cover story
LAW
Attorney Scott Broyles has practiced law in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley since arriving in the mid-70s.
From page 8 Bye, Bye Books Most of one wall in Broyles’ office is lined with thick hardbound books, which, thanks to technology, have been largely reduced to decor. “They were absolutely essential when I started,” Broyles said of the volumes that fill the shelves, floor to ceiling, their spines embossed with gold lettering. “When I started, that was the way the world went.” While online research libraries are infinitely more efficient, and he appreciates how having information at the click of a button has streamlined lawyers’ work, Broyles is a little wistful about the change. “I do miss the books,” he said. “There’s something about the weight of time if you’re in a book.” Still, when he says the way law research is done has “absolutely changed,” he makes clear it’s for the better. He remembers how revolutionary overnight FedEx delivery seemed when it became available in the mid1980s; now he might get multiple e-mails in the course of a few minutes when he’s researching a case. “The communication is really a good deal,” he said. “When I first came here, Dean (Arnold) was still using carbon paper. Now I can Skype.” That doesn’t mean he does all his work on the computer, though. In addition to the practice’s main printer, Broyles has a small one in his office. He’d rather print a case or statute than read it on the MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010
Tribune/Kyle Mills
Scott C. Broyles
computer. Highlighting text on a computer screen just can’t compare to using a highlighter pen on paper, he said.
Water Rights A hard hat in Broyles’ office is a memento of a project he began more than 25 years ago and continues to be involved with today. Municipal law has been a significant part of his career (he was city attorney for Clarkston for 14 years and has been city attorney for Asotin since 1983), and Broyles considers his role in forming Asotin County’s PUD his most significant contribution to the community. “The PUD is the height of my involvement,” he said. “I have the distinction of being probably the only living lawyer who has formed a PUD.” Public Utility District No. 1, essentially Asotin County’s water system, was
formed in 1987 after several years of effort, including the county’s residents voting to form the district and bringing a suit against the private utility that operated the system at the time. Using eminent domain, which allows a private project to be taken over for public use, the county filed suit to assume ownership of the utility. The process culminated in a two-week trial to condemn the private water system, during which Broyles represented the county. The resulting $7.2 million decision meant the district, led by three elected commissioners, was owned by Asotin County’s residents. When the county took over, in April 1987, Broyles was appointed acting manager for two weeks, until the utility’s new manager arrived. It was then he was presented with the hard hat. Next year will mark a milestone for the project, when the bonds that fi-
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Age: 61 Residence: Asotin Family: wife Karen, a school psychologist; daughters Wendy Fotheringham, 33, of Everett, Wash., and Kelly Broyles-Pederson, 29, Lewiston Walgreen’s manager; two grandsons Education: Bellevue High School, Bellevue, Wash., 1967; Washington State University, 1971; University of Puget Sound (now Seattle University) Law School, 1974 Civic: Clarkston Rotary president nanced the $7.2 million takeover are set to be paid off.
Tough Cases There’s emotion tied up in almost any legal proceeding, and lawyers must find ways to cope with the stress. Over the years, Broyles said, he has become more selective about the burden he’s willing to take on. “The older you get, the more you realize: Sometimes life’s too short,” he said. “It took me 20 years to get where I was willing to fire clients.” Broyles and partner Rick
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