Coeur d’Alene lawyers receive

Idaho State Bar awards

Ausey “Rusty” Robnett, of Lake City Law, received the Idaho State Bar’s Professionalism Award, and Alycia Moss, with Smith and Malek, received the organization’s Pro Bono Award.

The annual awards honor members of the legal profession for their contributions to their communities and the profession.

Robnett, a past president and past commissioner of the Idaho State Bar, is the current director of the Idaho State Bar Trial Skills Academy. He is a past executive committee member and past Pacific Region vice president of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel. Robnett is a past president of the Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis Club and an executive committee member of the Boy Scouts of America’s Inland Northwest Council.

When asked about his professional ideals, Robnett said good lawyers are ethical and honest.

“If they tell you they will do something, they do it. They have full knowledge of the law applicable to the issue and to the extent possible, know how it will impact their client’s position in the matter. They have the ability to candidly advise their clients, even when the advice might not be what the client was expecting or wanted to hear,” Robnett said. “They are zealous advocates for their clients but focus their battles on the issues that really matter. In short, they are not disagreeable simply to be disagreeable. They realize that treating the adverse parties, counsel and the court with courtesy and respect are not signs of weakness.”

Moss received the Pro Bono Award in recognition of her commitment to serving the most vulnerable. In 2016, she wrapped up 150 hours of work on an immigration case in which she obtained asylum for a domestic violence victim, while simultaneously engaging in ongoing representation of several other pro bono clients.

“The hours spent assisting pro bono clients are worth so much more than the money you would make otherwise,” Moss said.

She became inspired to perform pro bono work because she loves seeing the positive impact on her clients’ lives and knowing that she can help people who are in distress.

•••

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. Items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street about your movers and shakers, email your information to Maureen Dolan at mdolan@cdapress.com.