First Monday - March 6, 2006

In this issue:

• Bar Commissioners Report on Their 2005 Visit to the College of Law
• Law Faculty Approves New Pro Bono Program
• Where Do Law Students Go When They Graduate?

Bar Commissioners Report on Their 2005 Visit to the College of Law

For more than a quarter-century, the Board of Commissioners of the Idaho State Bar has constituted a visiting committee to the College. In November, 2005, the Commissioners, accompanied by bar staff, spent a full day and prior evening conferring with faculty, staff, and students, visiting classes, and meeting with University of Idaho President Timothy White and Provost Douglas Baker. In a subsequent report signed by the Hon. Rick Carnaroli, ISB President, the Commissioners expressed "appreciation and admiration for the hard work and commitment of the law school personnel and students." The report commended the College for the "increased clinical programs offered to students without reducing the academic requirements," and it noted approvingly the "continued enhancements to the law school's admissions and diversity initiatives, improved placement services, the dedication of the faculty, the continued enthusiasm [of] the faculty during strained economic times with limited resources and space, and the focus on an honest discussion about the future of the law school." Commenting further about the future, and the issue of the law school's location, the Commissioners stated, "The ongoing resource concerns, space, technology, and funding, all contribute to the arguments both for and against moving the College of Law. 'Excellence' is the term we heard to encapsulate the strategic direction of the law school.. [T]he envisioned excellence is a key factor in the decision making process; how and where can that excellence be best achieved." The Commissioners concluded by affirming "the strong relationship between the law school and the organized bar," and by declaring that "we continue to support the College of Law's strategic vision, including the need for additional funding if the college is to realize its potential." In addition to Judge Carnaroli of Pocatello, the visiting delegation included Commissioners Thomas Banducci (Boise), Jay Sturgell (Kellogg), Andrew Hawes (Boise), and Terrence White (Nampa); ISB Executive Director Diane Minnich; and Bar Counsel Brad Andrews. Further information is available from Dean Burnett (dburnett@uidaho.edu).

Law Faculty Approves New Pro Bono Program

On March 1, 2006, the faculty approved a proposal to establish a pro bono publico service program at the College of Law, subject to approval by the University. The program, if finally approved, will apply prospectively to the next entering class and will require each student to perform at least 40 hours of supervised law-related service before graduation. Students may choose among a wide range of pro bono opportunities in public or private settings, or may create their own approved pro bono projects, throughout Idaho and elsewhere. The program is designed to expose all students to the core value of service in the legal profession, as expressed by Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers and by the "Attorney's Oath"administered upon admission to the bar in Idaho and other states. The program will place the College of Law in the vanguard of approximately 26 other American law schools to date that have created similar programs for their students. The Idaho program was developed for the College of Law by Idaho attorney John J. "Jack" McMahon, working with the dean, members of the faculty, student leaders, and members of the bar. Numerous district bar associations in Idaho have contributed to the initial cost of the program's development. The program is expected to be funded with support of the bar and private donors. Further information is available from Dean Burnett.

Where Do Law Students Go When They Graduate?

A recent compilation of data by the College of Law Office of Career Services reveals that 60% of the graduating classes of 2001 through 2005 took their first jobs in Idaho, with the remainder choosing employment in the State of Washington (13%), Utah (9%), and other states or jurisdictions (18% combined). Among those initially settling in Idaho, approximately 43% reported taking jobs in Boise while 57% took jobs elsewhere in the state. Other Idaho cities where graduates reported employment were Pocatello and Caldwell (each 7%); Coeur d'Alene and Moscow (each 6%); Twin Falls and Lewiston (each 5%); Idaho Falls (4%); Nampa (3%); Hailey, Mountain Home, and Sandpoint (each 2%); and other Idaho communities (approximately 8% combined). Further information about employment trends and opportunities for University of Idaho law graduates may be obtained from Anne-Marie Fulfer, Director of Career Services (amfulfer@uidaho.edu).