Lawyer honored by Idaho State Bar

After her youngest son started first grade, Janell Burke embarked on a second career: law school.

Now, nearly 30 years later, Burke has logged two decades of public service, countless hours of volunteering – and a prestigious award for her contribution to the community.

Burke, a judicial law clerk for the District Court of the 1st. Judicial District, recently was honored with a 2006 Professionalism Award from the Idaho State Bar. The recognition is one of the highest accolades for an Idaho lawyer and is awarded to those with a reputation of integrity, ability, courtesy, civility and cooperation, according to an Idaho State Bar press release.

“It was a very, very happy occasion,” said Burke, of Coeur d’Alene. “It was a recognition of all the people that I’ve worked with. … I was very humbled to receive it.”

Her colleagues say the award is well-deserved.

“I boasted around the state that I probably have the best staff, and I unequivocally have the best law clerk of any district judge in the state,” said Judge John P. Luster, adding that Burke’s intellect, understanding of legal principles and life experience contribute to her skill as a lawyer.

“She can mix the academic with the practical and the real-world experiences,” Luster said.

Those experiences include a background in music, a degree in education and a stint as a college dean.

Burke, who grew up in Nampa, Idaho, earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Albertson College in Caldwell, Idaho. She went on to secure a master’s degree in education in 1965 from Indiana University.

Wanting to return to her Idaho roots – and to her future husband, Loren Burke – she took a job as dean of women for Idaho State University in Pocatello, where she served for five years. In 1970, the family moved to Coeur d’Alene.

After her second son began school in 1980, Burke decided to return to the classroom herself, enrolling in Gonzaga University’s law school at the age of 40.

Burke said she always dabbled with the idea of law as a high school debater and later as a college dean. And serving the public attracted her, Burke said.

“I think it’s a great profession,” she said. “It’s a multifaceted career. … You can practice it in many different ways.”

After earning her law degree, Burke worked in a private practice for a short period, but she has spent the bulk of her career serving in the District Court.

As a judicial law clerk, Burke is responsible for helping the District Court judge by writing, researching and preparing cases.

She still is eager to go to the office every day, said Burke, who added that working with talented colleagues is especially enjoyable.

“I can hardly wait to get here, to see what goes on today,” she said. “It’s always challenging.”

She still marvels at the way the judicial system works, she said.

“We have an orderly method for resolving disputes. That’s a very powerful thing,” Burke said. “People may not realize how many people are involved in the court system behind the scenes.”

Throughout her career, Burke has volunteered her time in a variety of activities, from playing the organ and piano during Sunday church services to serving as a panelist for a weekly televised public forum.

Her list of legal activities is extensive: She has served as president, vice president and secretary/treasurer for the First District Bar Association; chair and co-chair of the Kootenai County Bar; co-chair and board of directors for the John P. Gray Inn of Court, coordinator of Settlement Week in Kootenai County; coordinator of Law Day activities in Kootenai County schools; and on the board of directors for the Conflict Resolution Center of the Inland Northwest.

For the last 30 years, Burke has been a regular panelist on the North Idaho College Public Forum, broadcast weekly on KSPS and KUID public television stations.

“Her hands are in every pot you can think of,” said court reporter Bill Rush, who works with Burke.

Judge Luster said Burke is the go-to person when an event needs to be organized.

She has “an amazing amount of energy and know-how to get things done,” Luster said.