Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
–Margaret Meade
We Need You!
Idaho Women Lawyers relies heavily on the support and participation of its members. Please consider contributing your talents to one or more of the committees described below.
To receive email communication about volunteer opportunities from a particular committee, update your group participation selection in your member profile or contact the Committee Chairs, below.
Community Service Committee
This committee plans and coordinates quarterly community service projects and continuing legal education opportunities for IWL members. These projects are designed to be one-time or short-run community service events that work with our members’ demanding schedules and allow for family involvement, if possible. The quarterly events provide opportunities for members to give back to the community in meaningful ways, and also foster new relationships between IWL and community organizations.
Alex Hodson
Co-Chair
Community Service Committee
Abby Kostecka
Co-Chair
Community Service Committee
Lunch & Learn Committee
The Lunch and Learn Committee coordinates periodic events to provide valuable educational content to members. The events go beyond the typical continuing education requirements and provide content that is particularly relevant to women in the practice of law. Events typically occur during the lunch hour both in person and virtually. The Committee also hosts a yearly circuit training. These events provide a broad platform for expertise to be shared with IWL members. The Committee seeks to enhance IWL members’ skills through training, education, and opportunities for discussion.
Taylor Long
Co-Chair
Lunch & Learn Committee
Stephanie Stout
Co-Chair
Lunch & Learn Committee
Judicial Committee
The Judicial Committee recruits diverse candidates for open judicial positions on Idaho’s state and federal benches. It helps prepare women seeking judicial appointment or election by providing information about the process, pre-interview coaching, and post-interview notes and feedback. The Judicial Committee also hosts events to honor women appointed to the bench.
We are currently seeking new committee leadership. Please reach out to Emily MacMaster, if interested.
Anne Henderson
Chair
Judicial Committee
Michelle Points
Liaison
Judicial Recruitment and Education
Membership, Networking, and Wellness Committee
The Membership, Networking and Wellness Committee is responsible for recruiting new members and ensuring IWL members as a whole are integrated into IWL and its various committees to encourage involvement and support for new and existing members. We work on initiatives that reach out to prospective new members and encourage them to take advantage of benefits offered by IWL. Our goal is to make sure that everyone who wants to be involved, either through participation or leadership, is afforded the opportunity. This committee also houses both the social and professional aspects of networking in order to create and promote opportunities for women and to build a community of members with shared interests. This committee plans events like informal social gatherings and group outings at various community events. It organizes seminars, workshops, and other professional opportunities to explore issues related to networking, such as gender communication issues, practice development and rainmaking for women. In addition, this committee supports the development of strong mentorship relationships among new and existing IWL’s members.
Meredith Kohler
Co-Chair
Membership Committee
Ashley Lane
Co-Chair
Membership Committee
Ad Hoc Committees
The Advocate
Each year, IWL sponsors or co-sponsors an issue of the Idaho State Bar’s monthly publication, The Advocate. This committee recruits authors, and collects and edits articles for publication.
Membership Retreat Planning Committee
This committee is responsible for planning the bi-annual Idaho Women Lawyer’s retreat for members. Committee duties include identifying a venue, seeking sponsorships, identifying a retreat theme, planning programming around that theme, marketing, and overall event planning. The committee’s work starts one year before the retreat and is a wonderful way to make new friends while collaborating on a significant project. The next member retreat will be in 2025. Please reach out to Leslie Hayes, if interested.
Brenda Bauges
Co-Chair
Membership Retreat Planning Committee
Wendy Couture
Co-Chair
Membership Retreat Planning Committee
Leslie Hayes
Board Liaison
Membership Retreat Planning Committee
Gala Planning Committee
This committee is responsible for planning the bi-annual Idaho Women Lawyer’s Gala. Please reach out to Allison Darnall, if interested.
Allison Darnall
Board Liaison
Gala Planning Committee
Leslie Hayes
Board Liaison
Gala Planning Committee
