Linda Copple-Trout

Linda Copple-Trout, ’76, ’79, holds degrees in marketing, management and law from the University of Idaho. Following a career in private practice, she was the first woman appointed to the Idaho Supreme Court, where she went on to serve as Chief Justice.

“Attending the University of Idaho challenged my thinking and caused me to look at issues and problems in different ways,” Trout said. “I was exposed to diverse people, concepts and ideas, which continually reaffirmed the importance of keeping an open mind. As a judge, this ability to look at all sides of an issue is invaluable. My campus experience certainly contributed to my leadership abilities when I was selected to serve as the Chief Justice.”

Upon graduation from law school, Trout joined the Lewiston law firm of Blake, Feeney & Clark, where she was engaged in the private practice before her appointment to the position of Magistrate Judge in Idaho’s Second Judicial District. From 1987 through 1991, she assumed additional responsibilities as the Acting Trial Court Administrator for the five counties, and in 1990, she was elected as a District Judge, and handled cases in Nez Perce and Clearwater Counties.

In August of 1992, Trout was appointed by then Gov. Cecil Andrus to be the first woman justice on the Idaho Supreme Court. She was elected by the Supreme Court to the position of Chief Justice where she served in this capacity for two terms.

Trout is a member of the Idaho State Bar Association, and the American Inns of Court and has previously served on a number of boards of directors as well as statewide administrative, judicial and bar committees. She has served on the College of Law Advisory Committee to the dean and inspired law students as an adjunct faculty member through courses she has taught at U-Idaho in family law.

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