The Idaho State Bar does not certify lawyers as specialists, but it approves organizations that do. Organizations apply with the Idaho State Bar for approval under the Rules for Accreditation of Specialty Certification Programs by filing an Application for Accreditation and paying the $200 application fee for each specialty area. If approved, the organization will inform the Idaho State Bar that the attorney has been certified as a specialist. Any accreditation of one of these organizations is effective for up to five years. These programs give the public an important tool when searching for the right attorney. If you need to find an attorney in Idaho in a specialty practice area of the law, then consider beginning your search by looking at the attorneys who have earned specialty certification.
The Idaho State Bar (ISB) is a self-governing state agency established by the Idaho Legislature in 1923 and 1925 as an integrated bar, meaning all attorneys practicing law in Idaho must be licensed by the ISB. Operating under authority delegated by the Idaho Supreme Court and the statutory authority of the Legislature, the ISB is governed by five commissioners elected from Idaho’s seven judicial districts, serving staggered three-year terms. The ISB is entirely self-sufficient, funded by license fees paid by Idaho attorneys, and requires no tax dollars.
The mission of the Idaho State Bar is to administer the granting of 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.
To fulfill its mission, the ISB administers functions including admissions, mandatory continuing legal education, professional conduct, client assistance, fee arbitration, and unauthorized practice of law. Additionally, the ISB publishes "The Advocate," a monthly magazine for attorneys and judges across the state, holds an annual meeting, and offers a statewide Lawyer Referral Service.
The Idaho Commission on Rules for Specialization establishes stringent requirements for attorneys seeking certification in specific areas of legal practice. To qualify, attorneys must demonstrate substantial experience and expertise in the designated specialty area, which typically involves practicing law full-time for a minimum number of years and dedicating a significant portion of their practice to the specialty. Applicants must also complete advanced continuing legal education (CLE) courses relevant to the specialty to ensure they remain current on legal developments. Additionally, attorneys are required to pass a rigorous written examination that tests their knowledge, skills, and proficiency in the field. Peer references and professional evaluations are often required to validate the applicant’s competency and ethical standards. Certification is generally valid for a set term, after which attorneys must undergo a recertification process to demonstrate continued compliance with the commission’s high standards. These requirements ensure that certified specialists offer the highest level of professional service and expertise in their respective areas of law.
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