2026-10-09
Three Idaho judges and a court administrator were honored this week for their dedication to providing fair and timely justice in Idaho’s courts.
Second District Magistrate Judge Victoria Olds received the 2026 George C. Granata Jr. Professionalism Award, which honors a judge who has gone above and beyond to ensure equal access to fair and efficient justice. She was nominated for her exceptional professionalism, knowledge of the law and unfailing respect for all who enter her courtroom.
Judge Olds has done extensive work in the areas of child protection and juvenile justice through participation in Idaho Supreme Court committees on those topics. She helps teach juvenile issues for new judges and is credited with bringing Idaho Women Lawyers to the Lewis and Clark Valley to build a support network for women in the legal profession.
Her colleagues describe her as a well-known mentor who holds herself to extremely high standards and inspires all who are lucky enough to work with her. “We believe there is no one more deserving of this award,” they wrote in her nomination letter.
Second Judicial District Trial Court Administrator Roland Gammill received the 2026 Douglas D. Kramer Award, which recognizes excellence in judicial administration through demonstrated character and action. Gammill was nominated for his 32 years of service to Idaho’s courts, where he has been a stabilizing, innovative and deeply trusted leader.
As the Supreme Court’s longtime financial executive officer and now in his current role, Gammill has done pivotal work — helping guide Idaho’s courts through the 2007-2010 recession and later, the transition to electronic court records. He has long focused on ensuring counties have the resources they need to succeed. He has strengthened courthouse security and overseen major judicial transitions. His lasting impact is evident through his judicial resiliency initiatives and his role in establishing the Second Judicial District’s Domestic Violence Court.
Colleagues describe Gammill as a highly respected pillar of the judiciary with an unparalleled focus on people, setting an example for the next generation of administrators and court staff.
The state Magistrate Judges Association presented Fourth District Magistrate Judge Diane Walker with its Legacy Award, created to recognize a judge’s dedicated and noteworthy leadership and service to their community, colleagues and citizens.
Judge Walker has focused her judicial career on family law cases, including child custody and divorce. Her dedication to the families and children involved in these sensitive cases and her professional leadership in this area of court practice led to her selection for this award.
Colleagues lauded Judge Walker’s compassion, her respect for those who appear before her, and her service to both her community and her peers. She chairs the Idaho Supreme Court’s Children and Families in the Courts Committee and mentors new judges who join Idaho’s state bench. Her efforts in her area of practice have meant meaningful improvements for family law cases statewide.
The Idaho State Bar presented Idaho Court of Appeals Judge Jessica Lorello with its Distinguished Jurist Award, recognizing her outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to Idaho’s judiciary and legal profession. This honor is given to a judge who demonstrates exceptional competence, fairness, goodwill, and professionalism.
Throughout her 24-year legal career, Judge Lorello has shown unwavering dedication to the law, public service, and civics education. Since joining the Idaho Court of Appeals in 2017, she has continued to volunteer significant time to expand legal education and youth civic engagement across Idaho.
As an adjunct professor at the University of Idaho College of Law, she has taught numerous courses and authored key publications, including the Idaho Evidence Manual. Her leadership in Attorneys for Civic Education, Idaho’s Mock Trial Program, Youth in Government, We the People, and the 4-H Know Your Government Program has enriched students’ understanding of the legal system at every level.
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