Generative AI in Law Practice: Opportunities and Ethical Perils

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

February 6, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for February 21, 2025, you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are at the heart of many software packages and other technology lawyers use to automate drafting of transactional, estate planning, and pleadings. When lawyers use these forms of AI and machine learning, it raises substantial ethical issues touching the core of what is giving legal advice and service to clients. This program will discuss these ethical issues and how they may expose lawyers to liability.

2026 Ethics Update Part 1

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

February 9, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Stay current with the rapidly evolving landscape of professional responsibility as ethics rules adapt to modern practice realities and technological advancement. This comprehensive program examines the most significant recent developments in legal ethics, from regulatory changes to landmark disciplinary decisions that reshape professional conduct standards. Ensure your practice remains compliant while understanding the practical implications of emerging ethical requirements.

• Examine significant disciplinary cases establishing new precedents for professional conduct

• Understand updated guidance on technology use and data security obligations

• Address evolving standards for client communication and fee arrangement

2026 Ethics Update Part 2

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

February 10, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Building on foundational updates, this advanced program explores complex ethical scenarios and emerging challenges that define the future of professional responsibility. Delve deeper into sophisticated ethical dilemmas involving conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, and professional competence in our rapidly changing legal environment. Master the nuanced analysis required to navigate tomorrow's ethical challenges with confidence and integrity.

• Navigate complex conflict scenarios involving multiple clients and business relationships

• Address advanced confidentiality challenges in team-based and technology-assisted practice

• Discussion of general trends in rules of professional responsibility

Primer on Taking and Defending Depositions

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Young Lawyers and Litigation Sections

Thursday, February 12, 2025

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (MT)

Light breakfast and networking begin at 8:30 am

University of Idaho College of Law

501 W. Front St., Room 221 – Boise

*Live Webcast Available

3.0 CLE credits – NAC Approved

Registration

Standard Registration                                                         $125

Young Lawyers & Litigation Section Members               $100

Paralegals and Court Staff                                                 $75

Law Students                                                                        $50

Depositions are where cases are won, lost, or irreversibly shaped, and yet many attorneys learn them by trial and error. This practical, nuts-and-bolts CLE is designed to sharpen one of a litigator’s most powerful tools: the deposition.

Whether you’re taking testimony or defending a witness, this program walks through the full lifecycle of a deposition, from strategic preparation to effective execution. Presenters will cover how to prepare yourself and your witnesses for success, including techniques for managing difficult personalities, controlling the narrative, and protecting the record. You’ll also learn best practices for taking depositions that advance your case theory, lock in testimony, and set up dispositive motions for trial.

Just as importantly, presenters will focus on defending depositions: when to object, when to stay quiet, and how to handle aggressive or acrimonious opposing counsel without escalating the conflict or harming your client. Real-world examples and practical tips will help you navigate high-pressure situations with confidence and professionalism.

If you litigate, depositions are not optional, they are essential. This CLE will give you concrete tools you can use immediately to conduct smarter, more effective depositions and to defend your clients when it matters most.

The CLE presenters are:

Kim J. Trout, Trout & Jones, PLLC

Joshua D. Hurwit, Holland & Hart LLP

Peter C. Erbland, Lake City Law Group PLLC

Professionalism for the Ethical Lawyer

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

February 13, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Elevate your practice beyond mere rule compliance to embody the highest ideals of legal professionalism that distinguish exceptional lawyers from the merely competent. This program explores the intersection of ethics, civility, and professional excellence that defines truly successful legal careers. Discover how professional conduct enhances client relationships, improves case outcomes, and contributes to a more effective justice system.

• Understand the distinction between ethical minimums and professional excellence standards

• Develop strategies for maintaining civility and respect in adversarial proceedings

• Address challenging situations involving difficult opposing counsel and uncooperative parties

• Build a reputation for professionalism that enhances client development and career advancement

44^th Annual Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Seminar

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section

Thursday, February 19 - Saturday, February 21, 2026

**In-Person Attendance Only

The Grove Hotel
245 S. Capitol Blvd.  – Boise

13.0 CLE credits including 1.0 Ethics credits

Registration:

Standard Registration:                 $400

Bankruptcy Section Members:   $350

Paralegals and Court Staff:         $200

Law Students:                               No Cost

Take Advantage of the Section Membership Registration Benefits Now: Join the Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section for only $30.

Join the Idaho State Bar Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section for their 44^th Annual Bankruptcy Seminar that will be held at the newly renovated Grove Hotel.  The seminar will feature nationally recognized speakers on bankruptcy and jurists from the Idaho and Montana bankruptcy bench who will present on various aspects of bankruptcy law and practice.

Don’t forget to book your lodging at The Grove Hotel by January 21^st to get the discounted rate of $209/night. 

Program Agenda

Thursday, February 19, 2026

1:00 p.m.      Welcome & Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel Presentation

                        Honorable Julia W. Brand, Chief BAP Judge and Chief Judge Central District of California

                        Honorable William J. Lafferty, Northern District of California.

                        Honorable Jennifer E. Niemann, Eastern District of California

2:30 p.m.      Break

2:45 p.m.      Case Law Review

                        Suzanne J. Hickok, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Idaho

                        Carol K. Mills, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Idaho

                        Glory M. Crocco, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Idaho

                        Sydney J. Angstman, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Idaho

4:00 p.m.       Ethics Update

                       Joseph N. Pirtle, Idaho State Bar

5:00 p.m.       Adjourn

Friday, February 20, 2026

8:00 a.m.       Breakfast

8:30 a.m.       Bad Boys of Bankruptcy Podcast: Richard Butler

                        Hon. Elizabeth Gunn, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Columbia

                       J. Ford Elsaesser, Elsaesser Anderson, Chtd.

9:45 a.m.       Break

10:00 a.m.     Subchapter V Trustee's Panel

                        Moderator:  Matthew T. Christensen, Ampleo

                        Gary L. Rainsdon, Subchapter V Trustee - Idaho

                        Matthew W. Grimshaw, Grimshaw Law Group, P.C. - Subchapter V Trustee – Idaho

                        Brian M. Rothschild, Parsons, Behle & Latimer –  Subchapter V Chapter 11 – Utah

11:00 a.m.     Building Blocks for Understanding Article 9

                        Steven T. Waterman, Dorsey & Whitney LLP

                        Megan Baker, Dorsey & Whitney LLP

                        Aaron R. Bell, Dorsey & Whitney LLP

12:00 p.m.     Hosted Lunch and The Creation of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel

                       Hon. Benjamin P. Hursh, Chief Bankruptcy Judge, District of Montana

1:30 p.m.       Debt’s Grip

                        Deborah Thorne, Ph.D., University of Idaho

                        Pamela Foohey, University of Georgia School of Law

3:00 p.m.       Break

3:15 p.m.       The Return of Bankruptcy Jeopardy!

                        J.B. Evans, Dorsey Whitney, LLP

4:30 p.m.       Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section Business Meeting & Elections

5:00 p.m.       Cocktail Reception Hosted by Foley & Freeman

6:00 p.m.       Annual Dinner and Awards Program – RSVP Separate from Registration – HERE

                             Guests are welcome to attend for an additional $50.  Pay for Guests HERE

Saturday, February 21, 2026

8:00 a.m.       Breakfast

8:30 a.m.       Legislative Update

                        Lucas T. Malek, Malek + Malek

9:30 a.m.       The Case for Doing Debtor Work: Building a Client-Centered Consumer Bankruptcy Practice That Protects Your Staff and Your Sanity

                        Tecla Druffel, Tec Law, PLLC

10:30 a.m.     Break

10:45 a.m.     Bankruptcy Judge’s Panel

                        Hon. Noah G. Hillen, Chief US Bankruptcy Judge, District of Idaho

                        Hon. Brent R. Wilson, US Bankruptcy Judge, District of Idaho

                        Hon. Benjamin Hursh, Chief US Bankruptcy Judge, District of Montana

                        Hon. Jim Pappas, US Bankruptcy Judge, District of Idaho, Retired

12:00 p.m.    Conference Concludes

Lawyer Ethics in a Digital World

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

February 20, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Technology integration creates unprecedented ethical challenges as traditional professional responsibility concepts meet digital reality in ways the original rule drafters never imagined. This program addresses the complex intersection of legal ethics and modern technology, from cloud computing and mobile practice to social media and virtual client relationships. Master the evolving ethical landscape of digital practice while leveraging technology's benefits for enhanced client service.

• Navigate data security and confidentiality requirements in cloud-based and mobile practice environments

• Address ethical implications of social media use for client development and case investigation

• Understand competence requirements for technology-assisted legal services and AI integration

• Manage client relationship boundaries in virtual practice settings and remote service delivery

Lawyers Supervising Lawyers: Navigating Ethical Responsibilities

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

February 26, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for July 31, 2025, you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

Lawyers are not only responsible for their own ethical conduct and decision making but also for the ethical practice of lawyers they supervise.  Whether it’s a partner supervising the work of an associate or the lead lawyer on a case supervising a group of partners and associates, the supervising lawyer has responsibilities to ensure that the lawyers he or she is supervising are ethically compliant. When subordinate lawyers violate ethics rules, supervising lawyers are potentially liable for that misconduct. This program will provide you with a guide to ethical issues when lawyers supervise other lawyers and non-lawyer support staff.

• Standards for ensuring compliance by subordinate attorneys and potential liability when they act improperly
• Lawyer supervision of paralegals and other non-lawyer staff
• Responsibilities of subordinate lawyers who rely on judgment of supervising lawyers
• Special issues involved in billing the work of subordinate and co-counsel attorneys, and paralegals
• In-house counsel of outside counsel

Litigation Ethics: Disqualification and Sanctions

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

February 27, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course for January 14, 2025, you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

Disqualification standards have their roots in conflicts of interests. When an attorney has a conflict that rises to a certain level, he or she is disqualified from representing a certain party in litigation. Though ethics rules substantially overlap with disqualification standards, those standards do not follow traditional conflicts analysis in every detail.  Indeed, the relationship between conflicts of interest (and related confidentiality concerns) and disqualification is highly nuanced, varying depending on facts of each case.  There are also substantial issues in the context of joint representations, including whether the disqualification of one attorney necessarily disqualifies co-counsel.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to attorney ethics rules and their relationship to disqualification in litigation.

• Attorney ethics, conflicts of interest, and disqualification standards
• How ethics rules and disqualification standards overlap and vary from each other
• Ethics standards and tests for obtaining – or defending against disqualification
• Joint representations and disqualification – if co-counsel is disqualified, are you?
• Screening for conflicts of interest and the risk of imputation of conflicts/disqualification to other attorneys
• Ethical sanctions and their relationship to disqualification

Recent Judicial Decisions and Their Impacts on State and Local Government

Sponsored by the Idaho State Bar Government and Public Sector Lawyers Section

Thursday, March 5, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (MT)

The Law Center

525 W. Jefferson St. – Boise

*Live Webcast Also Available

2.75 CLE credits including .75 Ethics – NAC Approved

Cost:

General Registration                                                                      $ 100.00

Members of the Government and Public Lawyers Section     $ 65.00

General Public                                                                                 $ 40.00

Law Students                                                                                   No Cost

Take Advantage of the Section Membership Registration Benefits Now: Join the Government & Public Sector Lawyers Section for only $25.

Join us for a discussion on recent judicial decisions from the federal and state level that affect various aspects of how state and local governments operate and serve their citizens. The program will conclude with updates on the unique ethical aspects of representation of government entities.

Program Agenda

8:30 a.m.               Continental Breakfast & Registration

9:00 a.m.               Welcome

9:15 a.m.               Federal Court Decisions Impacting State and Local Government

                                Brian P. Kane, National Association of Attorneys General

10:15 a.m.            Break

10:30 a.m.            The Impact of Recent State Court Decisions on the Practice of State and Local Government Attorneys

                                Preston B. Rutter, Nampa City Attorney’s Office

                                Emily Kane, Meridian City Attorney’s Office

11:30 a.m.            Ethical Considerations for Government Attorneys

                                James K. Dickinson

12:15 p.m.            Program Concludes

Communicating in Opposing Counsel & the Courts: Professionalism and Ethics

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

March 11, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Effective communication is key to a successful legal practice, especially when dealing with opposing counsel and the courts. This session explores the ethical and professional responsibilities lawyers have in their communications, offering strategies to maintain professionalism even in contentious situations. Learn how to navigate challenging interactions while upholding your ethical obligations.

Highlights:

• The ethical guidelines governing communications with opposing counsel.
• Best practices for clear and professional court filings and oral advocacy.
• Strategies for managing contentious or unprofessional opposing counsel.
• Avoiding ethical pitfalls in email and written correspondence.
• Real-life examples of communication missteps and how to avoid them.

Cybersecurity Breaches: How to Advise Clients When the Inevitable Happens

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

March 24, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 CLE credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course on January 16, 2025, you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

This program will provide you with critical guidance on advising clients who experience a cybersecurity breach resulting in the release of sensitive information. Participants will learn best practices for assessing the scope of a breach, complying with notification laws, and mitigating potential legal and reputational risks. The program will cover key topics such as regulatory requirements, breach response planning, and strategies for minimizing liability. By the end of the session, attorneys will be equipped to effectively counsel clients through the legal and practical challenges of a data breach incident.

• Assessing the type and scope of the breach
• Engaging forensic teams
• Understanding scope of federal/state disclosure requirements
• Tradeoffs in determining whether to disclose and when
• Impact of emerging AI technologies in breaches

Navigating Conflicts of Interest, Part 1

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

March 25, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course on December 9, 2025, you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

Conflicts of interest remain among the most common sources of legal malpractice claims and disciplinary actions. This comprehensive two-part program transforms conflict analysis from guesswork into systematic risk management through practical frameworks and real-world scenarios. Attorneys will develop the skills to identify, evaluate, and properly handle conflicts before they become career-threatening problems.

Part 1:

• Apply systematic conflict-checking procedures and documentation requirements
• Understand when conflicts are consentable versus absolutely prohibited
• Master client consent processes and required disclosures
• Learn to identify conflicts in transactional versus litigation contexts
• Develop intake procedures that catch conflicts before engagement

Part 2:

• Handle conflicts that arise during ongoing representations
• Navigate conflicts between current and former clients
• Understand imputation rules and their impact on law firm operations
• Develop firm-wide policies for conflict prevention and management
• Learn remedial measures when conflicts are discovered after engagement

Navigating Conflicts of Interest, Part 2

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

March 26, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

*Please Note: If you received credit for this course on December 10, 2025, you will not be able to receive credit for attending this replay.  This replay will count as live CLE credit.

Conflicts of interest remain among the most common sources of legal malpractice claims and disciplinary actions. This comprehensive two-part program transforms conflict analysis from guesswork into systematic risk management through practical frameworks and real-world scenarios. Attorneys will develop the skills to identify, evaluate, and properly handle conflicts before they become career-threatening problems.

Part 1:

• Apply systematic conflict-checking procedures and documentation requirements
• Understand when conflicts are consentable versus absolutely prohibited
• Master client consent processes and required disclosures
• Learn to identify conflicts in transactional versus litigation contexts
• Develop intake procedures that catch conflicts before engagement

Part 2:

• Handle conflicts that arise during ongoing representations
• Navigate conflicts between current and former clients
• Understand imputation rules and their impact on law firm operations
• Develop firm-wide policies for conflict prevention and management
• Learn remedial measures when conflicts are discovered after engagement

Lawyer Ethics in Real Estate Practice

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

April 7, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 Ethics credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Navigate the unique ethical challenges facing real estate practitioners where multiple party representation, financial conflicts, and professional service boundaries create complex professional responsibility issues. This specialized program addresses the intersection of legal ethics and real estate practice, from dual representation challenges to referral fee arrangements. Ensure your real estate practice maintains the highest ethical standards while serving diverse client needs effectively.

• Understand multiple representation rules and conflict identification in real estate transactions

• Navigate referral and marketing relationships with real estate brokers, lenders, and service providers

• Address trust account management and escrow responsibilities specific to real estate practice

• Manage client confidentiality and disclosure obligations in multi-party real estate transactions

2026 Privacy & Data Security Update

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

April 27, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 CLE credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Stay ahead of the rapidly evolving privacy and data security landscape as new regulations, enforcement actions, and technological developments reshape business compliance obligations. This comprehensive program examines the latest legal developments affecting data privacy practices and security requirements across industries. Position your practice to guide clients through the increasingly complex world of privacy law compliance.

• Analyze recent state and federal privacy legislation affecting business data collection and processing practices

• Understand emerging enforcement trends and penalty structures for privacy and data security violations

• Navigate cross-border data transfer requirements and international privacy law developments

• Address artificial intelligence and automated decision-making privacy compliance requirements

2026 Spring New Attorney Program

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc.

Friday, May 1, 2026
8:00 am to 12:30 pm (MDT)

Location: TBD

Boise

*In-Person Attendance Only* 

4.0 CLE credits of which 1.0 is Ethics – NAC Approved

Registration Fee: 

Standard Registration   $120.00

Day of Registration        $135.00

The New Attorney Program consists of an introduction on Idaho practice, procedure, and ethics. This course meets the CLE requirements of Idaho State Bar Commission Rule 402(f)(3).  Participants must be admitted and sworn into the Idaho State Bar for this course to count toward the New Admittee CLE requirement. If the participant will not be sworn in on or by May 1, 2026, they will have to wait until October 23, 2026, to take this course. * 

Agenda

8:00 am      Lawyering Skills

9:30 am      Break

9:45 am      Federal & State Judiciary Panel

11:15 am    Break

11:30 am    Idaho Lawyer Assistance Program

12:00 pm    Idaho State Bar & Idaho Law Foundation Potpourri

12:30 pm     Program Concludes

*The next course will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, in person in Boise.

Evidentiary Issues with Text and "Chat" Messages

Sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Freestone and WebCredenza, Inc. 

May 13, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (MT)

*Live Audio Stream Only

1.0 CLE credit

Registration Fee:  $60.00

Master the complex evidentiary challenges presented by digital communications as text messages, chat applications, and electronic messaging become central to modern litigation. This program addresses the authentication, admissibility, and presentation issues that can determine case outcomes in our digital communication age. Learn to leverage electronic evidence effectively while avoiding common pitfalls that undermine case strategy.

• Understand authentication requirements for text messages, social media posts, and chat communications

• Navigate hearsay exceptions and reliability standards specific to electronic messaging evidence

• Address discovery obligations and preservation duties affecting digital communication evidence

• Master presentation techniques that effectively communicate digital evidence to judges and juries