Idaho State Bar
IDAHO STATE BAR
About Us
History of the Bar
To browse the archive of transcripts of the proceedings of the Idaho State Bar from 1921 to 1974, visit the US Courts website archive.
The Idaho State Bar (ISB) is a self-governing state agency of Idaho. Portions of the Idaho Code pertaining to the practice of law in Idaho date back to 1881, however, the present “integrated” Bar was established by the Legislature in 1923 and 1925. As an integrated Bar, all attorneys practicing law in Idaho must be licensed by the Idaho State Bar.
The ISB operates under power and authority delegated by the Idaho Supreme Court through its rule-making power and under statutory authority of the Legislature. The Bar is governed by five commissioners, elected from Idaho’s seven judicial districts. Two commissioners are elected from the Fourth District, one represents the First and Second Districts, one the Third and Fifth Districts and one the Sixth and Seventh Districts. Commissioners serve staggered three-year terms.
The ISB is financed by license fees paid by each Idaho attorney together with miscellaneous fees and revenues. It is totally self sufficient and requires no tax dollars. Most of the activities carried out by the ISB are accomplished by the volunteer efforts of individual attorneys working with staff support.
Pursuant to the Idaho Bar Commission Rules, the ISB is responsible for administering the following functions: Admissions, Right to Practice after Admission, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, Professional Conduct, Client Assistance Fund, Fee Arbitration, Unauthorized Practice of Law, Governance, Specialization, and Practice Sections. The ISB also publishes The Advocate, a monthly magazine for attorneys and judges across the state, holds an annual meeting, and offers a statewide Lawyer Referral Service for regular priced attorneys.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Idaho State Bar is to administer granting the privilege to practice law in Idaho; to control and regulate the legal profession; to protect the public from the unauthorized practice of law and from unprofessional conduct by members of the bar; to promote high standards of professional conduct; and to aid in the advancement of the administration of justice.
Goals
- Promote high standards of professional conduct by members of the bar.
- Furnish programs and services which improve opportunities for professional growth and enhance the competency of members of the bar.
- Promote the public’s access to legal services.
- Enhance public understanding of and respect for the law and the legal system.
- Aid in the advancement of the administration of justice.
- Maintain effective state bar governance and management.
Click on the links below for more information:
Lawyer Referral Service
The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is operated as a public service of the Idaho State Bar. All LRS attorneys are members in good standing with the Idaho State Bar with no pending public disciplinary complaints and carry professional liability insurance. LRS attorneys have agreed to provide their clients with an initial up to a half hour consultation at no fee. The fee for a referral is $35 unless the cases are personal injury, medical malpractice or workers’ compensation which receive a free referral. After the initial consultation, any further fees are to be negotiated between the lawyer and client. Not all Idaho State Bar attorneys are members of the LRS service.
Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service Guidelines and Procedures
Start Your Online Referral
Referrals in Other States
Additional Legal Resources
Attorneys Join Now
Contact LRS
To reach the Lawyer Referral Service by telephone, call (208) 334-4500, Monday through Friday.
**Most calls are returned within two business days from the date received. Please leave a short message with your name, phone number and type of attorney you would like to be referred to. We will not leave the name and number of an attorney in your voicemail. To receive the name of an attorney, you must talk to an LRS staff member or go through the online service.
Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service Guidelines and Procedures
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Quick Links
Resources
ADMISSIONS
Bar Exam
Information for bar exam applicants. Learn more.
Reciprocal Admission
Practicing in other states. Learn more
UBE Score Transfer
Transfer your score from another state. Learn more.
House Counsel
Information for attorneys employed as in-house counsel. Learn more.
Legal Intern License
Information for students serving as legal interns. Learn more.
Pro Hac Vice Admissions
Information for attorneys seeking to appear pro hac vice in Idaho. Learn more.
Admissions Ceremony
Information for new admittees to the Idaho State Bar. Learn more.
Emeritus Limited License
Information for senior attorneys wishing to maintain limited practice. Learn more.
Bar Counsel
Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct
View the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct in their entirety.
Idaho Bar Commission Rules
View the Idaho Bar Commission Rules in their entirety, including rules governing attorney discipline.
Filing a Grievance FAQ’s
Get your questions answered regarding filing a grievance against an Idaho attorney.
Information Request Form
Use this form to request disciplinary records for Idaho attorneys.
Notice of Public Discipline
Public discipline sanctions are posted to the Idaho State Bar’s website as they are issued.
Client Assistance Fund
Learn more about the Client Assistance Fund and its purpose to reimburse members of the public for losses.
Fee Arbitration
Learn more about the Fee Arbitration process and what it means for you and your clients.
Formal Ethics Opinion
Read the formal ethics opinions issued by the Idaho State Bar Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility from 1944 to 1994.
Automatic Reporting of Trust Account Overdrafts
Get more information on ARTAO.
Unauthorized practice of Law
More information on the Unauthorized Practice of Law in the state of Idaho.
Ethics Advice
Attorneys who have questions about the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct can contact Bar Counsel’s Office at 208-334-4500.
Increasing access to legal services and enhancing public understanding of the law.
Can’t Afford an Attorney?
Check to see if you qualify for an attorney through the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program. Subject to case type specifications and financial eligibility.
Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program
Looking for Law Day Podcast Information?
In celebration of Law Day, Law Related Education sponsors a podcast contest to encourage students in grades 9 to 12 to create a podcast that explores the Law Day theme.
Law Day
Announcements
Upcoming Events
View all events
- Boise Street Law Clinic on January 27, 2020 4:00 pm
- Caldwell –Divorce, Custody, Support Self-Help Workshop on January 28, 2020 9:15 am
- Idaho Falls – Senior Clinic on January 28, 2020 10:00 am
- Bonner County Self-Help Workshop on January 28, 2020 10:00 am
- Twin Falls Family Law Workshop on January 28, 2020 2:00 pm
- Idaho Falls- Attorney Workshop on January 28, 2020 3:00 pm
- Idaho Falls – Divorce, Custody, Support Self-Help Workshop on January 29, 2020 8:30 am
- Pocatello Family Law Self-Help Workshop on January 29, 2020 9:20 am
Contact Us
Ph: 208-334-4500
Email Us
The Law Center
525 W. Jefferson St.
Boise, ID 83702
Need a referral to an Idaho attorney? Visit our online Lawyer Referral Service.
Can’t afford an attorney? Review your options with the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Unhappy with your attorney? Learn how to file a grievance with Bar Counsel’s office.
What a successful day! Thank you to all the runners, walkers, doggos & kiddos who joined us at the 6th Annual Access to Justice FUND Run 5K today!
Posted by Idaho State Bar on Saturday, June 1, 2019
Interested in pro bono service through the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program but not sure how it works? Let us fill you in on the 5 easy steps to helping Idahoans in need! Visit http://www.idahoprobono.org to activate your account today!
Posted by Idaho State Bar on Saturday, November 10, 2018
Access to Justice IdahoAccess to Justice Idaho raises funds to make sure vulnerable Idahoans hold on to what matters most. Only 1 in 5 low-income people in Idaho get the legal help they need. Learn more & donate today: http://ow.ly/SXHE50idKEO
Posted by Idaho State Bar on Wednesday, August 15, 2018
And they’re off! #accesstojusticeidaho
Posted by Idaho State Bar on Saturday, June 2, 2018
2018 Annual Meeting RegistrationIt's almost time to pack up & head to Sun Valley for the 2018 Annual Meeting! Register today & we'll see you there! http://ow.ly/QJqJ30kI5Qh
Posted by Idaho State Bar on Thursday, June 28, 2018
2018 Idaho State Bar Annual MeetingSave the date for the 2018 #ISBAnnualMeeting in Sun valley! July 18-20 at the Sun Valley Resort! Registration coming soon!
Posted by Idaho State Bar on Monday, April 16, 2018
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