Our Team

C. Tom Arkoosh

Partner

Occupation

Attorney, Partner

 

Education

Harvard, 1974, B.A. in Government and Economics

University of Idaho College of Law, 1978, J.D.

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

 

C. Tom Arkoosh

Partner

C. Tom Arkoosh, J.D., practices in a wide variety of disciplines in civil, commercial, criminal, natural and water resources (including extensive litigation work in the Snake River Basin Adjudication and the Eastern Snake River Plain water calls), and administrative law. He is also an experienced lobbyist and active in public affairs work. Mr. Arkoosh graduated from Harvard College with a B.A. in government and economics and obtained his J.D. from the University Of Idaho College Of Law.

 

Following law school, Mr. Arkoosh served the Honorable Ray McNichols as Idaho’s first law clerk/bailiff in the Idaho federal court system and instituted a training program for University of Idaho College of Law students. He has served as the Gem County Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Arkoosh is licensed to practice law before state courts and agencies of Idaho, and formally of Oregon and Washington, U.S. Courts for the District of Idaho, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

 

Mr. Arkoosh was a former chairman and member of the Criminal Justice Act panel, was a former chairman of the board of directors of the Federal Defender Services of Idaho. He also served as a member on the board of directors of the Idaho Prior Appropriation Doctrine Association. Mr. Arkoosh has successfully tried or settled numerous commercial, tort, design and criminal cases, before both juries and judges. He has also defended various employers from workmen’s compensation claims within the state of Idaho. He has prosecuted and defended numerous administrative proceedings before no fewer than eighteen of Idaho’s boards and agencies.

Bar Admissions

  • Idaho State Bar
  • United States District Courts for the District of Idaho
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court

Daniel A. Nevala

Partner

Occupation

Attorney, Partner

 

Education

College of Saint Scholastica, 1998, B.A. in Management
Gonzaga University School of Law, 2001, J.D.
Gonzaga University Graduate School of Business Administration, 2002, M.B.A.

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

 

Daniel A. Nevala

Partner

Daniel A. Nevala, J.D., M.B.A., brings years of litigation and transactional experience primarily in the areas of business, construction, real estate, natural resources, agriculture, land use, wills, trusts, and probate law. Mr. Nevala routinely advises business and entity clients in both litigation and transactional matters in the areas of drafting and negotiating key contracts, entity formation, governance, restructuring, statutory compliance, succession planning, dissolution, and alternative dispute resolution matters. He also routinely advises individuals in the areas of contracts, construction law, land use, business and estate planning, business formation, governance, succession planning, employee benefits, executive compensation, and real estate matters in both the transactional and litigation settings.

 

Mr. Nevala is licensed to practice law in Idaho before all state courts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. Mr. Nevala graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a B.A. in Management. He obtained his M.B.A and J.D. from Gonzaga University. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the Idaho State Bar Association.

Bar Admissions

  • Idaho State Bar
  • United States District Court, District of Idaho
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Decisions

  • BECO Const. Co. v. J-U-B EngineersInc., 145 Idaho 719, 184 P.3d 844 (2008)
  • BECO Const. Co. v. J-U-B EngineersInc., 149 Idaho 294, 233 P.3d 1216 (2010)
  • Petrus Family Tr. v. Kirk, 163 Idaho 490, 492, 415 P.3d 358, 360 (2018)

Associations

  • American Bar Association 
    • Business Law Section
  • Idaho State Bar Association 
    • Business & Corporate Law Section
    • Litigation Section
    • Professionalism & Ethics Section
    • Real Property Section
    • Taxation, Probate & Trust Law Section

Presentations and Publications

  • Lecturer to various groups on statutory and caselaw updates in the areas of real estate, estate planning, business, and employment benefits law

Professional Honors

  • Accredited Pension Administrator, National Institute of Pension Administrators
  • Certified Civil Mediator, University of Idaho College of Law – NW Institute for Dispute Resolution

Racie L. Smith

Partner

Occupation

Attorney, Partner

 

Education

University of Phoenix, 2014, B.A. in Business Administration
Concordia University College of Law, 2018, J.D.

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

 

Racie L. Smith

Partner

Rachelle “Racie” Smith, J.D., has over 15 years of unique legal experience. In 2001, Ms. Smith volunteered to join the Idaho Army National Guard, where she served until her honorable discharge in 2009. In 2004, Ms. Smith was deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she excelled as the Foreign Claims Commission paralegal and successfully accomplished her mission. During her deployment, Ms. Smith processed hundreds of claims against the United States. She was also the first and only woman to present at the first-ever Iraq Judicial Conference for Judges in Iraq. Ms. Smith valiantly earned her Combat Action Badge.

Upon her return, Ms. Smith continued to pursue her legal career as a paralegal until 2014, when she was accepted at Concordia University School of Law. Ms. Smith graduated in May 2018 and ranked 6th in her class. She served as an Associate Law Review Editor for the inaugural edition of Concordia’s Law Review and she was Vice President of the Student Body Association.

Ms. Smith has a diverse background with experience in workers’ compensation, family law, employment law, Child Protection Act cases, criminal defense, and estate planning. She now focuses her practice on family law, employment law, and real estate matters.

Ms. Smith is licensed to practice law in Idaho before all state courts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. She graduated from University of Phoenix with a B.A. in Business Administration. She obtained her J.D. from Concordia University School of Law. Ms. Smith is a member of the Idaho State Bar Association.

Bar Admissions

  • Idaho State Bar
  • United States District Court, District of Idaho

Associations

  • Idaho State Bar Association
    • Business & Corporate Law Section
    • Young Lawyers Section
  • Idaho Women Lawyers
  • Inn of Court

Volunteerism

  • Veterans Wills Clinic
  • Veterans Legal Clinic
  • Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program

Professional Honors

  • Idaho Military Legal Alliance Service Award, 2017, Service Before Self
  • Certified Idaho Workers’ Compensation Specialist, Distinguished Graduate

Nicholas J. Erekson

Partner

Occupation

Attorney, Partner

 

Education

University of Idaho, 2007, B.A. in Economics

University of Idaho College of Law, 2013, J.D.

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Nicholas J. Erekson

Partner

Nicholas J. Erekson, J.D., offers broad and versatile legal expertise to Arkoosh Law Offices, focusing on litigation, estate planning, and compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). He excels in guiding clients through complex legal challenges, advocating for their rights and interests with a commitment to integrity and professionalism. Mr. Erekson earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law, where he distinguished himself as a member of the National Moot Court Team and Co-Director of Government Relations, developing strong skills in analysis, research, writing, and oral advocacy.

 

Mr. Erekson’s experience also extends to non-profit and tax law, where he assists non-profit and for-profit clients in structuring businesses and transactions to achieve positive community impact. Prior to private practice, Mr. Erekson served as an ERISA Compliance Manager and Employee Benefit Actuarial Analyst at Milliman, Inc., ensuring compliance and operational excellence for multiple Taft-Hartley benefit plans across the United States.

 

Mr. Erekson’s early legal career was marked by significant contributions to criminal law as a Deputy Prosecutor at the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, where he skillfully managed all facets of criminal prosecution from arraignments to trials. 

 

In addition to his legal career, Mr. Erekson is actively involved in his community, currently serving as an elected commissioner for the McCall Fire Protection District. Mr. Erekson’s dedication to public service is further evident through his volunteer work in multiple youth organizations, reflecting his commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community. 

 

Licensed in Idaho and Washington, Mr. Erekson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of successful legal advocacy to our team. At Arkoosh Law Offices, he continues to apply his wide-ranging skill set to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients in various areas of the law, including civil, commercial, and administrative proceedings.

Bar Admissions

  • Idaho State Bar
  • Washington State Bar
  • United States District Court, District of Idaho

Joshua A. Bishop

Attorney

Occupation

Attorney

 

Education

Boise State University, 2009, B.S. in Criminal Justice
University of Idaho College of Law, 2013, J.D.

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Joshua A. Bishop

Attorney

Clients benefit from Joshua A. Bishop’s extensive courtroom experience, which includes over 70 jury trials and numerous other contested administrative and civil hearings. He excels in leading clients through the difficulties of lawsuits and court proceedings while advocating for their interests and rights. With Arkoosh Law Offices, Mr. Bishop’s practice includes criminal defense, divorce and custody modification actions, business formation and disputes, and civil tort actions.

 

As a prosecutor for over seven years, Mr. Bishop tried all types of cases from smaller crimes like petit theft to vehicular manslaughter charges. He has over 120 hours of DUI training that was often conducted side-by-side with law enforcement, including attending an 80-hour Drug Recognition Expert school. Mr. Bishop also specialized as a domestic violence court prosecutor, where he trained to use trauma-informed methods for working with victims of crime. As a public defender for four years, Mr. Bishop led a team of 23 misdemeanor attorneys and was a felony attorney handling all types of crimes including drug possession, felony DUI, rape, and murder.

 

Mr. Bishop’s vast experience litigating cases at trial has laid the foundation for him to scrutinize every detail of a case. Mr. Bishop uses his experience to help a broad array of clients avoid potential pitfalls through goal identification, preparation of sophisticated litigation plans, and strategic planning for resolution.

 

Mr. Bishop is a fifth-generation Idahoan. He completed his undergraduate studies at Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business. Mr. Bishop then became a Vandal and completed law school at the University of Idaho.

 

When he is not at work, you will find him coaching his three boys’ soccer teams, exploring the outdoors on a raft with his boys and two golden retrievers, or working on classic cars.

Bar Admissions

  • Idaho State Bar
  • United States District Court, District of Idaho

Associations

  • Idaho Association of Defense Counsel
  • Richard C. Fields American Inn of Court
  • Idaho State Bar, Idaho Academy of Leadership for Lawyers, Alumni

Volunteerism

  • Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • Idaho Surf and Meridian PAL soccer coach

Brittanny Mertz

Attorney

Occupation

Attorney

 

Education

University of Idaho College of Law, 2021, J.D.
Ashford University, 2017, B.A. in Sociology
Western Dakota Tech, 2005, A.A.S. in Paralegal

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Brittanny Mertz

Attorney

Brittanny Mertz is originally from South Dakota, where she worked as a paralegal for 13 years before attending law school. Ms. Mertz moved to Boise in 2018 to attend law school. She started law school at Concordia University School of Law and graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2021.

After graduating, Ms. Mertz worked as a law clerk for the United States District Court, District of South Dakota. Prior to joining Arkoosh Law Offices, she worked as a deputy public defender in Ada County. Ms. Mertz now focuses on serving clients in family law matters.

Ms. Mertz and her husband have two daughters. Their daughters are active in numerous music programs and jujitsu, which keeps their family very busy.

Bar Admissions

  • Idaho State Bar

Luke Brown

Law Clerk

Occupation

Law Clerk

 

Education

University of Oregon, 2011, B.S. in Economics
University of Idaho College of Law, 2022, J.D.

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Luke Brown

Law Clerk

After earning a degree in Economics from the University of Oregon in 2011, Luke Brown moved to Boise to pursue a Juris Doctor at the University of Idaho College of Law, graduating in 2022. During law school, Mr. Brown represented the College of Law as an ambassador, where he promoted the institution and fostered connections with prospective students and alumni. He also distinguished himself as a member of the Idaho Law Review, further refining his skills in legal research, writing, and analysis, and contributing to the legal community through scholarly publications.

With a comprehensive understanding of both legal and economic principles, Mr. Brown has worked with private equity firms regarding land acquisitions, as well as assisted in complex litigation, construction litigation, and business transactional work. He also serves in leadership positions as a member of the Arid Club in Boise.

Erin Cecil

Managing Senior Paralegal

Occupation

Managing Senior Paralegal

 

Education

Boise State University, 2008, B.A. in Mass Communication/Journalism

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Erin Cecil

Managing Senior Paralegal

Erin Cecil has been a dedicated paralegal with Arkoosh Law Offices since 2008. She has extensive experience in drafting and editing a vast range of legal documents, including correspondence, contracts, pleadings, and discovery. Her expertise spans multiple areas of law, assisting with matters before federal and state courts, as well as various agencies, departments, and commissions. Ms. Cecil earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication/journalism from Boise State University in 2008.

After spending over 20 years in Idaho, Ms. Cecil relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2019. While she works fully remotely, Ms. Cecil consistently delivers high-quality support and ensures seamless service to our clients.

In her free time, Ms. Cecil enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and her Chihuahua mix, Ivy. As a multi-disciplinary artist, she was a 2019 grantee of the Alexa Rose Foundation, which funded her participation in a month-long creative jewelry workshop at the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Monica Hammett Lehman

Managing Senior Paralegal

Occupation

Managing Senior Paralegal

 

Education

Center for Advanced Legal Studies, 2006, Paralegal Certificate

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Monica Hammett Lehman

Managing Senior Paralegal

Monica Hammett Lehman brings over 35 years of legal experience to Arkoosh Law Offices, with a strong background in complex multidistrict litigation, particularly in the construction industry. Inspired by her late father, a dedicated trial attorney, Monica developed a passion for the legal profession early in life, viewing it as second nature—both familiar and fulfilling.

Monica’s career includes extensive experience in drafting discovery, motions, and related pleadings, managing e-discovery, and providing comprehensive support through every stage of trial preparation and attendance. Monica is skilled in the use of Relativity eDiscovery software, LexisNexis CaseMap Suite, and Ipro Trial Director, enabling her to provide seamless support during litigation proceedings.

After moving to Idaho 16 years ago, Monica recently relocated to McCall, where she enjoys embracing the great outdoors with family and friends. Her diverse background as a licensed Idaho Real Estate Agent and former Idaho General Contractor provides her with a well-rounded perspective, blending legal insight with practical industry knowledge. Certifications in EPA Lead Safety and Renovator 40 CFR further enhance her technical expertise, particularly in matters involving construction and real estate.

Outside the office, Monica enjoys home renovation projects and finds peace tending to her garden. She treasures time spent with her family and her beloved dogs, often exploring the natural beauty of Idaho together. When she travels, Monica is drawn to coastal destinations, where the sound of the waves and the tranquility of the ocean provide the perfect counterbalance to her active professional life.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Idaho Real Estate Agent, 2016-present, SP-45135
  • EPA Lead Safety, 2016-2021, NAT-F164741-1
  • Renovator 40 CFR, 2016-2021, R-I-22518-16-00233
  • Idaho General Contractor, 2016-2021, RCE-41077

Carman Morgan

Senior Paralegal

Occupation

Senior Paralegal

 

Education

Broadview University, 2016, A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

 

Carman Morgan

Senior Paralegal

Carman Morgan has been a paralegal with Arkoosh Law Offices since 2020. She graduated from Broadview University with an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies in 2016. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to assist attorneys in a variety of cases and areas of law. Ms. Morgan takes pride in her work and does whatever it takes to make sure the client is taken care of, regardless of the task or matter at hand.

 

As an Idahoan almost all her life, Ms. Morgan enjoys the nature our great state has to offer and spends much of her spare time camping, hiking and exploring with her husband, Doug, and their two dogs. She is also an avid musician, and enjoys playing several different instruments and watching live music. 

Volunteerism

  • Ms. Morgan has volunteered throughout the valley in many different community events, music festivals, and gatherings. Some of those events include the Boise Green Fest, the Eagle Island Experience, Hyde Park Street Fair, and Sawtooth Valley Gathering. 

Ashley Butler

Paralegal

Occupation

Paralegal

 

Education

College of Western Idaho, 2012, A.A. in Liberal Arts
Bryant and Stratton College, 2023, Paralegal Certificate

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Ashley Butler

Paralegal

Ashley Butler joined Arkoosh Law Offices as a paralegal in April 2024, bringing ten years of experience. Ms. Butler knew from an early age that she desired to work in a field where she could help people. Ms. Butler comes from a family of frontline workers, from the military to the fire department to the police and even U.S. Marshals. She obtained her A.A. degree from the College of Western Idaho and a paralegal certificate from Bryant and Stratton College. Since then, Ms. Butler has gained knowledge working in different areas of law, including a strong focus on family law.

 

Outside of work, Ms. Butler loves spending time with her family and friends. With her husband, Mike, she has a large, combined family: two boys of her own, two stepsons, a stepdaughter, and a Yorkie named Milo. Ms. Butler spends a lot of time cheering on her kids at sporting events near and far. She and her family love to travel and make memories worldwide when they can.

Michelle Smith

Administrative Assistant

Occupation

Administrative Assistant

 

Education

University of Alaska at Fairbanks, 2002, A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies
Boise State University, 2009, B.S. in Political Science

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Michelle Smith

Administrative Assistant

With a solid educational foundation and a passion for serving others, Michelle brings a diverse skill set to the legal field. Holding an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, specializing in American Government and Public Policy, from Boise State University, Michelle has a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and political landscapes.

In addition to a strong academic background, Michelle has cultivated a career focused on providing strategic support in legal matters, demonstrating proficiency in research, case management, and client relations. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to upholding justice, Michelle works effectively with clients, attorneys, and team members, always prioritizing both accuracy and timeliness.

Michelle’s values of integrity, humor, compassion, and determination shine through. A personable and friendly face to all, Michelle strives to make the environment around her warm, while still maintaining a professionalism that puts people at ease.

Outside of the professional realm, Michelle is dedicated to making a difference in the community, engaging in volunteer work and service projects that strengthen local connections. A passionate advocate for well-being, Michelle enjoys traveling, spending time with family, reading, and visiting the local hot springs in the winter.

Ashley Pernell

Legal Assistant

Occupation

Legal Assistant

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Ashley Pernell

Legal Assistant

Ashley Pernell has been a Legal Assistant since 2023. While working at Arkoosh Law Offices, she has gained experience in various areas of the law, including criminal defense, estate planning, probate, divorce, and civil matters. Ms. Pernell provides exceptional support to our attorneys and clients through her sharp organizational skills and ability to streamline legal processes, organize case files and calendars, and provide timely updates, all while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

Ms. Pernell spends her spare time with her beautiful family, learning new skills to complement her unique abilities and talents, which include painting, floral arranging, event/wedding planning, and becoming a permaculture farmer.

Danya Craner

Administrative Assistant

Occupation

Administrative Assistant

 

Education

Boise State University, Spring 2025, B.B.A.

 

Contact

Phone: (208) 343-5105
Fax: (208) 343-5456

Danya Craner

Administrative Assistant

Danya Craner is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Human Resource Management at Boise State University, where she is on track to graduate from the Honors College in the spring of 2025. Ms. Craner also earned recognition on the Dean’s High Honors List in both 2023 and 2024. These achievements reflect her commitment to academic excellence and intellectual growth.

Ms. Craner is dedicated to her professional advancement and has a passion for business, driven by a desire to understand the complexities of organizational dynamics and contribute to fostering effective workplace environments. Beyond her academic achievements, Ms. Craner is working towards obtaining her Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) certification, which will expand her expertise in the complex financial aspects of Family Law. This certification will enhance Ms. Craner’s ability to navigate financial planning for clients and equip her with specialized knowledge to support families during significant life transitions.

In her free time, Ms. Craner is passionate about outdoor activities and physical fitness. She enjoys hunting and fishing, playing volleyball and other recreational sports, attending football games, and soaking up the sun. These pursuits provide balance to Ms. Craner’s demanding academic and professional schedule and contribute to her holistic approach to personal and professional well-being.