May 2019 First Monday
Dear Alumni & Friends,
It’s that time of year when a new crop of eager potential law students visit campus, current students look forward to summer internships—or perhaps a much-deserved break—and graduating students are on the hunt for gainful employment.
Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting many events that engaged students, alumni, and friends in all phases of their law careers. Creating and maintaining connections in our College family is crucial not only to the health of the College and its community, but also to the careers of our graduates.
Visiting Jurist and the Idaho Supreme Court
From March 26 to April 4, we had the honor of hosting Chief Judge David W. Gratton in Moscow as the Judge Alfred Budge Visiting Jurist.
The Judge Alfred Budge Visiting Jurist Program was created to provide a link between the Idaho Judiciary and the College of Law. The Program allows a justice or judge to spend time in residence at the College of Law for scholarly, collaborative, and teaching activities. The goal is to educate law students on the workings of the Court, to enhance understanding of the judicial function in a democracy grounded in the rule of law, and to encourage research on improving the administration of justice.
To punctuate Judge Gratton’s visit, the College also co-sponsored a reception with the Idaho State Bar Appellate Section and welcomed the Idaho Supreme Court to hear arguments in the Menard Courtroom.
We’re very lucky to have such a supportive bench and bar!
Admitted Students Days
In Moscow on March 30 and in Boise on April 6, the College held our annual Admitted Students Days. These events present students admitted to the U of I College of Law an introduction to law school life. Entering students meet with faculty and current students, experience a mock class, attend workshops, tour the law buildings, and meet with alumni.
It was so great to see so many admitted students meet with faculty, current students, and alums at these important events. We can't wait to welcome the class of 2022 to the U of I College of Law in the fall!
Career Development Job Bank
The College of Law Career Development Office hosts a Job Bank for posting job positions (summer associates, contract work, postgraduate associates, fellowships, etc.), powered by Idaho Law Careers, which is a simple, quick and effective way to recruit U of I students and alumni.
If you have opportunities you’d like to make available to our students and alums, please consider posting them to Idaho Law Careers. This service is free of charge to employers—you just need complete a one-time registration process to post job openings. If you prefer the Career Development Office staff handle the posting, please reach out by calling 208-885-5069 or emailing law-careers@uidaho.edu.
Spring Law Advisory Council Meeting
In conjunction with the Idaho State Bar Appellate Practice Section, the College hosted a “Meet and Greet” networking event with Idaho’s Appellate Judges in Boise on April 25. Also joining us were members of the Law Advisory Council, faculty, students, and members of the Third and Fourth District Bar Associations.
During the reception I recognized loyal supporters of the College, Jeffrey and Kathryn Messerich, by presenting them with a beautiful ink imprint of a Camperdown Elm leaf in honor of their induction into the Silver and Gold society. Established in 2009, the Silver and Gold society recognizes the generosity of individuals and organizations whose lifetime giving ranges between $100,000 - $1,000,000. We are very grateful for their generosity and continued support.
The following day, the College of Law Advisory Council held its regular semi-annual meeting. During its meeting, the Council reviewed progress in fund-raising for the College, analyzed student admissions and employment data, and discussed bar passage trends and issues.
Council members thanked outgoing chair Meghan Sullivan Conrad ‘04, of Boise, for her dedicated and generous service, and elected vice chair John Bush, ‘88, of Boise, to be the next chairperson. Helaman “Helo” Hancock ’05, of Plummer, was nominated to serve as the next vice chair. New members elected to serve on the Council include Nick Crawford, ’80, ’84, Mary York, ’94, and Paula Kluksdal, ’97. The full membership of the Law Advisory Council can be viewed on the College’s website.
Professor Elizabeth Brandt Retiring this Spring
As many of you already know, Professor Elizabeth Brandt will be retiring this year and taking her energy and passion back home to Ohio. Her retirement leaves an enormous hole in this College and the Idaho legal community. Professor Brandt has been a professor at the University of Idaho College of Law since 1988 and currently holds the James E. Wilson Distinguished Professorship. She has served as the University’s Faculty Secretary/Policy Coordinator over the last two years and previously was the College’s Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. Adored by many, she has been showered with recognition over her career—a past recipient of the Alan G. Shepard Distinguished Professorship, the University’s Award for Teaching Excellence, and the College of Law’s Diversity and Human Rights Award. Earlier this year, she received Idaho Business Review’s Leaders in Law Educator Award. On April 29, members of our community came together for a wonderful event to celebrate Liz’s career and send off a true legend of our Idaho family. We will miss her around the Menard Law Building and in Moscow, but are excited to hear about her life ahead in Cleveland, Ohio.
Thank You for Giving
Finally, thank you to all who participated in Vandal Giving Day. College of Law donors raised and contributed over $16,545 from 53 gifts. Your continued support of and dedication to the College makes it the wonderful place we are honored to serve.
Sincerely,
Jerrold A. Long
Upcoming Events
University of Idaho Commencement
May 11, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. PST
ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, Moscow, Idaho
Northwest Institute for Dispute Resolution
May 13 to 17, 2019
Moscow and Boise, Idaho
University of Idaho Commencement
May 14, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. MST
Boise Centre, Boise, Idaho