U of I Law student aims to redefine leadership as she prepares for a career in public service

Kalista Barkley knows Robert’s Rules of Order inside and out. Originally written in 1876, it remains the ultimate guide to parliamentary procedure.

Her knowledge of the book helped her earn a spot at the Model Constitutional Convention in May at Washington University Law School in St. Louis. Not only was she the first University of Idaho College of Law (Idaho Law) student chosen to attend, but she was also ultimately elected President of the convention.

The guide to procedural order and decorum — which she intends to use in a career centered around public service — also serves as a counterbalance to the chaotic life she faced growing up in Puyallup, Washington.  

As she studies constitutional, election and education law, Barkley is mindful not to waste the opportunity she feels fortunate to have found.

“I was in a pretty bad situation, and I knew it was best for me to get out of the state after high school,” said Barkley, who recently completed her second year at University of Idaho Boise. “This journey is important to me because I know that a lot of people don’t make it out of those situations. I’m passionate about public service because I want to help people that the system has left behind.”  

Ida-home

Barkley moved to Boise in 2020 after graduating from Puyallup High School. Raised primarily by her grandparents after leaving a home life that included drug issues and abuse, she sought a fresh start.

“I think if I would have stayed there, I wouldn’t have become the leader I am today,” Barkley said. “I needed to get out of there and experience a new area. I found Boise and absolutely love it.”

Her passion for public service began while attending Boise State University, where she served in student government for three years. She also helped create the college’s pre‑law program and served as president of the Pre‑Law Society for two years.

After entering law school in 2024, Barkley continued to build her leadership experience, serving as an associate editor for the Idaho Law Review and taking on leadership roles in Idaho Law’s Student Bar Association, Women’s Law Caucus, Debate Society and First Gen Law Caucus.

She has also pursued professional development off-campus, completing a 2025 externship with the General Counsel for Idaho Governor Brad Little’s office.

Currently clerking for the Idaho Court of Appeals in Boise this summer, Barkley aims to secure a full-time clerking position after graduation. As a judicial clerk, she would research and write legal opinions. To prepare, she worked as a research assistant for law Professor John Rumel during the Fall ’25 semester.

Among the topics she researched was the constitutional challenge to Idaho’s School Choice Tax Credit, the state’s first school voucher program.  

“Kalista put together a comprehensive, high-quality study and evaluated it both as a matter of policy and legality under state constitutional provisions,” Rumel said. “That type of research is a great way of getting your feet wet as a law student and certainly helps prepare you for a judicial clerkship.”

Leadership model

It was also at Idaho Law where Barkley first learned about the Model Constitutional Convention. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, a select group of college students attended a re-creation of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, exploring the constitutional amendment process, civic engagement and dialogue, and democratic principles and procedures.

Barkley was one of only 110 students nationwide invited to attend. Selected as one of two delegates representing Idaho, she was elected as committee chair before ultimately being named convention president. She credits her favorite book as the reason she was asked to lead.

“I had the most Robert’s Rules of Order experience, and they told the delegates they should only be selecting the president based on their ability to preside,” she said.  

Barkley’s “prize” for being elected president was presiding over two long days of convention sessions meant to follow the requirements of Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the process for proposing constitutional amendments.

Each committee submitted up to 2 proposed constitutional amendments. Barkley presided over the group, ensuring correct procedures were followed to introduce, debate and ultimately approve or reject each measure.

She handled it like a seasoned professional.

“It sounds like she knocked it out of the park,” said Benjamin Cover, professor of law. “This was the perfect opportunity for Kalista because of the leadership roles she’s had at Idaho Law.”

Barkley credits her time at Idaho Law for preparing her for leadership through public service. While remembering the circumstances that led her to Idaho, she is also focused on redefining what it means to lead.

“I’ve chosen this path because I know my head and my heart are in the right place, and I think there are people out there in government who don’t have good intentions,” said Barkley. “Around the world, access to a basic education, let alone a legal education, isn't guaranteed for all. I feel I have a responsibility to fight for those without a voice and advocate for all who I hope to represent.”