Brian Donesley

Brian Donesley

4.8
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 47 years

Family Lawyer at Boise, ID
Practice Areas: Family, DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Separation

802 W Bannock St Ste Lp106, Boise, ID

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 25%

Misdemeanors. Felonies. Juvenile Cases. DUI. DWP. Domestic Violence. Drug Cases. Theft Charges. Assault/Battery. Probation Violations. No Contact Orders. Bond Reductions.

47 years | 300 cases

25%
DUI and DWI 25%

Misdemeanor. Excessive DUI. Aggravated DUI. Felony DUI. Probation Violations. Injuries.

47 years | 100 cases

25%
Family 25%

Divorce. Custody. Modifications. Child Support. Guardianships. Conservatorships. Adoptions. Pre-Nuptial Agreements.

47 years | 300 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Contingency

25%-45%

Retainer

Sometimes


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Licenses

Licensed in Idaho for 47 years

State: Idaho

Acquired: 1978

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 21 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2004

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Brian Donesley, Attorney

802 W Bannock St Ste Lp106, Boise, ID, 83702-5837

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Brian Donesley's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by Steve | February 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

When You’re Drowning in Legal Chaos, This Is the Life Raft You Need

I highly recommend Brian Donesley and his team, especially Sue Archer, for anyone in need of strong, strategic, and ethical legal representation. Throughout my divorce case, Brian has consistently provided sound counsel, demonstrating both legal expertise and a deep understanding of the complexities ...involved in family law. His ability to skillfully negotiate while keeping my daughter’s well-being at the forefront has given me confidence in every step of the process. Brian is a brilliant strategist who doesn’t just react—he anticipates, ensuring that I’m always prepared for what’s ahead. Sue Archer has also been an invaluable part of the team, offering support and professionalism that make navigating legal challenges far more manageable. Integrity, diligence, and genuine care for their clients define this firm. I’m incredibly grateful for their guidance and highly recommend them to anyone facing a difficult legal situation.

Posted by Sam | June 16, 2015 | Child Custody

Thorough, Agressive, and Considerate - The Best Attorney in Idaho

Brian is the best attorney I could've imagined as representation for my custody case. As a client with no previous knowledge of the legal system, Brian's expertise and experience was incredibly valuable and made the otherwise emotional process as smooth and straightforward as possible. He consistentl...y asked for my preferences, kept me informed on any and all progress in my case, and always let me know what to realistically expect as possible outcomes. Brian was very efficient as he guided me through the process, never wanting to present an argument that could not be won. His insight with Idaho law, as well as the judges and other attorneys gave me the assurance that my case was in the best, and most qualified hands. In addition to helping make sense of the legal process, Brian helped illustrate how potential arrangements would apply to life after court. Brian's attention to detail was immaculate. He was thorough in addressing not only my immediate concerns, but also any potential issues in the future. Brian made it evident that he truly cared about my case and diligently fought for my child's best interest. I cannot express enough praise for all of Brian's hard work and will most definitely utilize and recommend his services in the future.

See All Client Reviews

Brian Donesley's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Scott Ross Learned headshot
Scott Learned

Family lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a hard-working, experienced attorney. He is well-respected, and I often refer friends and clients to him."

Michael R. Johnson headshot
Michael Johnson

General practice lawyer | Nov 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a zealous and spirited advocate for his clients and is vested in achieving the best possible result for each of them. He is highly knowledgeable, professional and well-respected in the legal community. I endorse Brian without hesitation."

Ronald Robert Shepherd headshot
Ronald Shepherd

Family lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a very professional, competent attorney. I have had occasion to work with him on the other side of a couple of cases now. I gladly endorse him."

Michael C. Larsen headshot
Michael Larsen

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is an excellent attorney. He has many years of experience and knows everybody in the Boise legal community. Brian is very intelligent, honest and has a tremendous work ethic. I highly recommend Brian for any criminal or DUI case."

Lauren E. McConnell headshot
Lauren McConnell

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian has a great deal of experience and a deep understanding of labor and administrative law. He is passionate in his advocacy because he truly enjoys is work. I highly recommend him."

View All Endorsements
Michael R. Johnson headshot
Michael Johnson

Family lawyer

Ronald Robert Shepherd headshot
Ronald Shepherd

Family lawyer

Lauren E. McConnell headshot
Lauren McConnell

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

N/A

Sky League Football MVP, Culver City High School

N/A

Sky League Batting Champion, Culver City High School

N/A

All CIF Football Selection, California Southern Section

N/A

Varsity Football, Baseball and Rugby, Stanford University

N/A

Idaho State Senator, District 16, Boise, 1989-93

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Owner, Brian Donesley, Attorney

2004 - 2006

General Counsel, Shoshone-Paiute Nation, Owyhee, NV

1989 - 1993

Senator, Idaho State Senate

1981 - 1987

Alcohol Beverage Chief, Idaho State Police

1979 - 1987

Chief Legal Counsel, Idaho State Police

1978 - 1979

Associate, Nick Chenoweth, Attorney

Associations

2013 - Present

Idaho State Bar, Family Law Section

Member

2013 - Present

Idaho State Bar, Employment and Labor Law Section

Member

2012 - Present

National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys

Member

2009 - Present

Idaho Licensed Beverage Association

Member

2006 - Present

Idaho State Bar, Lawyer Assistance Program Committee

Executive Committee Member

1988 - Present

Idaho Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1978 - Present

Idaho State Bar

Attorney Member

2009 - 2010

Idaho Licensed Beverage Association

Legal Counsel

1990 - 1992

National Conference of State Legislatures

Executive Committee

1980 - 1989

Idaho State Bar Fee Arbitration Committee

Executive Committee Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Fuchs v. Idaho State Police, Alcohol Beverage Control, 279 P.3d 100, 153 Idaho 114 (Idaho 2012)

Fuchs v. State, Dept. of Idaho State Police, Bureau of Alcohol Beverage Control, 272 P.3d 1257, 152 Idaho 626 (Idaho 2012)

Lang v. Ustick Dental Office, P.A., 817 P.2d 1069, 120 Idaho 545 (Idaho 1991)

Ray v. Nampa School Dist. 131, 814 P.2d 17, 120 Idaho 117 (Idaho 1991)

Sheets v. Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare, 753 P.2d 1257, 114 Idaho 111 (Idaho 1988)

Bissett v. State, 727 P.2d 1293, 111 Idaho 865 (Idaho App. 1986)

State, Dept. of Law Enforcement v. Engberg, 708 P.2d 935, 109 Idaho 530 (Idaho App. 1985)

Henson v. Department of Law Enforcement, 684 P.2d 996, 107 Idaho 19 (Idaho 1984)

Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Indian Reservation v. United states, 889 F.Supp. 1292 (D.Idaho 1995)

See More Legal Cases

Education

1985

National Institute of Trial Advocacy

Certificate of Completion

1982

FBI Legal Advisor Academy, Quantico, VA

Certificate of Completion

1978

University of Idaho College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1970

Stanford University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

French

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution