Lawyers in Idaho

Finding a lawyer in Idaho

Boise and the Treasure Valley hold most of Idaho's law firms, but a state this large and this rural depends on lawyers in its regional centers too: Coeur d'Alene in the north, Lewiston and Moscow on the Washington border, Idaho Falls and Pocatello in the east, and Twin Falls in the Magic Valley. Many Idaho lawyers are general practitioners who handle several kinds of cases for the same community, which is normal here and often an advantage in a small county.

This directory lists Idaho law firms by city and by practice area. Pick your city to see who practices nearby, or start from the type of problem you have. Firm pages show contact details so you can call or write directly.

When you need a lawyer (and when you may not)

Speak to an Idaho attorney early if you have been arrested or charged, if you were hurt in a crash, at work or on someone else's land, if you are being sued, or if a divorce involves children, a home, a farm or a business. Disputes over water rights, land boundaries and agricultural contracts are common in Idaho and usually need a lawyer. Deadlines are set by state law and some are short, so a prompt consultation protects your position.

You may not need a lawyer for a small money claim, which the small claims department of the Magistrate Division is designed to handle without attorneys, or for a routine traffic infraction or simple form. Many Idaho lawyers offer a free or low-cost first meeting, and that is the easiest way to learn whether you can handle the matter yourself.

Common practice areas in Idaho

• Car Accident and Personal Injury — collisions on rural highways and mountain roads, falls and other negligence claims.
• Family & Divorce — divorce, custody, child support and division of community property, heard in the Magistrate Division.
• Criminal Defense — felonies in District Court, misdemeanors and infractions before magistrates.
• DUI & DWI — Idaho uses the term DUI; a charge brings a criminal case and a separate license suspension through the Idaho Transportation Department.
• Estate Planning & Probate — wills, trusts, ranch and farm succession planning and estate administration through the Magistrate Division.
• Real Estate — purchases, sales, water rights, easements and boundary disputes, plus landlord-tenant matters.
• Workers' Compensation — on-the-job injury claims through the Idaho Industrial Commission.
• Employment — wrongful termination, discrimination and wage claims under state and federal law.
• Immigration, Bankruptcy and Social Security Disability — federal matters with their own courts and appeals.
• Business — formation, contracts and disputes.

How to check a lawyer's license in Idaho

Every lawyer practicing in Idaho must be a member of the Idaho State Bar, a mandatory bar operating under the Idaho Supreme Court. The Bar's online attorney roster shows whether a lawyer is active and in good standing, the year of admission and any public discipline.

Confirm the status is active, that the name and office match, and that any disciplinary record has been explained. Complaints about a lawyer's conduct are handled by Bar Counsel and the Professional Conduct Board, with final decisions by the Idaho Supreme Court.

How to choose a law firm

Match the firm to your case and your county. In Idaho's smaller counties, a lawyer who appears before the local judges every week has an advantage that a Boise firm rarely can match; in Boise itself, look for a firm that concentrates on your kind of matter. Ask how many cases like yours the firm has handled recently and who will do the work.

Discuss fees at the first meeting. Most injury and workers' compensation cases are handled on a contingency basis, with the fee deducted from the recovery. Divorce, criminal, estate and business lawyers generally bill hourly or quote a flat fee and ask for a retainer. Get the fee agreement in writing and ask which expenses are billed separately.

Questions to ask at the first consultation

• Is this kind of matter a regular part of your practice?
• Who is my point of contact if I have a question next week?
• How do cases like mine usually end, and what drives the difference?
• What will I owe if the case ends early or we part ways?
• Are there time limits I need to act on immediately?
• How do I reach you between court dates?
• Are you an active member of the Idaho State Bar in good standing?

Free and low-cost legal help

Idaho Legal Aid Services is the statewide civil legal aid program for residents with limited income, with regional offices handling housing, family, benefits, senior and domestic-violence matters. The Idaho State Bar runs a lawyer referral service that connects callers with attorneys for a modest initial fee and coordinates the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program. The University of Idaho College of Law operates clinics in Moscow and Boise where supervised students represent clients. Anyone charged with a crime who cannot afford a lawyer has the right to a public defender, and the Idaho courts publish self-help forms for people handling their own cases.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Idaho attorney about your situation.