As a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Idaho, I represented the Idaho Department of Lands and the State Board of Land Commissioners (The Governor, Secretary of State, Secretary of Public Education, Controller, and Attorney General) in all matters ranging from day to day advice to multi-million dollar law suits.  My clients oversaw the administration of approximately 2.4 million acres of land, managed primarily to provide income to the school children of Idaho.  I provided legal guidance with issues such as public auction land sales, land exchanges, easements, commercial real estate, grazing, wind leases, timber contracts, and mining claims.  I also represented the State in recovering millions of dollars in fire suppression costs from negligent corporations and individuals, one of which was the largest settlement ever recovered in the history of Idaho ($1.5 million).  

I have also handled a wide range of legal matters and represented clients ranging from Wal-Mart, to large insurance companies, to farmers, as well as people with personal injury claims against major corporations and government entities.  I have handled cases all across Idaho from Boise to the more rural counties and am admitted to practice in both Idaho state and federal courts.

University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2004, J.D

• Dean's Merit Scholar
• Certificate in Environmental Law, Science and Policy

Pennsylvania State University, 2000, Major: Biology

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated

• Idaho Conservation League, Board of Directors 2009 - 2018
• Land Trust of the Treasure Valley, Board of Directors 2010 - 2014
• Idaho State Bar, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, Board of Directors 2011 - 2016
• Penn State Alumni Association, Treasure Valley Chapter, Founding Board Member and Vice President 2010 - 2011
• Boise Young Professionals, Executive Leadership Team 2007 - 2009
• Idaho Wildlife Federation, Board of Directors & President 2015 - 2022
• Triple Peaks Homeowners Association, Driggs, Idaho - Board President 2022 - Present

Representative Cases

Nye v. Katsilometes, 447 P. 3d 903 (Idaho, 2019)  - Constitutional challenge to the authority of the Idaho Senate to award attorney’s fees in an election contest. Following adverse decisions by the Senate and the District Court, I successfully appealed to the Idaho Supreme Court who overturned the Senate’s award of fees against my client.

Miller v. Swift Transportation et al, Canyon County Case No. Case No.  CV 10-9384 - Action for personal injuries resulting from slip & fall in refrigerated trailer.  Initial offer from Defendant $0.  Blended settlement from Plaintiff’s employer and Defendants.  Total to Plaintiff/Claimant $328,250.

Specialty Coating Systems v. Boomer et al., U.S. District Idaho Case No. 1:10-CV-00348-REB. Defense of client and his new employer for alleged violation of former employer’s non-compete/non-solicitation agreement.  Formal demand from Plaintiff $8,500,000.  After two years of intense state & federal litigation, Plaintiff obtained $0 in settlement. 

Idaho Military Historical Society, Inc. v. Maslen, 156 Idaho 624 (2014) - Action to recover a historic World War II era military aircraft wrongfully held by an board member of another historical society.  Following 3 years of litigation and a 3 day trial, Plaintiffs recovered their aircraft which is now displayed at the Idaho Military Museum.  The case was handled on a pro bono basis and following defendant’s unsuccessful appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court, I recovered $84,311 in attorney’s fees.

Hempleman v. Beerman, Ada County Case No. CV OC 1311330 - Action against drunk driver for neck sprain/strain injuries sustained by Plaintiff.  Initial offer from Defendant’s insurer, $13,000.  Total recovery $90,000.