Wade Foster – Environmental Lawyer – Stoel Rives

Wade Foster grew up in small towns where everyone knew everyone, which instilled a sense of community in him. That foundation translates now to his work as an attorney and community volunteer.

As an environmental lawyer for Stoel Rives, Foster’s primary goal is to help clients succeed while also complying with the letter and intent of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. By making sure operations and practices are aligned within an environmental protection framework, Foster comes alongside companies to do business and make products safely and sustainably according to environmentally accepted practices.

Foster, who grew up with parents who worked as wildlife biologists, said that their experience made him acutely aware of the multifaceted challenges of natural resource management. He said that he wants to continue to build his career in the field of environmental law and hopes to be named partner at Stoel Rives in the future.

“Through my family background, education and professional experience in government, industry and law, I have a 360-degree perspective on environmental risks, impacts and resolutions that few Boise attorneys possess,” he said. “I truly care about being a positive force in my community, and my dedication to this life goal has given focus to my professional, educational and personal choices and makes me a better lawyer and citizen of the world.”

He also loves doing his part to contribute to a stronger, more diverse Idaho. He is intentional about pouring into the lives of young people and regularly volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Based on that experience and his passion for empowering young people through human connection, he volunteered to become the chair of the organization’s B.I.G. Impact group, which helps increase community support and expand its reach. He also serves as a volunteer attorney through the Fourth Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, where he has worked on three child protection cases.

He is also an openly gay man that wants to create an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all. One way he is helping make that happen is by serving as the chair of the diversity, equity and inclusion committee at his company for the last two years.

“An important personal goal for me is to demonstrate that LGBTQ+ people are, at the end of the day, people, and to show individuals who are not out yet that you can be a successful, openly gay professional in Idaho,” he said.

In a nomination form for Foster, Christopher Pooser wrote, “Wade Foster is a rising star in Idaho’s legal community whose work is raising environmental standards and practices for many of the biggest companies in Idaho and throughout the Mountain Region. Remarkably accomplished in his ascendant career, Wade is a future leader at Stoel who is certain to have a lasting positive impact on the firm, his clients and our community.”

Outside of his legal work and volunteer activities, Foster loves to spend time woodworking or sewing.