Nicholas, Adele

Deborah's practice focuses on helping clients navigate and obtain all of the legal entitlements required for the siting, operation, or expansion of a business or development. These entitlements include real estate acquisition, land use approvals, water rights, and environmental permits. She has experience with energy, mining, industrial, commercial, agricultural, resort, large-scale residential, and mixed-use projects. She handles both permitting and disputes and has experience in administrative, litigation, and transactional settings. She is a regular speaker and published author on the topics of Idaho land use law and policy, the siting of wind projects, and environmental considerations for development.

Deborah is active in numerous professional and community organizations. She serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors of Family Advocates and as pro-bono legal counsel for the Family Advocates Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. She is a past President and current Board member of Idaho Women Lawyers, Inc.; she is the Chair of the COMPASS Public Participation Committee; and she is a graduate of and current Selection Committee member for the Boise Metro Chamber's Leadership Boise program.

Deborah's professional accomplishments and civic contributions have been recognized by her peers. Chambers USA has recognized Deborah as a Zoning/Land Use expert and Martindale-Hubbell has awarded her the highest ranking (AV). She is a recipient of the Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) award (2009), Idaho Business Review's Women of the Year award (2008), Idaho Women Lawyers' distinguished Kate Feltham award (2008), and Idaho Business Review's Accomplished 40 Under 40 award (2003).

Deborah received her law degree from Northwestern School of Law in 1997 with a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. She graduated from Rhodes College in 1994 with a degree in International Studies. Prior to joining Givens Pursley, she served as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Idaho, where she specialized in water and environmental litigation.