Michael J. Bartlett

Michael Bartlett is a partner in the firm and a past President of the Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His primary focus is defending the accused. Mr. Bartlett defends clients charged with all manner of offenses from misdemeanors to the most significant and complex felonies. While he has represented several high-profile clients, he knows every client and case is important. As a parent of three, he particularly enjoys working with juvenile clients.

As a native of Idaho, he grew up in the Treasure Valley. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Willamette University in 1992 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of law in 1996. As a law student, he worked as a tutor, served as the University’s Attorney General as well as the Managing Editor of the Law Review. After completing a two-year clerkship with the Honorable Karen Lansing, Chief Judge of the Idaho Court of Appeals, Michael began his career as a private criminal defense attorney.

Mountain States Super Lawyers Magazine has honored Michael annually since 2012. This publication features the top 5% of lawyers in Nevada, Utah, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. He was identified in the publication as a Rising Star early in his career. He is also listed in Best Lawyers in America for Criminal Defense and DUI litigation.

Michael is a staunch advocate for individual and civil rights. As a law student, he interned for the National Rifle Association at its headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Since becoming a lawyer, he has volunteered countless hours with the Idaho Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union as a member of its Legal Panel and its Board of Directors. He served as President of the organization for six years.

Early in his career, Michael served on the Board of Directors for Idaho Legal Aid Service Inc., an organization whose purpose is to provide legal representation and community education to low-income Idahoans. He was also appointed to sit as an attorney member of the Fourth Judicial District Magistrate Commission on three occasions and participated in the selection of a large number of magistrate judges currently serving in Ada County.

As a member of the Justice Reinvestment Working Group appointed by the Governor, Michael studied Idaho’s probation and parole system and helped make recommendations for meaningful reform. He also served on the Idaho Supreme Court Advancing Justice Committee, a group committed to improving the justice system. Michael enjoys teaching. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Boise State University where he taught Evidence Law. He has served as a trainer for the University of Idaho, College of Law’s Trial Advocacy program and he is frequently asked to lecture to lawyers, students, and community groups on legal topics.