TRIALS, VERDICTS & APPEALS #Appellate Advocacy

Bill Smith represented Parkside Schools, Inc. before the Idaho Supreme Court in Parkside Schools, Inc. v. Bronco Elite Arts & Athletics, LLC, 145 Idaho 176, 177 P.3d 390 (2008). Smith personally argued the appeal. The case addressed voluntary dismissal under the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure and a defendant's opportunity to seek attorney fees following dismissal. The Court's published decision has subsequently been cited by Idaho appellate courts on issues involving voluntary dismissal, prevailing-party status, attorney fees, and abuse-of-discretion review.

Bill Smith represented the Estate of Laurel Ann Kalinski before the Idaho Supreme Court in Estate of Kalinski v. Murphy Law Office, PLLC, Docket No. 52242 (Idaho May 5, 2026). Smith personally argued the appeal, which addressed whether claims for unjust enrichment and violations of the Idaho Consumer Protection Act could proceed independently from a legal-malpractice claim. The Idaho Supreme Court affirmed summary judgment for the defendants but declined their request for attorney fees on appeal.

Bill Smith represented Hoa K. Bui, Jocelyn N. Bui, and Mongo Grill, Inc. in Nguyen v. Bui, 146 Idaho 187, 191 P.3d 1107 (Ct. App. 2008). Smith was engaged only a few days before trial, after the defendants' Answer and defense of payment had already been filed by prior counsel. Smith tried the case and later personally argued the appeal before the Idaho Court of Appeals. The resulting published decision addressed trial by consent under Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 15(b) and the treatment of issues litigated at trial despite the existing pleadings.

Bill Smith represented Larry and Deena Kolb before the Idaho Supreme Court in Hopper v. Swinnerton, 155 Idaho 801, 317 P.3d 698 (2013). Smith personally argued the appeal on September 27, 2013. The Idaho Supreme Court affirmed the judgment dismissing the claims against the Kolbs and awarded them attorney fees and costs on appeal.