The Idaho Supreme Court announced Thursday that Justice Robyn Brody will become the state’s next chief justice, taking the role Oct. 1. Brody, a member of the court since 2016, will succeed Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan, who is set to retire at the end of October.
Experienced jurist to assume court leadership
Brody currently serves as vice chief of the Idaho Supreme Court and has practiced law in Idaho for nearly 30 years. Before her election to the high court in 2016, she founded a law firm in Rupert in 2010. She also has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Idaho College of Law.
In statements released by the Idaho Judicial Branch, Brody expressed gratitude for the role and for the trust of her colleagues on the court.
“Idaho is a special place; the dedication and professionalism of our independent courts have helped make it so. I am honored to serve our state in this way, and I am grateful for the trust of my fellow justices.”
Bevan, the outgoing chief justice, issued a statement of support for Brody on Thursday, noting her commitment to maintaining access to the courts in a changing environment.
“Justice Brody has long worked to ensure that in a changing world, our courts remain accessible to all.”
Roles and responsibilities
Under the state constitution, the chief justice is chosen by a majority vote of the justices on the Idaho Supreme Court. The chief justice serves as the executive head of Idaho’s judicial branch and works with the other justices and court officials to manage the state court system. The chief justice traditionally also addresses the Idaho Legislature each year.
Brody’s background includes service on panels and organizations designed to expand access to legal help and civic education. She is chair of Idaho’s Pro Bono Commission and the Supreme Court’s Language Access Committee. Brody also sits on the board of the Idaho Law Foundation, which oversees the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program and supports programs such as mock trials for civic education.
What this transition means for Idaho courts
Brody’s selection continues a trend of established justices stepping into administrative leadership of the court. She will be the state’s second woman to serve as chief justice; retired Justice Linda Copple Trout was the first woman to hold the post in 1997.
As chief justice, Brody will oversee administrative policy affecting trial courts across Idaho, handle budgetary and staffing priorities for the judicial branch, and coordinate programs intended to improve court access and efficiency statewide. Her prior work on language access and pro bono services suggests those areas will remain on the court’s agenda.
- Effective date: Oct. 1, when Brody becomes chief justice.
- Predecessor: Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan, retiring Oct. 30.
- First elected to Supreme Court: 2016.
- Professional background: Nearly 30 years practicing law in Idaho; founded a law firm in Rupert in 2010; adjunct law professor at the University of Idaho College of Law.
- Committee roles: Chair, Pro Bono Commission; Chair, Language Access Committee; board member, Idaho Law Foundation.
| Item | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Elected to Idaho Supreme Court | 2016 |
| Becomes chief justice | Oct. 1 |
| Outgoing chief justice retirement | Oct. 30 |
Background and local context
Brody’s legal career in Idaho has combined private practice, legal education and civic service. Her leadership roles on committees tied to pro bono work and language access reflect long-standing concerns across the state about ensuring that individuals who lack resources or face language barriers can participate meaningfully in the legal system.
The chief justice’s office administers programs that touch trial court operations in every county. Decisions made by the chief justice and the court’s administrative bodies affect judicial assignments, court technology, interpreter services, and statewide training for judges and staff.
As the court prepares for the transition in October, court observers and stakeholders in Idaho’s legal community will be watching how Brody balances administrative duties with case work, and how her priorities shape the judiciary’s approach to access and service in the years ahead.
Brody’s ascension to chief justice follows the tradition of the court selecting one of its members to serve as the judiciary’s executive head. Her election by peers signals internal confidence in her ability to lead the courts at a time of continuing change for the justice system.
Reporting contributed by the Idaho Judicial Branch release and the Idaho Capital Sun.
