Litigation: General Commercial: Idaho

THE FIRM Holland & Hart's 12-member disputes team in Boise forms part of a firmwide collection of nearly 100 litigators. It advises on the full array of commercial cases for clients such as the Idaho Transportation Department, Genworth Financial Services and UPS.

Sources say: "One of the best litigation outfits in town – they stand out as a big firm with really good lawyers who know how to try cases. They are real trial lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Walter Bithell is "an incredible trial lawyer" who "understands exactly how to present cases in court and before a jury." He has experience in a wide range of disputes, including construction litigation, product liability and professional liability cases.

Newal Squyres is praised by sources, who note that "he's not just a fantastic litigator, he has a broad range of talents that help him manage complex cases." He maintains a broad commercial litigation practice.

Erik Stidham advises on commercial disputes, employment claims, and real estate litigation. He has "an excellent legal mind," and is lauded by commentators for his ability to "look at a complicated briefing or problem, and parse it out to make it both clearly understandable and presentable, in such a way to better advocate his client's position in court."

Senior associate Scott Randolph focuses on both commercial and employment litigation. Sources praise his ability to grasp complex cases quickly.

THE FIRM This Boise-based team boasts considerable trial expertise, and is consequently called upon to represent a broad array of clients across the complete range of commercial disputes. Notable clients include Micron Technology, ConAgra, and Idaho Power Company.

Sources say: "They have been at the forefront of some significant litigation." "They don't just have top senior attorneys, but top juniors as well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Walter Sinclair is a "clear standout for larger, bet-the-company cases; he has longstanding experience with very significant matters." He is a vastly experienced commercial litigator whose expertise envelops medical malpractice and product liability cases.

Mark Geston's practice covers professional malpractice, product liability, and construction cases. His peers are quick to acknowledge his intellect and analytical approach.

Bradley Dixon has developed a strong profile for his litigation work, including in employment claims and foreclosure cases. Clients note his commitment to high-level service: "He's always there and always able to help out, regardless of the time demands or the shortness of notice."

Nicole Hancock is praised for her adroit handling of a range of commercial litigation. Clients are fulsome in their praise, noting that her time as an in-house lawyer has been beneficial: "She has a very good understanding of how a business works – that's very helpful for us."

THE FIRM This litigation boutique is highly regarded for its niche strengths in medical malpractice and insurance defense work. Its practice coverage extends across the full range of commercial disputes, including employment and healthcare-related cases.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Phillip Oberrecht is a key contact.

THE FIRM This longstanding member of the Idaho legal community is highly regarded by sources for the breadth and depth of its litigation expertise. Its members continue to advise a range of clients from a variety of business sectors, including aviation and healthcare.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Merlyn Clark is one of the firm's – and the state's – best-known litigators. He earns widespread acclaim for his alternative dispute resolution practice.

Department cochair Eugene Ritti focuses predominantly on antitrust and unfair competition disputes.

Steven Schossberger has a broad practice covering trade secrets, breach of contract, and product liability cases.

Senior statesman Craig Meadows is recognized as a mainstay of the Idaho litigation Bar. Sources are keen to commend his niche expertise in aviation and product liability cases.

Since publication, Eugene Ritti has moved in-house.

THE FIRM This group is noted for its considerable experience of a wide array of business disputes. The team in Boise benefits from the broader expertise of this northwestern giant's firmwide litigation department, ensuring that clients can call upon the Idaho team for the full range of commercial litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Boardman is "a great litigator and a real go-to guy." His commercial litigation practice emphasizes construction and IP disputes.

THE FIRM This 16-strong Boise firm is highly acclaimed for its depth of expertise in insurance defense. Other areas of increasing focus include product liability defense and employment-related litigation. The firm also has an active mediation and arbitration practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Dryden manages a broad commercial litigation practice, which covers environmental, construction, and insurance defense work, as well as mediation.

James LaRue is highly regarded for his trial expertise, and is sought after for his specialist knowledge of insurance defense.

THE FIRM Givens Pursley has considerable strength in depth in its litigation group, and provides clients with experienced representation across professional liability, IP, medical malpractice, and general commercial disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Lombardi has a broad litigation practice, undertaking a variety of commercial litigation matters as well as environmental cases.

THE FIRM This litigation team is a stalwart of the Idaho market, and is recognized by commentators for its depth of trial expertise. The group covers the breadth of commercial disputes, with core strength in the areas of personal injury and product liability.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The experienced Richard Greener remains active across a range of cases, including general commercial, employment, construction, professional malpractice and product liability.

THE FIRM This group advises clients across the full gamut of commercial litigation, with particular expertise in employment disputes and insurance defense. Clients appreciate the group's ability to provide alternative dispute resolution services, and the breadth of its state coverage, with its members housed across four offices.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Martin has a strong reputation for both commercial litigation and natural resources disputes.

THE FIRM Racine Olson's litigation team operates out of the firm's offices in Pocatello, Boise, and Idaho Falls. It provides clients with both representation and preventive counseling across the full range of business disputes, including healthcare, natural resources, and general commercial litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marcus Nye remains busy as the firm's managing partner, but also maintains an active commercial disputes practice covering an array of commercial litigation, including insurance defense and product liability.

John Bailey manages a broad practice centered on personal injury, product liability and professional liability. He is also highly regarded for his skills as a mediator.