For forty years, IWL has actively supported the advancement of women in the law by working to achieve improvements in gender equality, such as pay, organizational leadership, and representation in the judiciary and government. IWL counts on the sponsors and proceeds of the biennial Gala to advance its mission, and we greatly appreciate your support of the Gala.
On April 16, 2026, please join IWL at Boise Centre East to celebrate the accomplishments of women lawyers throughout the state who are working to create a more inclusive legal community. The event will begin with a Champagne Reception at 5:30pm with a formal dinner and awards presentation to follow.
Tickets for the 2026 IWL Biennial Gala will be announced soon.
2026 IWL Gala Call for Nominations
Idaho Women Lawyers (IWL) is now welcoming 2026 Gala award nominations of individuals and entities who exemplify leadership, public service, and a commitment to improving diversity in the legal profession.
This year we are launching a new streamlined nomination platform. To submit a nomination, please create an account at SmarterSelect. Creation of an account is required and will only be utilized by SmarterSelect and IWL for communication related to this nomination cycle. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, January 16, 2026.
2026 Gala Countdown
2024 Gala Sponsors
Thank you for supporting women in the Idaho legal community
Congratulations to all present and past Idaho Women Lawyers Gala Award Recipients.
Recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary efforts to promote equal rights and opportunities for women within the legal community in Idaho.
2024 | Julie Kane
2022 | Keely Duke
2019 | Laura Burri
2017 | Nicole Hancock
2015 | Deborah Ferguson
2014 | Trudy Hanson Fouser
2013 | Wendy J. Olson
2012 | Peg Dougherty
2011 | Wendy Jacquet
2010 | Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Wagahoff Dale
2009 | Leslie Goddard
2007 | Kelly Miller
2008 | Deb Nelson
2006 | Betty Richardson
2005 | Debora Kristensen
2004 | Cathy Silak
1997 | Susan Graham
1993 | Cecil Andrus
Early 1990s | Mary Smith
Recognizes a woman in the legal community who has demonstrated a commitment to her community and public service.
2024 | Sunrise Ayers
2022 | Zoe Ann Olson
2019 | Ilana Rubel
2017 | Lora Breen
2015 | Susie Headlee
2013 | Ann Dwelle
Recognizes a woman within the first 7 years of practice for her contribution to the legal community and who appears to be on a path toward even greater accomplishments.
2024 | Jessalyn Hopkin
2022 | Kayla Hermann
2019 | Monica Gray and Jennifer Jensen
2017 | Megan Hopfer
2015 | Michelle Gustavson
2013 | Keisha Oxendine
Recognizes a woman lawyer who is well respected in the field for her exemplary service and who champions and mentors others in the field.
2024 | Hon. Jessica Lorello
2022 | Jill Twedt
2019 | Kindra Hansen
2017 | Hon. Juneal Kerrick and Susan Buxton
2015 | Christine Neuhoff
2013 | Paula Kluksdal
Recognizes an entity or individual who has made a significant contribution in the legal community.
2024 | Tara Malek
2022 | Stephanie Westermeier and Christine Neuhoff
2019 | Susan Clark
2017 | Justice Robyn Brody
2015 | Jan M. Bennetts
2013 | Laura Burri
Recognizes an entity or individual who has promoted creative change in the legal community.
2024 | Imelda Ramirez
2022 | Jane Gordon
2019 | Attorneys for Civic Education (ACE)
2017 | Alison Johnson (Holland & Hart)
2015 | Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
2013 | Wevorce (Michelle Crosby)
About The Awards
Kate Feltham Award
IWL’s pinnacle award, recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary efforts to promote equal rights and opportunities for women within the legal community in Idaho.
Bertha Stull Green Award
Recognizes an individual who is well respected in the legal field for demonstrated commitment to their community and public service. The award honors those who, through their profession or community engagement, invest significant time to public service and make a positive impact on their communities.
Rising Star Award
Recognises an individual within their first 7 years of legal practice (as of the date of the Gala) for their professional excellence and community engagement. This award honors those who demonstrate excellent legal ability, commitment to their community and profession through their engagement, and are on a path towards even greater accomplishments.
Setting the Bar Award
Recognizes an individual who is well respected in the legal field for their championship and mentorship of diverse attorneys. This award honors those who reach back to help the next generation of diverse lawyers succeed through their commitment to mentorship and sponsorship.
Catalyst for Change Award
Recognizes an entity or individual that made a significant contribution in furtherance of IWL’s mission since the last IWL Gala (2024). This recognition honors those who break barriers, champion innovative change, or advance diversity in the law and the legal system.
Notable Achievement Award
Now a Legacy Award—no longer awarded—The Notable Achievement Award recognized an entity or individual who had made a significant contribution in the legal community.
Innovator Award
Now a Legacy Award—no longer awarded—the Innovator Award recognized an entity or individual who had promoted creative change in the legal community.