Brand Management: Concordia University School of Law by Strategies 360

Concordia University School of Law BRAND MANAGEMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION

ENTRANTS Kelci Lucier Todd Dvorak Brian Cronin

STRATEGIES 360

We are Change Makers

SHAPING BUSINESS, POLITICS, AND CULTURE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST.

Project Summary THE CHALLENGE

In 2017, Concordia University School of Law and Strategies 360 began working in partnership to increase Concordia Law’s media coverage, public relations, and overall public awareness. Strategies 360 has long believed that Concordia University School of Law has a compelling, important, relevant story to tell. Our challenge came in helping the media learn more about the work being done at the law school as well as in positioning the School of Law as a fount of expertise for comment on a variety of news stories.

THE STRATEGY

Strategies 360 began its work with Concordia by initially focusing on the law school’s internal strenghts, weaknesses, mission, protocols, policies, and general media interactions. The S360 team reviewed background information, conducted interviews, requested follow-up information, and engaged in online research to better understand Concordia Law’s current media strategy as well as how the institution had been covered in both Boise and Idaho media markets. After conducting this research, S360 developed and began executing on a strategic communications plan. Concordia University also saw an opportunity in the launching of a new, pro-bono law clinic. Strategies 360 worked with Concordia to develop a name for the clinic, develop a brand narrative to serve as a foundation for future communications, and eventually led communications around the launch of this much-needed community resource.

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CONTENTS 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 17 22 24 28 29 30 32 38 39

Press Release News Clips Pres Release News Clips Press Release News Clips Press Release News & Editorial Mentions Op-Ed Placements 5th & Front Brand Narrative Press Release Talking Points Op-Ed News Clips News & Editorial Mentions Media Resource Guide

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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: June 14, 2017 Kelci Lucier, (208) 695-8189 kelcil@strategies360.com Concordia University School of Law Hires Nationally Renowned Health Law Expert Katharine Van Tassel Joins as Associate Dean of Academics and Professor of Law BOISE, ID – Originally beginning her career as an Advanced Clinical Nurse in pediatric intensive care, Katharine Van Tassel has been no stranger to innovation. As a nurse, she was a member of the team that performed one of the first bone marrow transplants in the country. After earning her law degree, she was an Associate at the renowned international law firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey (now Squire, Patton, Boggs) and later founded her own 10-attorney law firm, Van Tassel & Associates. She coauthored the three-volume encyclopedia Food and Drug Administration (4th ed., 2015), which is cited as an authoritative FDA source by the U.S. Supreme Court. While teaching at the University of Akron School of Law, she founded the Public Health Law & Science Center, which took the lead in creating a number of civil rights initiatives to protect the rights of citizens impacted when the active Ebola threat arose in Ohio. She has also authored reports and provided written and oral testimony for U.S. Commission on Civil Rights hearings on hospital dumping of uninsured patients with mental health disabilities, the government’s emergency response to natural disasters (such as Ebola outbreaks), and human trafficking. Van Tassel is currently completing an M.S. in Food Safety from Johns Hopkins University; in addition to her B.S.N. and J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University, she has an M.P.H. in Law and Public Health Policy from the Harvard School of Public Health. “We are thrilled about the impact Katharine will be making not only within the Concordia community but also within the state of Idaho,” said Elena Langan, Dean of Concordia University School of Law. “Her experience and expertise will contribute greatly to Concordia’s mission of preparing leaders to serve their communities.”

Van Tassel was born in Texas and grew up in Austin. She was interested in moving to Boise so her son could enjoy the same kind of childhood she did, riding horses and enjoying the outdoors. Given her entrepreneurial spirit, she was also interested in the opportunity to join the new law school. “I came because of the wonderful opportunity to help grow the law school here,” Van Tassel says. “We have a fabulous new dean and a terrific faculty that focuses on experiential learning. Concordia is a great fit for me.”

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News Clips 7/14/2017

Katharine Van Tassel is new associate dean at Concordia University School of Law – Idaho Business Review

Katharine Van Tassel is new associate dean at Concordia University School of Law 

By: IBR Staff  July 13, 2017  0 Katharine Van Tassel has joined the Concordia University School of Law, a Boise nonprofit law school, as associate dean of academics and professor of law, effective June 1. Van Tassel has a BSN and JD from Case Western Reserve University, an MPH in Law and Public Health Policy from Harvard University, and is completing an MS in Food Safety from Johns Hopkins University. She was previously with Creighton University School of Law as Professor of Law and director of health law programs.

Van Tassel’s areas of expertise include health law, food and drug law, and public health law.

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2017

MEDIA CONTACT Madeline Turnock, APR, 503-803-3729 mturnock@cu-portland.edu

Concordia Law Founding Dean Cathy Silak Returns to Private Practice BOISE, Idaho — Concordia University School of Law Founding Dean Cathy Silak will return to private practice with the Boise, Idaho-based law firm of Hawley Troxell.

"Concordia Law’s Founding Dean Cathy Silak is a torchbearer for education, justice and community service. Her tremendous contributions as founding dean of Concordia University School of Law brought educational excellence and economic vitality to the entire region," said Concordia University Portland President Charles Schlimpert. Under Silak’s leadership as Founding Dean, and most recently as Vice President of Community Engagement, Concordia Law hired a top-rated faculty and staff; developed a legacy mentor program; established the annual Leaders in Action awards event; and attracted talented students who graduated, passed the bar, entered the legal community and continue to make lasting contributions. “Just as Concordia Law serves the community, so has the community served us,” said Silak. “The experience students gain by learning from their mentors, and by serving clients through our housing clinic and countless other pro bono service opportunities, helps develop future leaders with a heart for service.” "Silak’s modeling of community engagement will continue to remain a hallmark of Concordia Law's preparation of leaders and lawyers for the transformation of society," said Gary Withers, Chief Strategic Relations Officer.

For years, Boise remained one of the only state capitals in the United States without a law school, yet the city is Idaho’s legal center. In 2007, Concordia University Portland’s vision for a non-profit, community-focused Lutheran law school resulted in searching for a leader and found one in former Idaho Supreme Court Justice Cathy Silak. Thanks to pioneering and visionary leadership from Founding Dean Cathy Silak, unprecedented hard work and determination from the University’s Board of Directors and the Dean's Advisory Council and generous financial support from long-time Boise resident and Concordia benefactor George R. White, Concordia University School of Law welcomed its first class in the fall of 2012.

### ABOUT CONCORDIA LAW Concordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho, is part of Concordia University, a nonprofit, Lutheran, liberal arts university based in Portland, Ore., with a mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society. Founded in 1905, Concordia University serves more than 5,000 students on campus and online through its College of Education, College of Health & Human Services, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Management and School of Law. Concordia University School of Law and the George R. White Law Library opened with its inaugural class of students in fall of 2012. For more information visit http://law.cuportland.edu.

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News Clips 1/5/2018

Concordia University School of Law renames Moot Court Room in honor of founding dean – Idaho Business Review

Concordia University School of Law renames Moot Court Room in honor of founding dean 

By: IBR Staff  November 13, 2017

 Comments Offon Concordia University School of Law renames Moot Court Room in honor of founding dean

Cathy Silak and Concordia University President Charles E. Schlimpert pose next to the newly dedicated Cathy R. Silak Moot Court Room. Photo courtesy of Concordia University School of Law.

Concordia University School of Law officially renamed its Moot Court Room the Cathy R. Silak Moot Court Room on Oct. 9. In addition to serving as the law school’s founding dean, Justice Silak has had a legal career that includes serving as the first woman on the Idaho Court of Appeals and as the second female justice on the Idaho Supreme Court. She has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to women in leadership and law and now works in private practice at Hawley Troxell.

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: August 18, 2017 Kelci Lucier (208) 695-8189 kelcil@strategies360.com Concordia University School of Law’s Second Largest Incoming Class Brings Diversity and Commitment to Local Community (BOISE)—Concordia University School of Law officially began its 2017-2018 academic year when it proudly welcomed new and returning students to its downtown Boise campus for the first day of classes on August 14. The nonprofit law school is dedicated to serving Idaho communities and preparing leaders for the transformation of society. New students were immediately introduced to the university’s ethos of servant leadership through Orientation Week programing, which included events such as Legal Day Out—an opportunity for students to meet with local lawyers and judges at the Ada County Courthouse, Idaho Supreme Court, and the Idaho State Bar, to kick-off the week’s activities. Academic Convocation on August 9 officially welcomed new students to Concordia Law, and their week concluded with the administration of the Oath of Professionalism by the Honorable Gene Petty of the Third Judicial District Court. Exactly 25% of the incoming first-year class represents ethnic minorities; 14 states/countries are also represented. The new class is the second largest class in the institution’s history, bringing the student body to over 120 law students—the largest it has ever been. “We’re very excited about the diversity and experience that our incoming class is bringing to Concordia University School of Law, the Boise area, and even the region,” said Dean Elena B. Langan. “Our rigorous and values-based curriculum, combined with our commitment to servant leadership, is appealing to an increasing number of students. We’re looking forward to working with both new and returning students as we educate lawyers to provide legal services and leadership to their communities.” The law school provides an experiential education component to its curriculum and offers both part-time and full-time programs. Approximately 10% of the students are military veterans. Its students gain experience and give back to the community through offerings such as the housing, immigration, and criminal clinics; pro bono opportunities; and community partnerships. All students are also required to participate in law-related public service prior to graduation. ### ABOUT CONCORDIA LAW Concordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho, is part of Concordia University, a nonprofit, Lutheran, liberal arts university based in Portland, Ore., with a mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society. Founded in 1905, Concordia University serves more than 5,000 students on campus and online through its College of Education, College of Health & Human Services, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Management and School of Law. Concordia University School of Law and the George R. White Law Library opened with its inaugural class of students in fall of 2012. For more information visit http://law.cu-portland.edu.

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News Clips 8/23/2017

Concordia University School of Law welcomes new students – Idaho Business Review

Concordia University School of Law welcomes new students 

By: IBR Staff  August 23, 2017  0 More than 120 students are studying law this year at the Concordia University School of Law in Boise.

Students at the Concordia University School of Law in Boise. Photo courtesy of Concordia

The school held an academic convocation August 9, and new students arrived August 14 for orientation. School officials said a quarter of the incoming class represents ethnic minorities, and the new students come from 14 states and countries.

The new class is the second largest class in the institution’s history, bringing the student body to over 120 law students—the largest it has ever been. The law school provides experiential education and offers both parttime and fulltime programs. Approximately 10 percent of the students are military veterans. Its students gain experience and give back to the community through offerings such as the housing, immigration, and criminal clinics; pro bono opportunities; and community partnerships. All students are also required to participate in lawrelated public service prior to graduation.

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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 28, 2017

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelci Lucier, (208) 695-8189 kelcil@strategies360.com

Boise Law Firm Waiving All Attorney Fees for Idaho DACA Recipients

(BOISE)— Boise-based Schaefer Law Firm is offering to waive all attorney fees and help Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients complete applications in advance of the looming October 5 deadline.

President Trump’s recent decision to phase out the DACA program has meant that DACA individuals whose status was set to expire on or before March 5, 2018, must now renew their status by October 5, 2017, or face possible deportation.

Individuals needing DACA renewal can contact the firm at (208) 810-4850 or visit visacaseprep.com for assistance, ranging from beginning the renewal process to having an attorney review a finished application ready for submission. All attorney fees will be waived.

Scott Peterson, an attorney with Schaefer, first began working on immigration issues as a law student at Concordia University School of Law in Boise. Since then, he realized it was his calling. “Immigration law is happy law,” he says. “We keep families together. Now, I am just trying to see how many of the DACA kids I can help before the deadline.” He and other staff at Schaefer are prepared to help as many DACA recipients as possible; Concordia law students are also available to assist, with attorney supervision, if needed. “We are grateful for the work that Scott and the entire Schaefer Law Firm staff are donating to the DACA community,” says Elena Langan, Dean of Concordia University School of Law. “It reflects the servant leadership ethos and community service component that we incorporate into our curriculum and that our alumni continue to live out and embody once graduated. We are happy to help Scott and his colleagues with additional assistance.”

Individuals can qualify for DACA if they meet specific criteria, including arriving in the United States before the age of 16; continuously residing in the country since June 15, 2007; being in school or having graduated from a school or program or serving/having served in the military; and not posing a threat to national security or public safety. Interfaith Worker Justice reports that Idaho has more than 3,100 individuals with DACA; ending the program “would cost Idaho more than $159.5 million in annual GDP losses.”1 ABOUT CONCORDIA LAW

###

Concordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho, is part of Concordia University, a nonprofit, Lutheran, liberal arts university based in Portland, Ore., with a mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society. Founded in 1905, Concordia University serves more than 5,000 students on campus and online through its College of Education, College of Health & Human Services, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Management and School of Law. Concordia University School of Law and the George R. White Law Library opened with its inaugural class of students in fall of 2012. For more information visit http://law.cu-portland.edu. 1

http://files.www.iwj.org/resources/state-by-state-daca-fact-sheets/DACA_Fact_Sheets/Idaho_DACA.pdf

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1/5/2018

Boise law ofﬁce offers pro bono help for DACA recipients | Idaho Press-Tribune Local News | idahopress.com

News Clips

https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/2cscoop/boise-law-o�ce-o�ers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_fce18d42-795a-53c0-bf2a3e49dbf334be.html TOP STORY

Boise law oﬃce oﬀers pro bono help for DACA recipients By TORRIE COPE tcope@idahopress.com Sep 27, 2017





Scott Peterson is an associate lawyer with Schaefer Law Firm in Boise. Schaefer Law Firm is o�ering free help to people who need to �le their DACA applications.

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Buy Now

Chris Bronson/IPT

BOISE — With the Oct. 5. deadline looming for renewal applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a Boise law �rm has o�ered to help people with their applications without charging attorney fees. “With such a short deadline and so many applicants needing to get this done quickly, we felt it was the right thing to do to help those very deserving individuals,” attorney Scott Peterson with Schaefer Law Firm said. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, allowed people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children and who meet certain criteria to request deferred action for two years, which allows them to lawfully stay in the country and become eligible for work authorization, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. On Sept. 5, the Department of Homeland Security began a six-month phase-out of the program following an announcement from President Donald Trump’s administration. Current DACA recipients whose bene�ts are expiring between Sept. 5 and March 5 have until Oct. 5 to submit the renewal application. Peterson said he wants to get the word out to as many people as possible that his o�ce will either prepare applications or review completed applications from current DACA recipients free of charge. There are also places that are covering the �ling fee for DACA recipients, people with those resources. 1/5/2018and Peterson said the �rm Boisecan law also ofﬁcehelp offersconnect pro bono help for DACA recipients | Idaho Press-Tribune Local News | idahopress.com “We know there are a lot of people who would qualify, and we want to get as many done as possible,” Peterson said.

https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/2cscoop/boise-law-ofﬁce-offers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_fce18d42-795a-53c0-bf2a-3e49dbf334be.html

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Schaefer Law Firm is in downtown Boise at 702 W. Idaho St., Suite 1100. Peterson said people can call the �rm at 208-810-4850 or complete the online contact form at visacaseprep.com to schedule an appointment.

Torrie Cope

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News Clips

When President Donald Trump’s administration announced discontinuation of the program on Sept. 5, it agreed to let recipients whose DACA status expires between Sept. 5 and March 5, 2018, ﬁle for one last renewal. But those renewal papers must be in the hands of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by Thursday. So that really means the Dreamers need to have their renewal in the next-day mail Oct. 4.

Breaking News Be the first to know when big news breaks Enter Email Address SIGNadministration UP When President Donald Trump’s announced discontinuation of the program on Sept. 5, it agreed to let recipients whose DACA status expires between Sept. 5 and March 5, 2018, ﬁle for one last renewal. But those renewal papers must be in the hands of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by Thursday. So that really means the Dreamers need to have their renewal in the next-day mail Oct. 4.

“We work a lot with the dreamers, and we’ve seen the effect of the short deadline on them,” said Peterson, who graduated from Breaking Concordia University Law School inNews 2016 and joined the Boise law practice of Kimberley Be the first toSchaefer. know when big news breaks The renewal application fee isEmail $495Address and legal fees can range as Enter high as $1,000 (for new applicants). That’s a lot of money for a young Dreamer to come up with SIGNon UPshort notice, said Peterson. Supporters of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals rallied at Idaho Statehouse Sept. 9. DACA recipients are able to obtain drivers licenses, gain employment, attend college and serve in the military. Darin Oswald - doswald@idahostatesman.com

Not only is Peterson and his firm waiving their fees, they can help Dreamers find donors and nonprofits that are helping pay the filing fee. So it’s possible Dreamers can renew at no cost.

HOMEPAGE

Why is he doing it?

Meet an Idaho lawyer helping Dreamers keep their dream alive — on a tight deadline BY BILL MANNY bmanny@idahostatesman.com OCTOBER 02, 2017 06:27 PM UPDATED OCTOBER 05, 2017 11:27 AM

Congress and the president apparently agree that they will do something at some point to help the children of immigrants who are residing here under the temporary grace of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. But while Congress and the president are thinking and talking, Scott Peterson is actually doing something for the young immigrants known as Dreamers. The Boise lawyer is waiving his fees and helping raise awareness about this week’s DACA deadline. The deadline is crucial: Current DACA recipients have until Thursday, Oct. 5, to get their applications to the government if they want a two-year renewal. It’s the last and only chance DACA recipients will have unless and until Congress and the president act.

“We’ve seen the quality of people that they are, and we just felt “We work a lot with the dreamers, and we’ve seen the effect of that it’s hard to put this burden on them,” said Peterson. “Helping the short deadline on them,” said Peterson, who graduated from these kids at least have peace of mind for the next two years while Concordia University Law School in 2016 and joined the Boise law practice of Kimberley Schaefer. Congress does whatever they are going to do, it’s a huge burden Thetheir renewal application fee is $495 and legal fees can range as off shoulders.” high as $1,000 (for new applicants). That’s a lot of money for a DACA was a temporary order,said a means to try young Dreamer to comeObama up withpresidential on short notice, Peterson. to address one of the most heart-wrenching immigration issues: Not only often is Peterson and hisbrought firm waiving their to fees, children, very young, by parents thethey U.S. can help DreamersMany find donors and nonprofits that are America helping pay the illegally. have grown up here and know as their filinghome, fee. Sobut it’sthey possible Dreamers can renew atsubject no cost.to only are not here legally and are deportation — to countries where they might have little or no Why is he doing it? connection, family or even language skills. “We’ve seen the quality of people that they are, and we just felt So the plight of the nation’s 800,000 Dreamers resonates even that it’s hard to put this burden on them,” said Peterson. “Helping with people who have little patience or sympathy for others who these kids at least have peace of mind for the next two years while come to this country without legal documentation. And there’s some reason to think they’ll ultimately be taken care of. After Trump’s announcement, the president signaled that he wants to do right by the Dreamers and has talked of a bipartisan bill to address their plight. But regardless of sympathy or signals from Washington, this week’s hard deadline is a hard reality. “The important thing is the deadline, and that (the application) has to be in the government’s hands,” said Elena Langan, dean of the Concordia University Law School. “So they have to act now.” There are other nonprofits in the Valley helping Idaho’s 3,100

this week, and Concordia is offering help to Peterson THE VELTEX BUILDING, 420 WEST MAIN STREET,Dreamers SUITE 205 | BOISE, IDAHO 83702 STRATEGIES360.COM and Schaefer if they need it. “We have offered to have students available, depending on the volume of work, to help with the processing of paperwork,” Langan said.

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to address one of the most heart-wrenching immigration issues: children, often very young, brought by parents to the U.S. illegally. Many have grown up here and know America as their only home, but they are not here legally and are subject to deportation — to countries where they might have little or no connection, family or even language skills. So the plight of the nation’s 800,000 Dreamers resonates even with people who have little patience or sympathy for others who come to this country without legal documentation. And there’s some reason to think they’ll ultimately be taken care of. After Trump’s announcement, the president signaled that he wants to do right by the Dreamers and has talked of a bipartisan bill to address their plight.

News Clips

But regardless of sympathy or signals from Washington, this week’s hard deadline is a hard reality. “The important thing is the deadline, and that (the application) has to be in the government’s hands,” said Elena Langan, dean of the Concordia University Law School. “So they have to act now.” There are other nonprofits in the Valley helping Idaho’s 3,100 Dreamers this week, and Concordia is offering help to Peterson and Schaefer if they need it. “We have offered to have students available, depending on the volume of work, to help with the processing of paperwork,” Langan said. Peterson himself got his start in immigration law as a Concordia student volunteering with Schaefer’s firm. The young lawyer doesn’t know what demand to expect from potential DACA lastminute filers. “We kept our calendar open, we’re answering the phones and the plan is to work with the school to have students available,” he said. “We’ll call and say ‘We’ve got a bunch of people, come on over and bring your laptops.’ ”

Bill Manny is the Statesman’s community engagement editor: bmanny@idahostatesman.com; 208-377-6406; Twitter/Instagram: @whmanny

FOR DACA HELP OR INFO Call Scott Peterson at 208-810-4850 or visit visacaseprep.com. _ COMMENTS " !

IN OTHER NEWS

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News Clips Dreamers can get free local application help Tami Tremblay, KTVB

6:12 PM. MDT September 28, 2017

BOISE A local law firm and law school are joining forces to help DACA recipients. The American immigration policy allows some minors who have entered the country illegally to received a renewable twoyear period of deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for a work permit. (Photo: NBC)

About 800,000 people are enrolled in the DACA program and that includes folks right here in Idaho. The policy was established by the Obama administration, but just this month it

was rescinded by the Trump administration. Congress has six months to decide what to do. In the meantime, "dreamers" can submit the renewal application allowing them to stay in the United States and work here for two more years. The deadline is October 5th, so it is fast approaching. Schaefer Law Firm and Concordia University School of Law are partnering up to make sure anyone who needs help with the process gets it free of charge. They will also connect you to the places covering the federal filing fee of $497. "We have single mothers and college students and a lot of them came here by no fault of their own. They've been raised here and this is really the only culture they know," said Scott Peterson, an attorney at Schaefer Law Firm. "It's really important to get the word out to make sure people comply with the deadline so they don't miss this opportunity," said Latonia Haneykeith, a law professor at Concordia. Schaefer Law will help every DACA recipient needing to renew their application and Concordia students are on standby to help with cases. The deadline of October 5th is for current DACA recipients whose benefits are expiring between September 5th and March 5th. The federal government must have your application by October 5th. If you need help or know someone who does click here (https://visacaseprep.com/) or call (208) 8104850. © 2018 KTVBTV

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1/5/2018

Boise law ofﬁce offers pro bono help for DACA recipients | | rexburgstandardjournal.com

1/5/2018

Boise law ofﬁce offers pro bono help for DACA recipients | | rexburgstandardjournal.com

News Clips

https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/boise-law-office-offers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_104ce6b9-4e59-5297-86bffcf6d0a55147.html Boise law office offers pro bono help for DACA recipients | | rexburgstandardjournal.com Boise law office offers pro bono help for DACA recipients

1/5/2018

https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/boise-law-oﬃce-oﬀers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_104ce6b9-4e59-5297-86bffcf6d0a55147.html

By Torrie cope Sep 28, 2017

Boise law office offers pro bono help for DACA recipients 

https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/boise-law-oﬃce-oﬀers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_104ce6b9-4e59-5297-86bffcf6d0a55147.html

Boise law office offers pro bono help for DACA recipients By Torrie cope Sep 28, 2017 By Torrie cope Sep 28, 2017

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BOISE With the Oct. 5. to deadline for renewal for Deferred Childhood Arrivals, and who — meet certain criteria request looming deferred action for twoapplications years, which allows them toAction lawfullyfor stay in the country and a Boise law ﬁrm has

oﬀered toDepartment helpfor people with their applications charging fees. an announcement On Sept. 5, the of Homeland Security began a six-month phase-out of theattorney program following from become eligible work authorization, according towithout the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. President Donald Trump’s administration.

On Sept.such 5, the of Homeland Security began a six-month phase-out the program announcement from “With a Department short deadline and so many applicants needing to get this of done quickly, following we felt it an was the right thing to do to help

President Donald Trump’sindividuals,” administration. https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/boise-law-ofﬁce-offers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_104ce6b9-4e59-5297-86bf-fcf6d0a55147.html those very deserving attorney Scott Peterson with Schaefer Law Firm said.

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1/5/2018 Boise Arrivals, law ofﬁce offers pro bonoprogram, help for DACA recipientspeople | | rexburgstandardjournal.com The Deferred Action for Childhood or DACA allowed who were brought to the U.S. https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/boise-law-ofﬁce-offers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_104ce6b9-4e59-5297-86bf-fcf6d0a55147.html

illegally as children 1/2

Current DACA recipients are expiring between 5 and March 5 have until Oct. 5 to the renewal and who meet certainwhose criteriabeneﬁts to request deferred actionSept. for two years, which allows them to submit lawfully stay in the country and application. become eligible for work authorization, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Peterson said he wants to get the word out to as many people as possible that his oﬃce will either prepare applications or review

On Sept. 5, the Department of Homeland Security began a six-month phase-out of the program following an announcement from

completed applications from current DACA recipients free of charge. There are also places that are covering the ﬁling fee for DACA

President Donald Trump’s administration.

recipients, and Peterson said the firm can also help connect people with those resources. Schaefer Law Firm is in downtown Boise at 702 W. Idaho St., Suite 1100. Peterson said people can call the firm at 208-810-4850 or https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/boise-law-office-offers-pro-bono-help-for-daca-recipients/article_104ce6b9-4e59-5297-86bf-fcf6d0a55147.html complete the online contact form at visacaseprep.com to schedule an appointment.

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News Clips ACLU: Many of Idaho's 3,000 DACA recipients have missed deadline to renew Gretchen Parsons and USA Today , KTVB

8:36 AM. MDT October 06, 2017

BOISE - Thursday is the deadline for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or, DACA, recipients to renew their eligibility. The "Dreamers," as they are called, were illegally brought to the U.S. as children. The Trump administration gave Dreamers 30 days to reapply if their protective status expires on or before March 18 after getting rid of the program in September. During the 30-day renewal period, local agencies like Schafer Law Firm and Concordia University of Law have offered their services free of charge to anyone looking to renew their status. With 3,000 DACA recipients living in Idaho, Leo Morales, director of Idaho’s ACLU, estimates many missed the opportunity. “I would say that there are many that didn't go through this process and the reality is that not many qualified as well,” says Morales. For Dreamers who did renew their eligibility, their protected status will only last for the next two years. Those who didn't could face deportation much sooner. “For individuals that have protective status their protective status remains until their visa expires," Morales said. "Once their visa expires they essentially go back to the original status, which is they are living here without documentation, which then makes them eligible for deportation>' Some people ask: Why don't Dreamers just become citizens? Morales says it's a process that can take decades. “Depending on what country they come from it can take upwards of 20 years to get that LPR status," he said. "And on top of that, in order to apply for citizenship you add another five years to be eligible for citizenship, so seriously it could take up to 25 years for someone to become a citizen on the current system we have." Congress has five months left to come up with a permanent solution, or else all Dreamers may face deportation. “What's devastating in this situation is that these young men and women call this country their home, and to now be put in potential process of deportation that could land them in a country they're not familiar with because all they are familiar with is our community here where they live,” Morales said. As of Wednesday evening, 118,000 renewal requests had been submitted to the Department of Homeland Security. Those numbers could still go higher because of what DHS spokesman David Lapan described as a “surge of applications received recently." Lawmakers in both parties had asked the Department of Homeland Security to extend the deadline to DACA recipients who were hit by the recent string of hurricanes in Texas, Florida, Louisiana and Puerto Rico. DHS Acting Secretary Elaine Duke allowed for a case-by-case consideration for DACA renewal requests for people in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, but the department did not budge on the other locations. MORE: U.S Department of State Visa Bulletin For October 2017 (http://www.ktvb.com/ext/news/nation-now/tens-of-thousands-of-immigrants-may-miss-deadlinefor-extending-daca-protections/277/nationnow/4yw3Ylh8Yocyg6yieoGgg8) © 2018 KTVB-TV

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Reports

News Clips Concordia University School of Law - DACA Story Sort By Date DMA

Order: Ascending

Reports

Export to Excel » KTVB (NBC) 9/28/2017 6:03:59 PM Boise, ID

Concordia University School of Law - DACA Story

KTVB News at Six Sort By Local Viewership: Order: 22,322 Date DMA Ascending

Local Publicity Value: $2,262.90

Export to Excel »

KTVB (NBC) 9/28/2017 6:03:59 PM Boise, ID KTVB News at Six Local Viewership: 22,322 KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 5:36:32 AM

Local Publicity Value: $2,262.90

Boise, ID KTVB Morning News Local Viewership: 2,674

Local Publicity Value: $163.24

KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 5:36:32 AM Boise, ID KTVB Morning News Local Viewership: 2,674 KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 6:36:25 AM

Local Publicity Value: $163.24

Boise, ID KTVB Morning News Local Viewership: 2,482

Local Publicity Value: $226.38

KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 6:36:25 AM Boise, ID KTVB Morning News Local Viewership: 2,482 KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 6:59:20 AM

Local Publicity Value: $226.38

Boise, ID KTVB Morning News Local Viewership: 2,482

Local Publicity Value: $226.38

KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 6:59:20 AM Boise, ID KTVB Morning News Local Viewership: 2,482 KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 7:56:18 AM

Local Publicity Value: $226.38

Boise, ID Today Local Viewership: 16,177

Local Publicity Value: $883.74

KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 7:56:18 AM Boise, ID Today Local Viewership: 16,177 KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 12:09:27 PM

Local Publicity Value: $883.74

Boise, ID KTVB Midday News Local Viewership: 8,945

Local Publicity Value: $914.93

KTVB (NBC) 9/29/2017 12:09:27 PM Boise, ID KTVB Midday News Local Viewership: 8,945

Local Publicity Value: $914.93

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News Clips KBOI (CBS) 9/29/2017 4:33:20 PM Boise, ID KBOI 2 News at 4:00pm Local Viewership: 5,601

Local Publicity Value: $607.38

KTVB (NBC) 10/5/2017 4:02:06 PM Boise, ID KTVB News at Four Local Viewership: 23,404

Local Publicity Value: $1,287.60

KBOI (CBS) 10/12/2017 4:09:42 PM Boise, ID KBOI 2 News at 4:00pm Local Viewership: 17,409

Local Publicity Value: $902.80

are talking the live district. we'll explain what that means in a moment. this is why it is exciting, folks at the university of concordia, the law school, this is a nice welcoming place, they will use this block for festivals, get-togethers out here on the street. they love that right out there door, and the fact that you have the -- a potential place for students to live and interact, a gorgeous location, a lot going on, over here is boise brewing. what do we mean about a live district? haley here has all the answers. Items in this report: 9 Total Local Viewership: 101,496 Total Local Market Publicity Value: $7,475.35 Copyright Â©1999 - 2018 TVEyes, Inc. All rights reserved. Questions, comments, or suggestions? Send us feedback. Privacy Policy

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�

News and Editorial Mentions Former Idaho Chief Justice and Vietnam veteran Jim Jones advocates for refugees

Retired Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Jim Jones has dedicated his retirement to helping refugees in Idaho with legal advice and by recruiting volunteer lawyers. He served as an artillery oﬃcer during the Vietnam War and lived among refugees who had ﬂed violence in their own country. Darin Oswald - doswald@idahostatesman.com BILL MANNY

For 50 years, this Vietnam vet’s heart ached for refugees. Now the retired judge is taking action. BY BILL MANNY bmanny@idahostatesman.com SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 03:39 PM UPDATED OCTOBER 02, 2017 05:18 AM

For 50 years, Jim Jones has nursed an aching heart. As a Republican attorney general, candidate for Congress and Senate, and as an Idaho Supreme Court justice, he wasn’t able to do much to ease that heartache. Since retiring from the court in January, he’s making up for lost time. He’s speaking to any organization that will have him. He’s writing for any website or publication that will print his opinions. He’s recruiting lawyers to do free legal work for refugees. And he’s helping organize legal seminars and offering refugees legal assistance himself, such as to the young man from the Congo who had his car repossessed four days after he bought it, or the woman from Yemen who faced obstacles opening a neighborhood daycare.

Beyond the legal help that people of limited means often need, refugees also often have language and cultural barriers to confront. Newcomers have little or no credit history. It’s hard to get loans. They are often trusting, and easily victimized by unscrupulous landlords, payday lenders and others. Meanwhile, he’s serving on the board of Tucker’s Jannus, whose programs offer refugees services ranging from resettlement to language to gardens to jobs and business and ﬁnancial literacy. Its other programs serve veterans, family caregivers and seniors, provide early childhood education and nutrition programs and operate Idaho’s Suicide Prevention Hotline. When Jones joined, he asked for a meeting with staffers about what refugees needed most. Then he set about doing it.

He’s working with the Idaho Law Foundation’s Volunteer Lawyer Program to boost the number of lawyers helping refugees who struggle to afford legal assistance. He’s organizing a series of information sessions on fair housing, employment and setting up small businesses.

It’s not glamorous work. At a recent Monday night forum on fair housing, Jones set out the cookies and juice in a side room on the third ﬂoor of the Boise library. But he’s heartened by the response he receives and the steady trickle of lawyers who come up to him after his presentations to say, “I want to be a part of that.”

American soldiers helped the Cao Dai orphanage buy a generator to power a new electric water pump. Provided by Jim Jones

He got the volunteer lawyers program to add a check-off box about working with refugees to the pro-bono form that Idaho lawyers ﬁll out. A simple thing, but it’s working.

“We’re deﬁnitely seeing a lot of people checking that off, giving us a new pool of volunteers,” said Anna Almerico, the program’s director. “He’s really bringing attention to the need and putting it on the radar.”

SHARING MORE THAN LEGAL ADVICE

“I told him,” Jones said of the advice he gave his young car buyer, “it isn’t a rule of our country, but just be a little careful of usedcar dealers.” Latonia Haney Keith is an assistant professor at Concordia University School of Law in Boise, and runs the school’s three free legal clinics. She’s worked with Jones on workshops to educate refugees about the rights and duties of renters under Idaho law. This means convincing people to read and understand their leases before signing, to understand their security and cleaning deposits, and the basics of being an apartment renter in American culture. That neighbor’s bike, for instance, is not communal property. “Our refugee community is one where we still have a tremendous gap, and he’s helping bridge that gap,” she said. “Having Justice Jones re-launch and reinvigorate this education effort on our behaviors and our laws is really helpful.”

Jim Jones, right, with South Vietnamese Army Lt. Thanh in Tay Ninh City. Provided by Jim Jones

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DEEP EMOTION AND FIERCE PASSION

After his service in Vietnam, Jones went to work for Idaho Sen.

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Latest news by email This afternoon's latest local news Enter Email Address SIGN UP

News and Editorial Mentions One of the project’s early stages made news in 2015, when preservationists partnered with developers to save historic houses there and move them to new sites. Now those same blocks will promote sustainability through pedestrian-friendly design, geothermal heating, street tree plantings and more.

City leaders hope that enhancements in the Central Addition will inspire people to use the streetscape as public space, in the evening hours as well as during the day. - Capital City Development Corp. BOISE & GARDEN CITY

Boiseans love 8th Street. Can the city re-create its feel in a new ‘old’ place? BY ANNA WEBB awebb@idahostatesman.com OCTOBER 11, 2017 02:48 PM UPDATED OCTOBER 16, 2017 06:27 PM

Around the turn of the last century, Boise’s Central Addition just north of Julia Davis Park was an up-and-coming neighborhood. After Union Paciﬁc laid railroad tracks on Front Street in 1903, the neighborhood changed, becoming more urban, more commercial and eventually a little run-down. Now, the Central Addition has taken on yet another identity. It’s the city’s ﬁrst “sustainable LIV district.” LIV stands for “lasting environments, “innovative enterprises” and “vibrant communities.” A survey included in the city’s February 2017 Downtown Parks and Public Spaces Master Plan found that 8th Street tops the list of things Boiseans love about the city. (Other urban spaces, the Grove Plaza, BODO and the Basque Block also made the list, along with greener spaces — the Greenbelt and city parks.)

Maureen Braley ﬁnishes up a meeting at the Concordia University School of Law in Boise's new Central Addition LIV District and gets on her bike. "I love bike commuting," she says. She likes the new bike racks, at right, in the neighborhood, "and the nice, open community feel," she says, adding that there's a good ﬂow between pedestrians and the street. Katherine Jones - kjones@idahostatesman.com

Concordia University School of Law on Front Street is one of the district’s anchors. When the school established itself in 2012 in an old warehouse on Front Street, the neighborhood was mostly undeveloped. The LIV concept was “in its infancy,” said Elena Langan, a professor and the school’s dean. But the school, along with others in the neighborhood, embraced the LIV district’s sustainability philosophy. Its buildings meet the

City leaders hope to re-create some of 8th Street’s vibrancy through a mix of public and private investment in the neighborhood bounded by Front Street to the north, Myrtle Street to the south, Capitol Boulevard to the west and Broadway Avenue

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U.S. Forest Service raising the price of its maps

 B Judge:

Home / Opinion / Columns https://idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/pro-bono-week-ldaho-lawyers-have-done-well-but-we/article_53681c9d-0c18-59fb-a974-93da3e9b4c55.html

Pro Bono 10/30/2017

Week: ldaho lawyers have but can better Pro Bono Week: ldahodone lawyers well, have done well,we but we can do do better | Columns | idahostatejournal.com

By Jim Jones Oct 26, 2017 BREAKING

U.S. Forest Service raising the price of its maps

News and Editorial Mentions

 B Judge:

Home / Opinion / Columns

https://idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/pro-bono-week-ldaho-lawyers-have-done-well-but-we/article_53681c9d-0c18-59fb-a974-93da3e9b4c55.html

Pro Bono Week: ldaho lawyers have done well, but we can do better By Jim Jones Oct 26, 2017

Chief Justice Roger Burdick has declared Oct. 22-28 as Idaho Pro Bono Week 2017. Lawyers around our fair state will participate in pro bono activities during that week. But when it is over they will continue to do what those in our profession have done since before statehood — provide free legal help to people without the resources to pay. Perhaps this is a good time to reflect on our pro bono responsibility. During my law school years (over 50 years ago), I can’t recall any discussion by professors about performing pro bono work. The oath administered during the swearing in ceremony in 1967 was my first recollection of hearing about a lawyer’s obligation to do free legal work for low-income folks. When I started a solo practice in a small town, the opportunities for doing legal work without pay seemed to be boundless. We are only speaking here of work where you don’t expect to be paid. Giving free legal helpBurdick becamehas an declared integral part my small-town practice. People would come in needing help will andparticipate you could pretty that Chief Justice Roger Oct.of22-28 as Idaho Pro Bono Week 2017. Lawyers around ourlegal fair state in pro well bonotell activities they could afford during that not week. Butit. when it is over they will continue to do what those in our profession have done since before statehood — provide free legal help to people without the resources to pay. Perhaps this is a good time to reflect on our pro bono responsibility. You could see relief in their eyes when you said you would not charge for the work. It is a good feeling. I experienced it again several months ago when a youngmy man, refugee from(over the Congo, when I told him he would by notprofessors have to pay for my work in recovering a car The that oath had been improperly During lawaschool years 50 yearsteared ago), up I can’t recall any discussion about performing pro bono work. administered repossessed by a used car dealer.in 1967 was my first recollection of hearing about a lawyer’s obligation to do free legal work for low-income folks. during the swearing in ceremony During yearsaof public and private practice, some of my most for rewarding workwork has without been in pay pro bono cases. When I 50 started solo practice in a small town, the opportunities doing legal seemed to be boundless. We are only speaking here of work where you don’t expect to be paid. Idaho lawyers have been generous with their help. Idaho Legal Aid provided 18,994 hours of free legal services last year; Idaho lawyers performed Program in 2016; andcome volunteer lawyers provided 1,134 service federal 14,330 hours of legal service through the part Idaho Lawyers Giving free legal help became an integral ofVolunteer my small-town practice. People would in needing legal help and youhours couldof pretty wellintell that court cases. they could not afford it. Idaho’s lawsee schools have done by you instilling prowould bono not ethic in their University Idaho law students hours You could relief in their eyeswell when said ayou charge forstudents. the work.Last It isyear, a good feeling. of I experienced it again spent several7,289 months agodoing when pro bonoman, work,a and Concordia students faculty performed 2,303 prohave bono 2016-17 a young refugee from the Congo,and teared up when I told him hehours wouldofnot toservice pay forinmy work inacademic recoveringyear. a car that had been improperly repossessed by a used car dealer. This does not count the many pro bono hours that lawyers in every corner of the state performed for people who did not go through a referral agency, or programs such ITLA’s street lawpractice, clinics. some of my most rewarding work has been in pro bono cases. During 50 years ofas public and private Justicelawyers Robyn have Brodybeen has generous taken overwith as Chair of theIdaho Pro Bono hashours a strong commitment to pro bono service has commission Idaho their help. LegalCommission. Aid provided She 18,994 of free legal services last year; Idahoand lawyers performed members to work withservice who are dedicated to Week: serving low lawyers income Idahoans. 10/30/2017 Prothe Bono ldaho have done well, but weand can do better | Columns idahostatejournal.com 14,330 hours of legal through Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program in 2016; volunteer lawyers |provided 1,134 hours of service in federal court cases. I express my great thanks to those with whom I have served on the commission and look forward to working with them in the refugee pro bono program that is getting underway to provide both hands-on legal help to refugees and seminars on how they can adjust to the Idaho legal landscape. Idaho’s law schools have done well by instilling a pro bono ethic in their students. Last year, University of Idaho law students spent 7,289 hours doing https://idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/pro-bono-week-ldaho-lawyers-have-done-well-but-we/article_53681c9d-0c18-59fb-a974-93da3e9b4c55.html 1/3 pro bono work, and Concordia students andto faculty hours more of proof bono in 2016-17 academic year.need but can’t afford the As we move forward, I encourage attorneys think performed of how you2,303 can devote yourservice legal talent to helping those who service. There are numerous opportunities to help. Attorneys should contact IVLP or Legal Aid to say you will handle cases generally or in a specific This doesarea-consumer not count the many pro bono hoursimmigration, that lawyersand in every corner of the state performed for people who did not go through a referral agency, practice law, family practice, the like. or programs such as ITLA’s street law clinics. Take inspiration from those like Maria Andrade, who performs hundreds of hours of pro bono each year (a phenomenal 1,112 hours since 1-1-15). Or Justice Robyn Brodywho has devotes taken over Chair of the Pro Bono Commission. She has aand strong commitment bono service and Alliance. has commission Capt. Steve Stokes, hisas days to energetically helping service personnel veterans through to thepro Idaho Military Legal Or Micron’s members to work with who are dedicated topro serving income Idahoans. Legal Department, which contributed 461.5 bonolow hours in 2016. Step forward during Pro Bono Week 2017 and each week thereafter to serve the less fortunate for the sole reward of their gratitude. https://idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/pro-bono-week-ldaho-lawyers-have-done-well-but-we/article_53681c9d-0c18-59fb-a974-93da3e9b4c55.html Idahoans who are in need of legal assistance should contact the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program via its website or by calling 208-334-4500; or visit 1/3

Idaho Legal Aid Services at IdahoLegalAid.org. Former Chief Justice Jim Jones is an Idaho native, who grew up on his family’s farm in Eden. He served in the U.S. Army, including a 13-month tour in Vietnam, receiving several decorations. Justice Jones was elected as Idaho Attorney General in 1982, serving two terms. Following the completion of his second term, he established a private law practice in Boise, which he maintained until being elected to the Idaho Supreme Court in 2004. He was reelected in 2010 and became chief justice in 2015 by a vote of his peers. He retired earlier this year. Online

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Op-Ed Placement

By Letters to the editor

BY MCKAY CUNNINGHAM

OPINION

When legislators redraw voting districts, voting is turned on its head. Instead of voters choosing their legislators, the legislators choose their voters. This process of redrawing electoral districts to beneﬁt the legislators of one political party over another is called partisan gerrymandering.

When legislators choose their voters: Guest opinion

Updated Oct 16, 2017; The name "gerrymandering" derives from Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry, who in 1812 PostedanOct 15, 2017 redrew election district so grotesque and salamander-like as to coin the term. By Letters to the editor

BY MCKAY CUNNINGHAM Save have been gerrymandering since at least the early 1800s, the practice has Although politicians recently reached fever pitch. the 2016 elections for the of Representatives, average When legislators a redraw votingIn districts, voting is turned onHouse its head. Instead of votersthe choosing electoral margin of victory was 37.1 percent. Of 435 contests, a margin of 5 percent or less arose in their legislators, the legislators choose their voters. This process of redrawing electoral districts to only 17. benefit the legislators of one political party over another is called partisan gerrymandering. Suchname landslide elections, insuring that those in power remain so, might be expected of autocratic The "gerrymandering" derives from Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry, who in 1812 nationsan that are democracies in name only, here. But it is as hard deny facts. National polls redrew election district so grotesque andnot salamander-like to to coin thethe term. show approval of Congress between 10 percent and 15 percent, but only 8 of 435 House seats turned over in 2016. Although politicians have been gerrymandering since at least the early 1800s, the practice has Perhaps telling, Americans want legislators drawing electoral maps. In Virginia, one recently most reached a fever pitch. In do thenot 2016 elections for the House of Representatives, the average study showed 74 percent supported district lines drawn by an independent board rather than state electoral margin of victory was 37.1 percent. Of 435 contests, a margin of 5 percent or less arose in legislators. Even voters who benefited from gerrymandering rejected it. These studies illustrate only 17. gerrymandering's central dilemma: Those responsible for resisting it are those who most directly benefit from it. elections, Legislators, in short, have little to temper self-interest in redistricting. Such landslide insuring that those in incentive power remain so, might be expected of autocraticNo law counterbalances the temptation of assured reelection and a manufactured party majority.polls nations that are democracies in name only, not here. But it is hard to deny the facts. National show approval of Congress between 10 percent and 15 percent, but only 8 of 435 House seats turned over in 2016. Perhaps most telling, Americans do not want legislators drawing electoral maps. In Virginia, one study showed 74 percent supported district lines drawn by an independent board rather than state legislators. Even voters who benefited from gerrymandering rejected it. These studies illustrate gerrymandering's central dilemma: Those responsible for resisting it are those who most directly benefit from it. Legislators, in short, have little incentive to temper self-interest in redistricting. No law counterbalances the temptation of assured reelection and a manufactured party majority. With legislators unwilling to forbear, the possibility of reform has fallen to the courts. The Supreme Court says that excessive gerrymandering violates the Constitution in theory. But the court refuses to decide gerrymandering claims, insisting that it's not the court's responsibility. According to the court, disputes about redistricting should be handled by legislators or some other government office. As a result, gerrymandering has persisted largely because of legislative self-interest and judicial abdication. The Supreme Court's silence, however, will soon be tested. For the first time in more than 30 years, a federal court broke silence and struck down a state's redistricting map. The court With legislators unwilling to forbear, the possibility of reform has fallen to the courts. The Supreme Court says that excessive gerrymandering violates the Constitution in theory. But the court refuses to decide gerrymandering claims, insisting that it's not the court's responsibility. According to the court, disputes about redistricting should be handled by legislators or some other government office.

As a result, gerrymandering has persisted largely because of legislative self-interest and judicial THECourt's VELTEX BUILDING, 420 MAIN SUITE BOISE, 36WEST abdication. The Supreme silence, however, will soon be STREET, tested. For the 205 ﬁrst| time in IDAHO more 83702 shares than 30 years, a federal court broke silence and struck down a state's redistricting map. The court

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held that the state's gerrymandered districts violated the Constitution. The Supreme Court has granted review, heard argument, and will decide this term whether it is proper for the judiciary to decide gerrymandering claims. To my mind, that question has a ready answer. Courts validly intervene when they do to ensure democracy's proper functioning. Historically, the Supreme Court has intervened to protect the constitutional right to vote. The court has intervened to ensure that votes were properly counted and not diluted by stuffed ballot boxes. The court has intervened to scrutinize voting restrictions, including poll taxes, literacy tests, property ownership and photo identification. In so doing, the held that Court the state's gerrymandered districts Supreme Court Supreme has stressed that "the right ofviolated suffragethe is aConstitution. fundamentalThe matter in a free andhas granted review, heard argument, and will decide this term whether it is proper for the judiciary to democratic society," and that "any infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully decide gerrymandering claims. and meticulously scrutinized."

Op-Ed Placement

To my mind, that question has a ready answer. Courts validly intervene when they do to ensure democracy's proper functioning. Historically, the Supreme Court has intervened to protect the constitutional right to vote. The court has intervened to ensure that votes were properly counted and not diluted by stuffed ballot boxes. The court has intervened to scrutinize voting restrictions, including poll taxes, literacy tests, property ownership and photo identification. In so doing, the Supreme Court has stressed that "the right of suffrage is a fundamental matter in a free and democratic society," and that "any infringement of the right of citizens to vote must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized." Gerrymandering is just such an infringement. It cuts at the heart of the right to vote. It must be carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Doing so is one of the Supreme Court's central responsibilities, one that the court will hopefully take to heart this term as it considers once again gerrymandering's lawfulness.

OPINION

When legislators choose their voters: Guest opinion

McKay Cunningham lives in Boise and is an associate professor at the Concordia University School of Law.

Updated Oct 16, 2017; Posted Oct 15, 2017

Save

Share your opinion

Gerrymandering is just such an infringement. It cuts at the heart of the right to vote. It must be Submit your 500-word essay on a highly topical issue or a theme of particular relevance to the Paciﬁc Northwest, Oregon and the Portland area to commentary@oregonlive.com. Please include your email and phone number for veriﬁcation. carefully and meticulously scrutinized. Doing so is one of the Supreme Court's central responsibilities, one that the court will hopefully take to heart this term as it considers once again gerrymandering's lawfulness. Ad

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5th & Front Brand Narrative BACKGROUND

Prior to the launch of 5th & Front, Concordia’s pro-bono legal clinic, we worked with Concordia leadership to develop the name for the clinic and write a Brand Narrative, which helps shape the story and messaging that Concordia will tell about this element of their work. This is not a publicfacing document, but is a building block in the process of determining how to tell the 5th & Front story..

BRAND NARRATIVE

Often felt as both a calling and a pursuit, servant leadership posits that service to others is the truest expression of leadership. In this spirit, 5th & Front’s foundation of servant leadership integrates three formative experiences for its law students and alumni: meaningful community engagement, rigorous legal education, and hands-on, small-practice training. Rooted in Concordia University’s Lutheran values, the clearest expression of our servant leadership ethos is our community work. We serve low-income, modest-means, and underrepresented individuals and communities with intentionality, purpose, and conviction. We provide the vision and the means for bridging the justice gap. Through technology, outreach, and collaborative partnerships, 5th & Front’s work will extend beyond Boise and throughout Idaho, inspiring similar efforts throughout the country. 5th & Front blends theory and practice in ways that enhance the law school’s high-quality legal education as well as an understanding of the social responsibilities that come with being an attorney. We graduate morally principled, highly skilled people who will serve their communities as lawyers and business and civic leaders. Our classroom, courtroom, and clinic learning environments are led by experienced faculty who also practice law. 5th & Front prides itself on its combination of education, advocacy, service, and mentorship. We learn by serving; faculty, graduates, and students work side by side to serve the highest-need people in our community. Because it is an academically rigorous and community-focused resource, 5th & Front helps students and recent graduates learn and hone the practical skills needed for success in the legal ﬁeld, including how to start and manage a small practice. Regardless of how graduates choose to work in and serve the legal community, they will leave 5th & Front professionally prepared, culturally competent, and with a deeper understanding of the importance and impact of pro-bono work and modest-means service.

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Brand Narrative (Cont’d)

Often felt as both a calling and a pursuit, servant leadership posits that service to others is the truest expression of leadership. In this spirit, 5th & Front’s foundation of servant leadership integrates three formative experiences for its law students and alumni: meaningful community engagement, rigorous legal education, and hands-on, small-practice training. Rooted in Concordia University’s Lutheran values, the clearest expression of our servant leadership ethos is our community work. We serve low-income, modest-means, and underrepresented individuals and communities with intentionality, purpose, and conviction. We provide the vision and the means for bridging the justice gap. Through technology, outreach, and collaborative partnerships, 5th & Front’s work will extend beyond Boise and throughout Idaho, inspiring similar efforts throughout the country. 5th & Front blends theory and practice in ways that enhance the law school’s high-quality legal education as well as an understanding of the social responsibilities that come with being an attorney. We graduate morally principled, highly skilled people who will serve their communities as lawyers and business and civic leaders. Our classroom, courtroom, and clinic learning environments are led by experienced faculty who also practice law. 5th & Front prides itself on its combination of education, advocacy, service, and mentorship. We learn by serving; faculty, graduates, and students work side by side to serve the highest-need people in our community. Because it is an academically rigorous and community-focused resource, 5th & Front helps students and recent graduates learn and hone the practical skills needed for success in the legal ﬁeld, including how to start and manage a small practice. Regardless of how graduates choose to work in and serve the legal community, they will leave (The Center) professionally prepared, culturally competent, and with a deeper understanding of the importance and impact of pro-bono work and modest-means service.

Our results demonstrate what can happen when servant leaders dedicate themselves to a legacy of social change. We are committed to meeting the most urgent needs of our neighbors, while supplementing a ﬁrst-rate legal education for our students. Service to others and one’s own development are not mutually exclusive pursuits; rather, it is through serving others that we better ourselves and infuse our lives with purpose. Recognizing this, we utilize a servant leadership model as our north star for curriculum, programming, and outreach. In so doing, we cultivate and inspire a new generation of attorneys, preparing them not only for exemplary work in the legal profession but also for selﬂess advocacy that advances the greater social good.

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Brand Narrative (Cont’d)

MESSAGE FRAMEWORK

What: 5th & Front enhances Concordia University School of Law’s legal education by offering professional experiences and employment opportunities for students and alumni, who then provide much-needed legal services to low-income and modest-means individuals and communities. Why: Communities need ethical, well-prepared lawyers and business leaders who, as servant leaders, work to close the justice gap and improve the lives of those in need. How: 5th & Front combines education, community work, and practical experience to further its mission of advancing the legal training of participants, instilling cultural competency, providing mentorship and career opportunities, and fostering a commitment to servant leadership beyond its walls. 5th & Front Is Inventive: As a community-based and community-focused resource, 5th & Front will offer entrepreneurial, innovative ways for its students and faculty to better understand, represent, and serve individuals in need. 5th & Front Is Nimble: The servant leadership ethos and structure of 5th & Front will allow it to grow and adapt in response to new and emerging community needs. 5th & Front Is Distinguished: 5th & Front is well regarded, well known, and inspiring to others because of the authenticity of its mission, the quality of its academic and practical training for both students and graduates, the strength of its faculty, and its measurable impact on the community.

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Brand Narrative (Cont’d) BENEFIT STATEMENTS

5th & Front’s high-caliber faculty and servant leadership ethos ensure that its students graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue rewarding, community-focused careers. 5th & Front prepares its students by having them provide pro-bono work and modest-means services to community members who may otherwise not have access to legal representation or legal resources. 5th & Front mindfully and intentionally trains a new generation of civic-minded attorneys by incorporating servant leadership into its curriculum, programming, and community work. 5th & Front provides legal services to the community, and to low-income and modest-means individuals in particular, that help close the social justice gap. 5th & Front serves and leads the broader community through legal advice, advocacy, training, and mentoring. 5th & Front provides its students with a high-quality education as well as with the training and experience necessary for graduates to live and lead rich, meaningful lives based on an ethos of servant leadership.

INSTITUTIONAL LEGACY

Concordia University has a rich history of providing a rigorous education, founded in and guided by Lutheran values, that also incorporates a strong commitment to servant leadership. The Concordia University School of Law, established in 2012, continues that legacy by educating and training morally principled, highly skilled professionals who will work as lawyers and business and civic leaders. As an important component of both the School of Law and the larger Concordia University community, 5th & Front continues Concordia’s mission by combining a rigorous curriculum, practical experience, mentorship opportunities, and training in cultural competency for its students while also providing pro-bono work and modest-means legal services to community members. 5th & Front strives to ensure that the School of Law’s faculty, staff, and students honor Concordia University’s Lutheran identity and history. Those connected to and served by 5th & Front mutually beneﬁt from a shared commitment to social justice, servant leadership, and a more just society.

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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: November 2, 2017 Kelci Lucier (208) 695-8189 kelcil@strategies360.com Concordia University School of Law Launches 5th & Front, Home to Community-Based and Community-Focused Services and Programs (BOISE, ID)—On October 27, 2017, Concordia University School of Law formally launched 5th & Front, the law school’s new home for its extensive portfolio of community-based and community-focused services and programs. Located on the Concordia Law campus in downtown Boise, 5th & Front provides access to justice for underserved populations—including juveniles, veterans, immigrants, refugees, and families living in poverty. Services offered cover a wide range of legal issues, including housing, asylum and citizenship, criminal law, wills and estate planning, and family advocacy. Approximately 75 students, faculty, staff, community members, members of the media, and government representatives attended the launch event. “We are excited to formally introduce 5th & Front to the community,” said Dean Elena Langan. “Concordia University School of Law currently offers rigorous legal training to our students through extensive pro-bono and lowbono services, which include our housing clinic, immigration clinic, and externship programs. Moving forward, 5th & Front will serve as the umbrella under which these services are offered by our students, faculty, and community partners.” As a Lutheran institution with a strong commitment to servant leadership, Concordia University School of Law has a specific mission to prepare leaders for the transformation of society. Since opening as Boise’s first law school in 2012, the institution estimates its students have provided nearly $4 million in pro-bono services to the community. More information about 5th and Front can be found at https://law.cu-portland.edu/5th-front. ### ABOUT CONCORDIA LAW Concordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho, is part of Concordia University, a nonprofit, Lutheran, liberal arts university based in Portland, Ore., with a mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society. Founded in 1905, Concordia University serves more than 5,000 students on campus and online through its College of Education, College of Health & Human Services, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Management and School of Law. Concordia University School of Law and the George R. White Law Library opened with its inaugural class of students in fall of 2012. For more information visit http://law.cuportland.edu.

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Talking Points Key Talking Points Concordia University School of Law 5th & Front Launch Event INTERNAL USE ONLY Key Message: 5th & Front is the home of Concordia University School of Lawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive portfolio of community-based and community-focused services and programs.

5th & Front enhances Concordia University School of Lawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal education by offering professional experiences and opportunities for students and alumni, who then provide much-needed legal services to Treasure Valley low-income and modest-means individuals and communities. 5th & Front combines education, community work, and practical experience to further its mission of advancing legal training, instilling cultural competency, providing mentorship and career opportunities, and fostering a commitment to servant leadership in Boise and beyond. Communities need ethical, well-prepared lawyers and business leaders who, as servant leaders, work to close the justice gap and improve the lives of those in need. Programs and initiatives include: Housing clinic Immigration clinic Street law clinic (housed at Boise Public Library!) Student externship program Jack McMahon Pro Bono Service Impact Award Richard C. Fields Civility Award Richard C. and Shirley I. Fields Transformation of Society Scholarship 5th & Front Fellows (in development) Each Concordia University School of Law student is required to complete 50 hours of pro-bono work prior to graduation, although the vast majority go above and beyond this number. All law student work done through 5th & Front is under the supervision of a fully licensed attorney. 5th & Front: Where Law and Social Justice Meet

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Op-Ed A Critical Time for Servant Leadership By Elena Langan Dean, Concordia University School of Law As dean of Concordia University School of Law, I often reflect on how our institution can best fulfill our mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society. We have a strong and intentional commitment to servant leadership, where we believe we can best provide leadership to our Boise, Treasure Valley, and Idaho neighbors through service. As a nonprofit, Lutheran institution, our school feels a high level of responsibility for living out our values and mission. In our classrooms, we explore complicated legal issues and how they impact people and communities. We teach how to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals, organizations, and businesses. And we explore the larger social question of how the law can work to ensure equality for all. In our community, we look for how we can best meet specific local needs while also educating civic-minded lawyers. The United Way of Treasure Valley noted in its ALICE report last year that 37 percent of Idaho’s population is living either below the U.S. poverty level or making less than the basic cost of living for the state. If 37 percent of our fellow Idahoans can’t afford the basic necessities, they certainly can’t afford legal counsel when they face housing discrimination, need assistance with a will, encounter an immigration difficulty, or otherwise need access to legal services. In fact, the American Bar Association reports that over 20% of Idaho’s residents are eligible for legal aid. In 2014 alone, Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS) assisted nearly 6,000 Idahoans—including over 2,500 children. Family and housing issues accounted for 65% of ILAS’s total caseload that same year. I have been fortunate to discover my servant leadership opportunity in this nexus between clear community needs and my current position at Boise’s first law school. As dean, I’m in a unique role to encourage our students, staff, and faculty to pursue a life of meaning, purpose, and passion. My own servant leadership manifests in my commitment to ensuring our institution provides a high-quality education and rigorous training to ethical people who will serve their communities as lawyers and business and civic leaders. At Concordia, we don’t want to simply graduate attorneys; we want to work with and honor our Boise and Treasure Valley neighbors by serving them and our shared community. On October 27th, we formally launched 5th & Front. Located on campus in the heart of downtown Boise, 5th & Front is the home of our extensive portfolio of community-based and community-focused services and programs. The faculty, staff, and students—our servant leaders—all work to provide access to justice for underserved populations, including juveniles, veterans, immigrants, refugees, and families living in poverty. In addition to participating in a street clinic run by the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, we also fully run a housing clinic and an immigration clinic that provide pro-bono and low-bono services to those in need. We are partnering with community organizations, such as Idaho Military Legal Alliance, Life’s Kitchen, Family Advocates, and Women’s and Children’s Alliance, to ensure that our services are streamlined and collaborative in nature. Moving forward, 5th & Front will house these initiatives as well as others that we launch in the future to meet both current and emerging community needs. On days when the work of the law seems most challenging, I am proud to join hands with our law school, our community partners, our legal advocates, and our broader community in the name of service. Elena Langan is dean of the Concordia University School of Law in Boise.

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Op-Ed Placement

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News Clips

� Facing eviction? Deportation? Law students in Boise offer free legal help 1:41 Concordia Law School’s library in Downtown Boise is now a place where people who are too poor to aﬀord a lawyer, yet don’t qualify for government assistance can ﬁnd help in a time of desperation. Listen as Latonia Haney Keith, associate professor and director of clinical education at Concordia describes the program. Kyle Green kgreen@idahostatesman.com BUSINESS INSIDER

These law students offer free legal help in Boise to tenants and immigrants BY RUTH BROWN rbrown@idahostatesman.com NOVEMBER 16, 2017 06:10 PM UPDATED NOVEMBER 20, 2017 01:59 PM

Concordia Law School’s library in Downtown Boise is now a place where people who are too poor to afford a lawyer, yet don’t qualify for government assistance can ﬁnd help in a time of desperation. Here they can meet with someone who just might be able to help. This is where the school’s law students provide free legal help to immigrants, including refugees from war-torn countries; and tenants who often are living in pest-infested homes or on the verge of homelessness. They don’t know their rights. They don’t understand their options. They’re often misinformed. That’s where Latonia Haney Keith comes in. An associate professor and director of clinical education at Concordia, Haney Keith directs two student-led law clinics that provide one-on-one assistance and a third in which students work in courtrooms helping Boise city prosecutors with misdemeanor cases and infractions.

� Facing eviction? Deportation? Law students in Boise offer free legal help Concordia Law School’s library in Downtown Boise is now a place where people who are too poor to aﬀord a lawyer, yet don’t qualify for government assistance can ﬁnd help in a time of desperation. Listen as Latonia Haney Keith, associate professor and director of clinical education at Concordia describes the program. Kyle Green kgreen@idahostatesman.com

“In the future I think we’d like to expand that so we’re both on the prosecutor’s side and on the public defender’s side,” Haney Keith says.

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These law students offer free legal help in Boise to tenants and immigrants BY RUTH BROWN rbrown@idahostatesman.com NOVEMBER 16, 2017 06:10 PM UPDATED NOVEMBER 20, 2017 01:59 PM

“In the future I think we’d like to expand that so we’re both on the prosecutor’s side and on the public defender’s side,” Haney Keith says.

The nonproﬁt side of the law Breaking The housing clinic typically handlesNews people facing eviction, residences that are uninhabitable and people who’ve had their Be the first to know when big news breaks security deposits wrongfully withheld. Enter Email Address

The immigration clinic mostly helps unaccompanied minors seeking asylum and other undocumented immigrants. Last month, SIGN UP students helped as Boise’s Schaefer Law Firm assisted recipients of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. President Donald Trump had announced plans to phase out the DACA program, and recipients faced an Oct. 5 deadline for renewals. The housing and immigration clinics operate throughout the The ofby the law schoolnonproﬁt year to helpside clients appointment after referrals. Students use study rooms intypically the library in thepeople school facing on Front Street to The housing clinic handles eviction, meet with clients. residences that are uninhabitable and people who’ve had their security deposits wrongfully withheld. In the criminal law clinic, students help Boise city prosecutors with trafﬁc infractions misdemeanors. The process offers The immigration clinic and mostly helps unaccompanied minors experience as well teaching students how to be thoughtful seeking asylum andasother undocumented immigrants. Last month, when using prosecutorial students helped as Boise’sdiscretion. Schaefer Law Firm assisted recipients of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. President Donald Trump had announced plans to phase out the DACA program, and recipients faced an Oct. 5 deadline for renewals.

The housing and immigration clinics operate throughout the THE VELTEX BUILDING, 420 WEST MAIN STREET, SUITE 205 | BOISE, IDAHO 83702 STRATEGIES360.COM school year to help clients by appointment after referrals. Students use study rooms in the library in the school on Front Street to meet with clients.

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News Clips More clinics might come soon. Providing free legal aid to the disadvantaged drives Haney Keith. A Harvard law grad, she ran a worldwide pro bono practice at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, a Chicago firm, and was honored with the Chicago Bar Foundation’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award. She came to Concordia, a Lutheran university, in 2015 to help build a pro-bono program from the ground up. The needs are great, she says, and the clinics, however helpful, can just begin to meet them. “The fear of [homelessness], the lack of affordable housing, [and knowing that] no matter what we do moving mountains, we cannot find housing — that keeps me up at night,” she says. “I would not be attracted to the for-profit space. I’m much more attracted to the nonprofit side of the law.”

happens when you touch a person, and not just these hypothetical cases or cases you read in a book?” The clinics help relieve some of the burden facing the nonprofit Idaho Legal Aid Services Inc., which is Boise’s primary provider of free legal services. “The income qualification for Legal Aid is [a maximum of] 125 percent of the federal poverty line, which is very, very low,” Haney Keith says. That’s $15,075 for an individual and $30,750 for a family of four in 2017, according to information from the Legal Services Corporation, a publicly funded nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to support and fund legal aid programs nationally. “Individuals of modest means ... can’t afford an attorney.” All students working at these law clinics have completed at least 60 credits, or two years of law school, which allows them to get a limited license from the Idaho State Bar to practice law with supervision. Some students receive credit for helping; others volunteer by choice.

Students step up Ben Monaghan, a third-year law student, volunteers at the housing clinic. “(Clients) are coming in here with massive amounts of stress on their shoulders and they’re worried about getting evicted, or their kids getting sick,” he says.

Third year law student Becky Taylor-Brooks oﬀers legal advice to one of her clients during a free housing clinic session at Concordia Law in Boise. She explained that a lot of times people don’t understand their rights when they come to the clinic and just need advice. That’s what she and the other students strive to do when helping those in need. Darin Oswald - doswald@idahostatesman.com

Offering free legal aid From 2015 to 2017, the housing clinic completed roughly 3,500 hours of free legal aid. The immigration clinic provided more than 1,000 hours of service in 2017. The university estimates that since the Boise school opened in 2012, students have provided $4 million worth of services for free.

Helping them is itself rewarding: “...To be able to sit down with them, talk it through with them, and at the end say, ‘I don’t know if we can help, I don’t know if we can make an impact and change the outcome, but we’re going to try.’ And just the look of relief on their faces is so powerful, and they’re so grateful.” Becky Taylor-Brooks, another third-year student in the housing clinic, has had clients who were previously homeless and ﬁghting to avoid the street again. “I don’t see a lot (of options) for a tenant who can’t afford a lawyer,” Taylor-Brooks says. “So what they do is go with what they’re told. And sometimes the landlord’s correct and sometimes the landlord’s misunderstood the law.”

It’s invaluable experience, Haney Keith says. “The beginning of law school is all about books, all about theory, all about doctrine of law, and we have to then ﬁgure out how you translate that into practice,” Haney Keith says. “What really

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News Clips

Fourth year Concordia Law students David Taylor and Stacey Beaumont work on housing and immigration cases that resulted from consultations at free clinics held at the school. Both Taylor and Beaumont work and attend school, but still ﬁnd time to help at the law clinics. They know it will make them better attorneys, but they also ﬁnd it rewarding. Kyle Green - kgreen@idahostatesman.com

Educating the community and lawyers Concordia Law Dean Elena Langan says the school intends to roll out additional opportunities, including an initiative it calls 5th and Front to offer legal help to veterans, homeless people and victims of domestic violence. For example, students may help homeless veterans with bench warrants or misdemeanor charges related to sleeping in the park, or with minor issues that prevent them from receiving housing. Langan hopes that such aid could help break the cycle of homelessness. Other students will have externships with government agencies, such as the public defender’s ofﬁce. Eventually, the school wants students and staff to travel to rural areas on a “justice bus.” “We want students here who will go out and make a difference in the community,” she says. Haney Keith hopes the law students will be leaders who serve throughout their careers. “When they leave my doors I want them to still understand how to practice law, but also be willing to give back to the community,” she says.

Ruth Brown: 208-377-6207, @RuthBrownNews. This story is part special coverage of the business of law in the Nov. 15-Dec. 19, 2017, edition of the Statesman’s Business Insider magazine.

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News Clips 1/9/2018

A word with Latonia Keith of Concordia University’s Fifth and Front Center – Idaho Business Review

A word with Latonia Keith of Concordia University’s Fifth and Front Center 

By: Anne Wallace Allen  December 18, 2017

 Comments Offon A word with Latonia Keith of Concordia University’s Fifth and Front Center

Latonia Keith is director of clinical education and an assistant professor at Concordia University’s 5yearold law school in Boise. She coordinates the school’s Fifth and Front Center, a physical and administrative headquarters for Concordia’s free and lowcost legal service programs in the community. Latonia Haney Keith poses for a photo in the library at Concordia University Law School in downtown Boise on Dec. 6. Photo by Glenn Landberg.

Keith’s background is in accounting and finance, and she started out as a transaction lawyer at a large firm in Chicago before another Chicago firm hired her to build its worldwide pro bono practice.

Keith moved to Boise three years ago when her husband, also a lawyer, was hired by St. Luke’s Health System, and Concordia Law Dean Cathy Silak asked her to lead clinical education at the new law school. Concordia created Fifth and Front this fall as a way to give students clinical practice while providing pro bono legal services to the community. Idaho’s system of free and lowcost legal services, especially for people involved in legal disputes with landlords or in other civil matters, is not robust. Idaho is one of very few states that does not provide funding to pay for legal services for lowincome people. While criminal defendants have a right to representation, people who are involved in civil suits do not. Idaho Legal Aid, which has a budget of $2.8 million and 45 staff in seven regional offices, provides some free and lowcost legal services. But the Trump Administration is seeking to eliminate the primary federal funding that supports Idaho Legal Aid, and without it, Idaho Legal Aid’s director says the agency could not continue. Keith spent some time talking with Idaho Business Review about the new center at Concordia. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. What has led to your interest in pro bono work? I grew up in a military family; my father was in the Air Force for many years, and my parents always had this thought that as we did better as a family, we should be giving back. In law school, I had a finance and accounting background, and consulted overseas for Sprint doing joint venture analysis. My plan was to get a JD/MBA and go back on the transactional side of the law. But you come into law school and get exposed to many different things. I was originally doing financial transactions, but always had a pro bono practice where I did a lot of immigration work, death penalty, and general civil work. What’s the status of legal aid services in Idaho right now? There are not a lot of legal aid lawyers in Idaho. And there are strict guidelines on who Legal Aid can serve; it’s only individuals at 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. That is an individual making $14,000. That means individuals who are kind of lowincome cannot get legal assistance; they can’t afford counsel. They are pro se, which essentially means they’ll have to go into court by themselves and advocate for their own rights. In something like housing, their opponent will more than likely have a lawyer. A lot of our landlords are de facto lawyers because they’ve been in the courtroom so many times they know the system. The power imbalance is very https://idahobusinessreview.com/2017/12/18/a-word-with-latonia-keith-of-concordia-universitys-ﬁfth-and-front-center/

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News Clips 1/9/2018

A word with Latonia Keith of Concordia University’s Fifth and Front Center – Idaho Business Review

stark.

This is not a great deal for the tenants, and it’s harmful overall because it means that our laws aren’t being adequately or fairly applied in that system. Judges are neutral parties, and even if they want to, they can’t advocate on behalf of the tenants. They have to make a ruling based on the evidence in front of them. If the landlord is able to put forth the evidence in the right way, the case doesn’t go the tenant’s way. There are lots of statistics out there that show the difference between an individual walking in pro se, or with a lawyer. In terms of outcomes they are vastly different. Is this just a problem for individuals, or is there a larger effect? Think about the housing crisis. If people don’t have stable housing, we end up with individuals who are on our streets, who can’t hold jobs, who do not have a stable income, and who can’t give back. Those are also the people loitering outside our businesses. There is also an impact on children that cycles through. We have landlords who approach us asking us to educate them. They want to do the right thing. We don’t view all landlords as bad; that’s really not the case; we understand that there are issues where if a tenant is not paying, the landlord has every right to the rent. We’re just trying to make sure we don’t end up turning that individual out on the street. We try to find some way for landlord to be repaid and give the tenant more time to find housing. Sometimes it’s just a cooler head coming into that situation and making sure both parties can walk away happy. This is about having productive members of society, so an individual can get on their feet and get a job. What kind of community do we want? Do we want to embrace everyone and be sure they can be productive and get jobs, and continue to see our economy thrive? The more we turn our face away from individuals because they are the ones struggling, the more we’ll see the homeless population increase, and violence in our community increase. Do all lawyers do pro bono work? At the firms, absolutely. Large law firms used to have 2,000 billable hours a year, and 3 percent of that was dedicated to pro bono work. That was around 2005, and then that continued to build. The Pro Bono Institute was developed to help The American Lawyer when ranking firms. That’s when you started seeing firms hire pro bono counsel, to make sure every lawyer was giving back. On the criminal side of the system, you have a right to an attorney, but not on the civil side. It’s very limited. Pro bono work is part of the American Bar Association standards for education. At Concordia, 50 hours of pro bono work during the course of the three years is mandatory for all students because it helps them understand the practice of law. We can teach them doctrinal theory every day, but in the clinic they can learn client interviewing skills, how to advocate in court, how to negotiate, how sit across from the landlord and opposing counsel, and how to manage client expectations. Pro bono work is the ideal of everyone’s career. We are a unique and privileged profession, and the law is wrapped up in every aspect of what we do as a society. It behooves us to give back to individuals who are not able to afford our counsel. How do you find clients for Fifth and Front? Front Street is one of the public interest organizations that works as a collective with the other organizations like Idaho Legal Aid and the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program. We help with the triage, because we know which organizations in the community are able to serve which populations. We have an immigration clinic and do a lot of that work here. Before, there weren’t a lot of lawyers on the tenant side in the courtroom. Now when you go into eviction court, they are used to seeing us there. What’s next? We’re thinking about a community court that’s been developed across the country to help our veteran population to kind of decriminalize homelessness. For example, if an individual gets tickets for an open container, it’s hard for https://idahobusinessreview.com/2017/12/18/a-word-with-latonia-keith-of-concordia-universitys-ﬁfth-and-front-center/

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News Clips 1/9/2018

A word with Latonia Keith of Concordia University’s Fifth and Front Center – Idaho Business Review

them to get housing or employment. So we’d work with the criminal justice system to remove barriers so they can be productive members of society. The vast majority of the legal aid work is in the Treasure Valley, because all the lawyers are here; we have a huge rural justice problem and we are thinking about starting a mobile street law clinic in a bus. We are just scratching the surface of need nationally, and maybe even less in Idaho because our pro bono ethic is still growing.

ABOUT ANNE WALLACE ALLEN Anne Wallace Allen is the editor of the Idaho Business Review.

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� Frank Myers' friends didn't want this veteran and neighbor to be forgotten Frank died July 18, 2017, and his extended family of friends and neighbors went out of their way to make sure he will be remembered. Bill Manny bmanny@idahostatesman.com

News and Editorial Mentions BILL MANNY

Discouraged by 2017? Here are some people I met who should change your mind BY BILL MANNY bmanny@idahostatesman.com DECEMBER 29, 2017 02:35 PM UPDATED JANUARY 02, 2018 11:45 AM

Most end-of-2017 critiques I’m reading are essentially referendums on Donald Trump. When I look back on 2017, I remember people and experiences that don’t depend on who you voted for or whether you prefer Fox or MSNBC. The people who made the year memorable for me get up every morning determined not to score points, but to make a difference in the real world. People such as Myriame Fisse Fisse, who welcomed me in July to the funeral for Frank Myers, her across-the-street neighbor. She and other neighbors made sure that Frank, a 92-year-old veteran who lived alone, did not leave this world alone and forgotten. Myriame later won one of Mayor Bieter’s Good Neighbor awards . Scott Peterson and his law partner Kimberly Schaefer offered free legal advice for young “dreamers,” the children protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that President Trump is ending. I met Concordia Law School Dean Elena Langan and Professor Latonia Haney Keith, whose free clinics reach out with legal assistance to people who can’t afford a criminal, housing or immigration lawyer. And I am always amazed at Karan Tucker, Liz Woodruff, Lauren Necochea and the other people at Jannus, who run programs that every day make sure that the people who need help the most don’t get overlooked or forgotten. Jim Jones, the former Supreme Court justice, spent hours with me recounting his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam, and why that makes him so passionate about aiding refugees and displaced people in Idaho today.

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Media Resource Guide INFORMATION

What follows is a media resource guide created to help guide reporters working on stories to a qualiďŹ ed expert who can comment on issues where legal knowledge can provide illumination.

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