Peers, family and friends salute first IBR Leaders in Law

Adam J. Richins, in-house counsel for Idaho Power, was one of the Leaders in Law nominees for 2013. With him (l-r) are Teresa Viker, of Idaho Power; Sara Richins; and Jennifer Tussmer and Danielle Clark, of Idaho Power. Photo by Pete Grady.

In a venue where whispers, padded footsteps and book pages slowly being turned are the normal sounds, a lively celebration was held Thursday Nov. 14.

A reception, complete with music and an awards ceremony, was held at the law library at the University of Idaho College of Law in Boise for the inaugural class of the Idaho Business Review’s Idaho “Leaders in Law.”

About 200 people, including peers, family and friends attended to hear the stories of the 21 honorees and to applaud them. Idaho Business Review launched the program to recognize those in the legal profession who have gone above and beyond, leaders and mentors with vast experience who have exhibited hard work, skill, tenacity, and compassion, and who have greatly contributed to the communities in which they live.

Honorees represent Idaho from Moscow to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls to Boise. Of the 21 honorees – 13 men and eight women – five are firm associated partners, four are “up and coming lawyers,” three are firm associated associates and three are in-house counsels. There are two sole practitioners and two educators, one “unsung hero” and one who received the lifetime achievement award.

“These are trailblazers and role models and represent all facets of the legal profession, from the courtroom to the boardroom,” said Sean Evans, vice president and publisher of the Idaho Business Review.

In addition to the awards event, a special publication featuring profiles on the honorees is included in the Nov. 15 edition of the Idaho Business Review.

Idaho Business Review’s 2013 Leaders in Law

Erik Bolinder, Givens Pursley LLP, Firm Associated: Partner, Boise

Donald L. Burnett Jr., University of Idaho, Lifetime Achievement Award, Moscow

James R. Dalton, Riverbend Group, In-House Counsel, Idaho Falls

Matthew Gordon, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley LLP, Up and Coming Lawyer, Boise

Jeremiah M. Hudson, Fisher & Hudson PLLC, Up and Coming Lawyer, Boise

Wyatt B. Johnson, Angstman Johnson, Firm Associated: Partner, Boise

Lisa McGrath, Lisa McGrath LLC, New Media Law Firm, Sole Practitioner, Boise

Cynthia A. Melillo, Cynthia A. Melillo PLLC, Sole Practitioner, Boise

Kerry Ellen Michaelson, Michaelson Mediation & Law PLLC, Up and Coming Lawyer

Kinzo H. Mihara, Howard Funke & Associates P.C., Firm Associated: Associate, Coeur d’Alene

Richard W. Mollerup, Meuleman Mollerup LLP, Firm Associated: Partner, Boise

Christine Neuhoff, St. Luke’s Health System, In-House Counsel, Boise

Kris Ormseth, Stoel Rives LLP, Firm Associated: Partner, Boise

Nicole Trammel Pantera, Hawley Troxell Ennis Hawley LLP, Firm Associated: Associate, Boise

Alison Perry, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley LLP, Unsung Hero, Boise

Adam J. Richins, Idaho Power Company, In-House Counsel, Boise

Michael Satz, University of Idaho College of Law, Educator, Moscow

Richard H. Seamon, University of Idaho College of Law, Educator, Moscow

B. Newal Squyres, Holland & Hart LLP, Firm Associated: Partner, Boise

Cheryl Thompson, Holland & Hart LLP, Firm Associated: Associate, Boise

Joy M. Vega, Jones & Swartz PLLC, Up and Coming Lawyers, Boise