Thank you to all the hardworking people who make our world go round. Your tireless efforts are appreciated and celebrated today and every day. Happy Labor Day!

ITLA will be closed on Monday, September 1st, in observance of Labor Day.

You know better than anyone how important real-world experience is in shaping a lawyer’s career. That’s why we’re asking you to encourage law students you know to volunteer at the Street Law Clinic. We urgently need new recruits. They’ll get hands-on experience working alongside attorneys, and at the same time, they’ll be giving back to people in our community who really need legal help. A nudge from you could be the push that gets them started.

Join us on Thursday, July 31st for a conversation about SIF MSA delays.  Zoom in at 12:00 MST  (11:00 am PST)

RSVP to receive the zoom link.

Attire for a cause.  Check out the 2025 Advocacy Collection.

From:  Brian Hilverda

Several months ago, I was ask to oppose a local ordinance being proposed to our city council. I knew it would be unpopular with the council and many members of the community, but the minority voice needed to be heard. I wrote a letter describing the reasons for my opposition and why I thought it was a bad idea for the city. While I knew I wouldn’t win the battle, I knew it was the right thing to do. To my surprise, three of the seven members voted against the ordinance. It still passed, but this was not the no-brainer the city had hoped for. During the discussion, the clearly-frustrated city manager held up my letter and said “We will always have ‘process terrorists’ like this who want to ruin a good thing.” I took that as the highest form of compliment I could receive. What the city manager didn’t know was that I was the drummer in the band that he had just booked to play a multi-family graduation party a few weeks later. For the night of the party, I had a “Process Terrorist” shirt made and wore it proudly. The city manager said nothing, but I made sure to sit up extra tall every time he came around to take pictures. I told this story in Sun Valley, and several people asked it we could make our own Process Terrorist shirts with some variety in the design. I threw together a few options, put them on a custom shirt fundraising site, and now offer them to you. There are four designs, and each design has several options for sizes, colors, materials, and styles (men’s, women’s, youth, hoodies, etc.). All proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go towards funding ITLA’s Justice Block. Please consider supporting the cause and share with any family or friends that may have some process terrorist in them.

I spoke briefly in Sun Valley about how impressed I was with all the individual and team efforts put forth to oppose the “Roundup Bill”; particularly because none of us are doing those cases. Past-President James Ruchti pointed out that it was “the right thing to do.” In our journeys, both personal and professional, there arises a moment where the path of least resistance is at odds with the path of integrity, or the path of doing the right thing. Adversity, unpredictable and often unforgiving, challenges our commitment to our values. Doing the right thing, especially when it is difficult or does not benefit us personally, not only defines our character but also paves the way for authentic success. Adversity in our practices comes in various forms—be it financial challenges, ethical dilemmas, or interpersonal conflicts. It tests our resilience, measures authenticity, and ultimately, fortifies our ability to handle future challenges more adeptly.

At the heart of doing the right thing is a commitment to core values. The first line of our mission statement reads, “Seek Justice for all....” This serves as an unwavering guide to doing the right thing. We must recognize that justice looks different for everyone. Justice for one may be a substantial financial award, while for others it may be having someone tell their story, or advocating for marginalized communities. 

Often, the right decision is not the popular one. Demonstrating moral courage involves standing by the pursuit of justice, even when the odds (or the judge, or a city council, or questionable defense tactics, or obscene lobbying funds) are against us. Such courage is a powerful leadership trait that encourages others to act with integrity, regardless of consequences.

Our organization and individual members must strive to create environments that support and reward this type of integrity. It is not lost on me that the person that inspired my thoughts on this issue was recognized as our Trial Lawyer of the Year. James Ruchti stood up against significant opposition to seek justice for all, even though it was of no benefit to him. It was just “the right thing to do.” Our commitment to justice will be tested time and time again. Burnout, stress, financial concerns, oppositional forces, and other calamities will attempt to thwart our cause. Adversity is an inevitable aspect of the practice of law, and the actions taken in response to it define both personal character and professional trajectory. Doing the right thing, while often difficult, builds a solid foundation for genuine respect, trust, and success. Our organization thrives when we all seek to do the right thing, and I hope we can adopt this theme throughout my time as president. I am proud to be a member of ITLA, but I am even more proud to be counted among the many great members who have taught me that doing the right thing is our true measure of success.

P.S. There were several requests for my “Process Terrorist” shirt that I had made for the story I shared in Sun Valley. I am pleased to announce that several versions are in the works and will be available for purchase soon. All proceeds from the sale of these shirts will go to the remaining balance for the Justice Block.

Use the links below to reserve your rooms at the Tamarack Resort for October 10th.  Want to stay more than one night? Call 208.325.1000

Lodge Studio Reservation

Village Studio Reservation