00 p.m.        Medicaid Cuts & Restructuring for Idaho Providers

                        Matt Wimmer, Community Health Center Network of Idaho

                        Chelsea E. Kidney, CHC Legal, PLLC

2:00 p.m.        Caught in the Middle: Ethics, Whistleblowers, and Dual Roles in Health Care

                        Allison A. Kjellander, Life Flight Network, LLC

3:00 p.m.        Closing Remarks

                        Sydney M. McFarlin, Pennant Services

2026 Idaho Family Law Conference

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Family Law Section

 

Friday, November 13 through Saturday, November 14, 2026

        Friday, November 13 – 8:00 am – 6:30 pm

        Saturday, November 14 – 8:00 am – 12:15 pm

Shore Lodge

501 W. Lake St. - McCall

*In-Person Attendance Only

9.25 CLE credits of which 1.0 is Ethics

 

Registration:

Family Law Section Members:                                $350.00

Standard Registration / Non-Section Members: $375.00

Law Students:                                                            $200.00

Take advantage of the discounted registration and join the Section HERE.

 

Conference Agenda

Day 1: Friday, November 13, 2026

8:00 a.m.              Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m.              Tracing

                             Philip M. Bevis, Bevis, Thiry, Henson & Michaelson PA

10:30 a.m.            Break

10:15 a.m.            Addressing Problematic Teenagers in Judgments

                             Hon. Diane M. Walker, 4^th District Magistrate

                             Frances R. Stern, MSBT Law

12:15 p.m.            Hosted Lunch - Sponsored by Soberlink

1:00 p.m.              Stalking

                             Jennifer Landhuis, Stalking, Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC)

2:30 p.m.              Break

2:45 p.m.              Special Masters & Receivers

                             Matthew T. Christensen, Ampleo Turnaround & Restructuring LLC

3:45 p.m.              Using AI in the Law and Ethics        

                             David M. Fogg, Cornerstone Tech and Estate Advisors, PLLC

4:45 p.m.              CLEs Conclude for the Day

5:00 p.m.              Award of Distinction Presentation - Hosted Social

6:30 p.m.              Dinner On Your Own

                            

Day 2: Saturday, November 14, 2026

8:00 a.m.              Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m.              Judges Panel

                             Hon. T. Shane Darrington, 3^rd District Magistrate                                                             

                             Hon. Kyle O. Schou, 4^th District Magistrate

                             Hon. Karin R. Seubert, 2^nd District Magistrate

                             Hon. Diane M. Walker, 4^th District Magistrate

10:30 a.m.            Break

10:45 a.m.            Case Law Update

                             Katherine A. Meier, Cosho Humphrey, LLP

12:15 p.m.            Conference Concludes

 

The Shore Lodge
501 W. Lake Street – McCall

Lodging at the Shore Lodge: You may book your room at our discounted rates via the link below or by calling the hotel (800) 657-6464 and mentioning “Idaho State Bar – Family Law Conference 2026.”

There are a limited number of rooms available so book as soon as possible for the best options.  All rooms must be booked by Monday, October 12^th.

*All reservations require a Credit Card deposit of one night’s stay at time of booking.

**Reservations must be cancelled 30 days prior to arrival to avoid a penalty of one room night.

 

Ethics in Discovery Practice

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

 

November 4, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60

 

Navigate the complex ethical landscape of modern discovery practice where technology, cooperation requirements, and zealous advocacy intersect in ways that can create unexpected professional responsibility violations. This essential program addresses the professional conduct standards that govern discovery obligations in today's litigation environment. Master the ethical requirements that ensure competent discovery practice while maintaining client advocacy and professional integrity.

 

• Understand competence and supervision requirements for electronic discovery and technology-assisted review
• Navigate cooperation obligations and meet-and-confer requirements affecting discovery strategy and advocacy
• Address document preservation and spoliation prevention duties affecting client counseling and litigation holds
• Master professional conduct standards governing discovery requests, responses, and privilege assertions

2026 Ethics Update Part 1

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc.

 

December 1, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Streaming Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for February 9, 2026 or September 8, 2026 you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

 

Stay current with the rapidly evolving landscape of professional responsibility as ethics rules adapt to modern practice realities and technological advancement. This comprehensive program examines the most significant recent developments in legal ethics, from regulatory changes to landmark disciplinary decisions that reshape professional conduct standards. Ensure your practice remains compliant while understanding the practical implications of emerging ethical requirements.

 

• Examine significant disciplinary cases establishing new precedents for professional conduct
• Understand updated guidance on technology use and data security obligations
• Address evolving standards for client communication and fee arrangement

2026 Ethics Update Part 2

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc.

 

December 2, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Streaming Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for February 10, 2026 or September 9, 2026 you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

 

Building on foundational updates, this advanced program explores complex ethical scenarios and emerging challenges that define the future of professional responsibility. Delve deeper into sophisticated ethical dilemmas involving conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, and professional competence in our rapidly changing legal environment. Master the nuanced analysis required to navigate tomorrow's ethical challenges with confidence and integrity.

 

• Navigate complex conflict scenarios involving multiple clients and business relationships
• Address advanced confidentiality challenges in team-based and technology-assisted practice
• Discussion of general trends in rules of professional responsibility

Communicating in Opposing Counsel & the Courts: Professionalism and Ethics

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

 

October 26, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for April 29, 2025 or March 11, 2026 you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

 

Effective communication is key to a successful legal practice, especially when dealing with opposing counsel and the courts. This session explores the ethical and professional responsibilities lawyers have in their communications, offering strategies to maintain professionalism even in contentious situations. Learn how to navigate challenging interactions while upholding your ethical obligations.

 

Highlights:

• The ethical guidelines governing communications with opposing counsel.
• Best practices for clear and professional court filings and oral advocacy.
• Strategies for managing contentious or unprofessional opposing counsel.
• Avoiding ethical pitfalls in email and written correspondence.
• Real-life examples of communication missteps and how to avoid them.

Joint Representations, Part 1: Civil Litigation Focus

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

 

October 29, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for November 25, 2025 you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

 

Joint representations in civil litigation present unique opportunities and significant ethical minefields that can derail cases and careers. This two-part program provides essential guidance on when joint representation serves clients' interests and when it creates insurmountable conflicts. Practitioners will learn to navigate these complex arrangements while maintaining ethical compliance and effective advocacy.

 

Part 1:

• Evaluate when joint representation benefits multiple parties in litigation
• Identify potential conflicts before they become ethical violations
• Master consent procedures and documentation for joint representations
• Understand the scope of shared confidentiality in joint arrangements
• Learn to structure retainer agreements for multiple-client representations

 

Part 2:

• Navigate withdrawal obligations when conflicts develop mid-litigation
• Handle strategic considerations for managing divergent client interests
• Address privilege issues unique to joint representation scenarios
• Develop communication protocols that protect all parties' interests
• Master fee allocation and billing practices in joint representations

Joint Representations, Part 2: Civil Transaction Focus

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

 

October 30, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for November 26, 2025 you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

 

Joint representations in civil litigation present unique opportunities and significant ethical minefields that can derail cases and careers. This two-part program provides essential guidance on when joint representation serves clients' interests and when it creates insurmountable conflicts. Practitioners will learn to navigate these complex arrangements while maintaining ethical compliance and effective advocacy.

 

Part 1:

• Evaluate when joint representation benefits multiple parties in litigation
• Identify potential conflicts before they become ethical violations
• Master consent procedures and documentation for joint representations
• Understand the scope of shared confidentiality in joint arrangements
• Learn to structure retainer agreements for multiple-client representations

 

Part 2:

• Navigate withdrawal obligations when conflicts develop mid-litigation
• Handle strategic considerations for managing divergent client interests
• Address privilege issues unique to joint representation scenarios
• Develop communication protocols that protect all parties' interests
• Master fee allocation and billing practices in joint representations

Negotiation Ethics: Balancing Boasts and Integrity

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

 

November 20, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for December 4, 2025 or September 2, 2026 you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

 

Lawyers must be truthful.  Yet they must be zealous in the representation of their clients.  The tension between these two principles is perhaps never as great as when the lawyer is negotiating for a client.  The negotiation may be a settlement of litigation or in connection with a transaction. The lawyer may make statements about the law or fact – or simply refrain from making statements because the lawyer knows certain facts or legal precedent are adverse to his or her client’s interest.   Lawyers may also “puff” or boast, signaling that a negotiating stance is firmer than a client’s true positon or more substantively valid than the law can reasonably support.  At some point, the gray ethical line is tripped and what the lawyer does becomes improper. This program will provide you with a real world guide to ethical issues in lawyer negotiations. 

 

• Ethics and ethical drawing lines – what’s an acceptable level of deception in negotiations?
• Affirmative statements of fact, value or intent in settlements
• Silence about adverse law in negotiations
• Silence about facts unknown to an opponent or counter-party
• Silence about errors in settlement agreements or transactional documents
• Non-litigation work in another state – “temporary” practice

The Retiring Lawyer: Client Transition Ethics and File Preservation Duties

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

 

November 19, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

 

This program covers the ethical obligations of retiring lawyers, including how to properly transition clients and preserve client files.

 

• Ensure a smooth hand-off of active cases to another lawyer.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow client instructions.
• Retain and securely store files for the required retention period.