The Idaho State Bar (ISB) is a self-governing state agency of Idaho. Portions of the Idaho Code pertaining to the practice of law in Idaho date back to 1881, however, the present “integrated” Bar was established by the Legislature in 1923 and 1925. As an integrated Bar, all attorneys practicing law in Idaho must be licensed by the Idaho State Bar. The ISB operates under power and authority delegated by the Idaho Supreme Court through its rule-making power and under statutory authority of the Legislature. The Bar is governed by five commissioners, elected from Idaho’s seven judicial districts. Two commissioners are elected from the Fourth District, one represents the First and Second Districts, one the Third and Fifth Districts and one the Sixth and Seventh Districts. Commissioners serve staggered three-year terms. The ISB is financed by license fees paid by each Idaho attorney together with miscellaneous fees and revenues. It is totally self sufficient and requires no tax dollars. Most of the activities carried out by the ISB are accomplished by the volunteer efforts of individual attorneys working with staff support. Pursuant to the Idaho Bar Commission Rules, the ISB is responsible for administering the following functions: Admissions, Right to Practice after Admission, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, Professional Conduct, Client Assistance Fund, Fee Arbitration, UPOL, Governance, Specialization, and Practice Sections. The ISB also publishes The Advocate, a monthly magazine for attorneys and judges across the state, holds an annual meeting, and serves as a statewide referral service for lawyers’ services.
