MeeT Our Attorneys
Rutger Vanderlaan
Associate
Mr. Vanderlaan is an associate attorney practicing family law. Since joining our firm, he has also started practicing estate planning, and probate. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Boise State University and Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho College of Law. In law school, he was awarded an externship at the Ada County Family and Domestic Violence Programs office. He also served as a pro bono attorney for Faces of Hope where he represented victims of domestic violence and worked on child custody issues. He is licensed to practice before all state courts in Idaho.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Admitted:
- 2024, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 2024
College:
- Boise State University, B.S.W. 2020
Member:
- Idaho Bar Association
Notes:
- Family Law Section, Idaho State Bar
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, State of Idaho (lapsed status)
Tore Beal- Gwartney
Partner
Tore Beal-Gwartney who is a partner in the Boise law firm of Cosho Humphrey, LLP practices law specializing in family law matters. Ms. Beal-Gwartney is a graduate of Boise State University and the University Of Idaho College of Law. She is an active lecturer for the Idaho State Bar and a member of the Idaho State Bar and the American Bar Association. She is a past Chair of the Family Law Section of the Bar and a member of the Alternative Dispute Section of the Bar. She has served on the Supreme Court forms committee as well as the Children and Families in the Court Committee. She is on the Board of Directors of the Idaho Governor's Cup to raise money for Idaho students to attend college and trade schools. In addition, Ms. Beal-Gwartney served on the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance.
Ms. Beal Gwartney has served as a board member on the Idaho Futures Foundation, Spurwing Country Club, Treasure Valley Estate Planning Council, Idaho Chapter of the International Association of Financial Planners and the Governor-Elect Kempthorne's transition team during the fall of 1998.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Education:
- University of Idaho 1977 - 1979
- University of Alabama 1979 - 1980
- Boise State University Business Administration Bachelor's degree in Marketing 1980 - 1982
- Certified Financial Planner designation in good standing until May 1998
- University of Idaho - Juris Doctorate - 1990 - 1993
Bar Admission:
- Admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 1993
Associations:
- Idaho Bar Association Member since 1993
- American Bar Association Member since 1993
Background:
- Licensed Stockbroker from 1981 through 1992
- Provided investment and financial planning services through various Broker/dealer relationships for eleven years.
Accolades:
- Recipient of the Idaho Family Law Section of the Bar Award of Distinction 2014
Past Affiliations:
- Chair of the Idaho Counsel on Domestic Violence and Victims Assistance
- Spurwing Country Club, Inc., board member from March 1997 through March 2000
- League of Women Voters, Past Co-Chair
- Idaho Future Foundation board member
- Treasure Valley Estate Planning Council
- International Association of Financial Planners
- Governor-Elect of Idaho Transition Team Fall of 1998
- Supreme Court appointment to the subcommittee to develop Family Law Forms.
- Supreme Court appointment to the Children and Families in the Court Committee and member of the Domestic Violence and Rules subcommittees.
Current affiliations:
- Family Law Section of the Idaho State Bar Council Member effective July 1999 and past Chair.
- Idaho Governor's Cup, Board Member, Spring 2007.
Continuing Legal
Education Activities:
- Speaker, AAML Family Law Council of Community Property States 21st Annual Symposium, Valuation and Disposition Strategies in a Changing Economy, April 8- April 10, 2010, Seattle, Washington.
- Speaker, AAML Family Law Council of Community Property States 20th Annual Symposium, 2009, New Mexico.
- Speaker, AAML Family Law Council of Community Property States 2007 Annual Symposium, The Interrelation of Community Property with Alimony Awards, May 3-May 5, 2007, Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Speaker, Idaho State Bar Family Law Section, Employee Benefits in Divorce in Community Property States and Elder Issues in Family Law: Ideas for Idaho and Idaho Review, May 20, 2011, Boise Idaho.
Matthew R. Bohn
Partner
Mr. Bohn received both his undergraduate and Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho, where he was a member of the University of Idaho Trial Team. In law school, he was also awarded the Internship/Externship at the Latah County Prosecuting Attorney's office, which enabled him to immediately obtain significant courtroom/trial experience. He was admitted to the Idaho State Bar after graduation in 1999. Mr. Bohn is also licensed to practice in the United States District Court. Mr. Bohn has argued cases throughout the state, at both the Magistrate and District Court levels, and appeared on multiple occasions before the Idaho Supreme Court and the Idaho Court of Appeals. Mr. Bohn primarily represents clients in the area of family law but also has significant experience in business litigation, personal injury, insurance bad faith, contract law, and criminal defense matters.
Areas of Practice:
- Family law
- Criminal Law
- Personal Injury
- Probate Matters
Admitted:
- 1999, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 1999
College:
- University of Idaho, B.S. 1996
Member:
- Idaho State Bar; American Trial Lawyers
Association.
Sydney Carrara
Associate
Ms. Carrara is a general practice attorney with an emphasis in family law. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Boise State University and Juris Doctorate from University of Idaho. In law school, she was awarded the Internship at the Boise City Prosecutor’s office. She also served as a pro bono attorney for the FACES Clinic of Idaho representing victims of domestic violence. She is licensed to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho.
Areas of Practice:
- Family law
Admitted:
- 2022, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 2022
College:
- Boise State University, B.A. 2019
- Walla Walla Community College, A.A. 2017
Member:
- Idaho Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Notes:
- Family Law Section, Idaho State Bar
Erika K. Klein
Partner
Ms. Klein is engaged in the general practice of law specializing in family law and civil litigation. She has practiced in the area of family law for well over a decade. Since joining Cosho Humphrey, Ms. Klein has used her trial experience and skills in working with all types of people and circumstances to assist her clients.
Ms. Klein received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon. She then attended Oregon School of Law and received a Juris Doctor degree. After law school, she spent a year working at the National Collegiate Athletic Association's National Office. She served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at Ada County for seven years and gained extensive court and jury trial experience at magistrate, juvenile, and district court levels.
Ms. Klein received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon. She then attended Oregon School of Law and received a Juris Doctor degree. After law school, she spent a year working at the National Collegiate Athletic Association's National Office. She served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at Ada County for seven years and gained extensive court and jury trial experience at magistrate, juvenile, and district court levels.
She has taught classes in family law for Continuing Legal Education, and she has taught classes to other lawyers training them to work at the Street Law Clinic program in Boise. Ms. Klein was also honored by the Idaho Business Review Leaders in Law program in 2014.
She is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho and state courts in Washington.
She is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho and state courts in Washington.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Admitted:
- Idaho, Washington
Law School:
- University of Oregon, J.D., 1996
College:
- University of Oregon, B.A. 1993
Member:
- Idaho Bar Association
- Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
- Washington State Bar Association
Notes:
- Member of the Family Law Section of the Idaho State Bar
Katherine A. Meier
Partner
Ms. Meier is a general practice attorney with an emphasis in family law. She received her undergraduate degree from the College of Idaho and Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law. Ms. Meier was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 2014, and she is licensed to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
Admitted:
- 2014, Idaho
Law School:
- Gonzaga University, J.D., 2014
College:
- College of Idaho, B.A., 2011
Member:
- Idaho State Bar Association
Notes:
- Author of “Removing the Menacing Spectre of
Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes Through Video Surveillance,” Gonzaga Law Review,
2014.
- Articles Editor, Gonzaga Law Review, 2013-2014
Stanley W. Welsh
Partner
Stanley W. Welsh is engaged in the general practice of law, specializing in family law matters. Mr. Welsh is active as a lecturer and an author on family law matters for the Idaho State Bar and has taught Family Law at the University of Idaho College of Law. Mr. Welsh is a graduate of Gonzaga University and the University of Idaho College of Law. He is a member of the Idaho State Bar, the American Bar Association-Certified Fellow, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Business Planning
- Church Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Admitted:
- 1976, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 1976
College:
- Gonzaga University, B.A. 1969
Member:
- Idaho State Bar
- Boise and American Bar Association Certified Fellow
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Notes:
- Certified Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers;
- Notes Editor, Idaho Law Review, 1975-76;
- Active as lecturer and author for the Continuing Legal Education of the Idaho State Bar;
- Author of several articles in Idaho Law Review;
- Adjunct Professor of Family Law, University of Idaho, 1993
Mackenzie Whatcott
Partner
Ms. Whatcott is a general practice attorney with an emphasis in family law. She received both her undergraduate and Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho. Following her graduation from law school in 2003, she clerked at the district court level in Blaine County for the Honorable James J. May and Honorable Robert J. Elgee. Ms. Whatcott was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 2003, and she is licensed to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho. She is also a member of the Family Law Section.
Areas of Practice:
- Family law
Admitted:
- 2003, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 2003
College:
- University of Idaho, B.A., 2000
Member:
- Idaho State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Notes:
- Family Law Section, Idaho State Bar
Tore Beal-Gwartney
Partner
Tore Beal-Gwartney who is a partner in the Boise law firm of Cosho Humphrey, LLP practices law specializing in family law matters. Ms. Beal-Gwartney is a graduate of Boise State University and the University Of Idaho College of Law. She is an active lecturer for the Idaho State Bar and a member of the Idaho State Bar and the American Bar Association. She is a past Chair of the Family Law Section of the Bar and a member of the Alternative Dispute Section of the Bar. She has served on the Supreme Court forms committee as well as the Children and Families in the Court Committee. She is on the Board of Directors of the Idaho Governor's Cup to raise money for Idaho students to attend college and trade schools. In addition, Ms. Beal-Gwartney served on the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance.
Ms. Beal Gwartney has served as a board member on the Idaho Futures Foundation, Spurwing Country Club, Treasure Valley Estate Planning Council, Idaho Chapter of the International Association of Financial Planners and the Governor-Elect Kempthorne's transition team during the fall of 1998.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Education:
- University of Idaho 1977 - 1979
- University of Alabama 1979 - 1980
- Boise State University Business Administration Bachelor's degree in Marketing 1980 - 1982
- Certified Financial Planner designation in good standing until May 1998
- University of Idaho - Juris Doctorate - 1990 - 1993
Bar Admission:
- Admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 1993
Associations:
- Idaho Bar Association Member since 1993
- American Bar Association Member since 1993
Background:
- Licensed Stockbroker from 1981 through 1992
- Provided investment and financial planning services through various Broker/dealer relationships for eleven years.
Accolades:
- Recipient of the Idaho Family Law Section of the Bar Award of Distinction 2014
Past Affiliations:
- Chair of the Idaho Counsel on Domestic Violence and Victims Assistance
- Spurwing Country Club, Inc., board member from March 1997 through March 2000
- League of Women Voters, Past Co-Chair
- Idaho Future Foundation board member
- Treasure Valley Estate Planning Council
- International Association of Financial Planners
- Governor-Elect of Idaho Transition Team Fall of 1998
- Supreme Court appointment to the subcommittee to develop Family Law Forms.
- Supreme Court appointment to the Children and Families in the Court Committee and member of the Domestic Violence and Rules subcommittees.
Current affiliations:
- Family Law Section of the Idaho State Bar Council Member effective July 1999 and past Chair.
- Idaho Governor's Cup, Board Member, Spring 2007.
Continuing Legal
Education Activities:
- Speaker, AAML Family Law Council of Community Property States 21st Annual Symposium, Valuation and Disposition Strategies in a Changing Economy, April 8- April 10, 2010, Seattle, Washington.
- Speaker, AAML Family Law Council of Community Property States 20th Annual Symposium, 2009, New Mexico.
- Speaker, AAML Family Law Council of Community Property States 2007 Annual Symposium, The Interrelation of Community Property with Alimony Awards, May 3-May 5, 2007, Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Speaker, Idaho State Bar Family Law Section, Employee Benefits in Divorce in Community Property States and Elder Issues in Family Law: Ideas for Idaho and Idaho Review, May 20, 2011, Boise Idaho.
Matthew R. Bohn
Partner
Mr. Bohn received both his undergraduate and Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho, where he was a member of the University of Idaho Trial Team. In law school, he was also awarded the Internship/Externship at the Latah County Prosecuting Attorney's office, which enabled him to immediately obtain significant courtroom/trial experience. He was admitted to the Idaho State Bar after graduation in 1999. Mr. Bohn is also licensed to practice in the United States District Court. Mr. Bohn has argued cases throughout the state, at both the Magistrate and District Court levels, and appeared on multiple occasions before the Idaho Supreme Court and the Idaho Court of Appeals. Mr. Bohn primarily represents clients in the area of family law but also has significant experience in business litigation, personal injury, insurance bad faith, contract law, and criminal defense matters.
Areas of Practice:
- Family law
- Criminal Law
- Personal Injury
Admitted:
- 1999, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 1999
College:
- University of Idaho, B.S. 1996
Member:
- Idaho State Bar; American Trial Lawyers
Association.
Erika K. Klein
Partner
Ms. Klein is engaged in the general practice of law specializing in family law and civil litigation. She has practiced in the area of family law for well over a decade. Since joining Cosho Humphrey, Ms. Klein has used her trial experience and skills in working with all types of people and circumstances to assist her clients.
Ms. Klein received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon. She then attended Oregon School of Law and received a Juris Doctor degree. After law school, she spent a year working at the National Collegiate Athletic Association's National Office. She served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at Ada County for seven years and gained extensive court and jury trial experience at magistrate, juvenile, and district court levels.
Ms. Klein received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon. She then attended Oregon School of Law and received a Juris Doctor degree. After law school, she spent a year working at the National Collegiate Athletic Association's National Office. She served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at Ada County for seven years and gained extensive court and jury trial experience at magistrate, juvenile, and district court levels.
She has taught classes in family law for Continuing Legal Education, and she has taught classes to other lawyers training them to work at the Street Law Clinic program in Boise. Ms. Klein was also honored by the Idaho Business Review Leaders in Law program in 2014.
She is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho and state courts in Washington.
She is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho and state courts in Washington.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Admitted:
- Idaho, Washington
Law School:
- University of Oregon, J.D., 1996
College:
- University of Oregon, B.A. 1993
Member:
- Idaho Bar Association
- Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
- Washington State Bar Association
Notes:
- Member of the Family Law Section of the Idaho State Bar
Katherine A. Meier
Partner
Ms. Meier is a general practice attorney with an emphasis in family law and bankruptcy. She received her undergraduate degree from the College of Idaho and Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law. Ms. Meier was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 2014, and she is licensed to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
Admitted:
- 2014, Idaho
Law School:
- Gonzaga University, J.D., 2014
College:
- College of Idaho, B.A., 2011
Member:
- Idaho State Bar Association
Notes:
- Author of “Removing the Menacing Spectre of
Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes Through Video Surveillance,” Gonzaga Law Review,
2014.
- Articles Editor, Gonzaga Law Review, 2013-2014
David M. Penny
Partner
David Penny is a partner in the law firm of
Cosho Humphrey, LLP. He is a graduate of
Boise State University and Gonzaga University School of Law. For 30 years, David has represented a variety
of clients before the State and Federal Courts of Idaho. His general litigation law practice includes
the representation of owners and management companies of commercial and
residential properties. David advises clients
on managing the landlord-tenant relationship including the drafting of leases,
lease enforcement, lease termination/eviction, as well as the selling and
purchasing of real property. David
advises housing providers on Fair Housing compliance and defends housing
providers against housing discrimination claims.
Areas of Practice:
- Civil Litigation
- Landlord/Tenant Law
- Personal Injury
- Real Estate Law
Admitted:
- Admitted in 1986 to the practice of law for the Federal and State Courts of Idaho.
Law School:
- Graduated from Gonzaga University in 1986 (J.D., magna cum laude)
College:
- North Carolina State University; Boise State University (B.B.A., Economics, 1983)
Member:
- Idaho State Bar (Litigation Section)
- Boise Bar Association
Notes:
- Past President of Board of Directors for Family Advocacy Program
- CASA Volunteer Attorney
- Member Boise Sunrise Rotary
- ADR Training
- Institute for Conflict Management Mediation Certification
Matt Schelstrate
Partner
Mr. Schelstrate represents clients in all areas of law, with an emphasis on civil litigation, family law, landlord/tenant law, collections, and probate litigation. He is a 2009 graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law where he was the Symposium Editor for the Idaho Law Review. He received his B.A. in History from Saint Louis University in 2005. Prior to joining Cosho Humphrey, Mr. Schelstrate clerked for the Honorable Michael McLaughlin in Idaho's Fourth Judicial District. He is a member of the Idaho State Bar and admitted to practice in both the state and federal courts of Idaho.
Areas of Practice:
- Civil litigation
- Landlord/ Tenant law
- Probate
- Family law
Admitted:
- 2009, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho College of Law, 2009 (J.D., cum laude)
College:
- Saint Louis University, 2005 (B.A., magna cum laude)
Stanley W. Welsh
Partner
Stanley W. Welsh is engaged in the general practice of law, specializing in family law matters. Mr. Welsh is active as a lecturer and an author on family law matters for the Idaho State Bar and has taught Family Law at the University of Idaho College of Law. Mr. Welsh is a graduate of Gonzaga University and the University of Idaho College of Law. He is a member of the Idaho State Bar, the American Bar Association-Certified Fellow, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Business Planning
- Church Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Admitted:
- 1976, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 1976
College:
- Gonzaga University, B.A. 1969
Member:
- Idaho State Bar
- Boise and American Bar Association Certified Fellow
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Notes:
- Certified Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers;
- Notes Editor, Idaho Law Review, 1975-76;
- Active as lecturer and author for the Continuing Legal Education of the Idaho State Bar;
- Author of several articles in Idaho Law Review;
- Adjunct Professor of Family Law, University of Idaho, 1993
Mackenzie Whatcott
Partner
Ms. Whatcott is a general practice attorney with an emphasis in family law. She received both her undergraduate and Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho. Following her graduation from law school in 2003, she clerked at the district court level in Blaine County for the Honorable James J. May and Honorable Robert J. Elgee. Ms. Whatcott was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 2003, and she is licensed to practice before all state and federal courts in Idaho. She is also a member of the Family Law Section.
Areas of Practice:
- Family law
Admitted:
- 2003, Idaho
Law School:
- University of Idaho, J.D., 2003
College:
- University of Idaho, B.A., 2000
Member:
- Idaho State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Notes:
- Family Law Section, Idaho State Bar
JJ WINTERS
Associate Attorney
Ms. Winters is a general practice attorney with a background in several areas of practice. Ms. Winters graduated cum laude from Boise State University with her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She earned her juris doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law, where she was a member of the D. Craig Lewis Mock Trial Team, the National Moot Court Team, and served as Managing and Symposium Editor for the Idaho Critical Legal Studies Journal. Prior to joining Cosho Humphrey, Ms. Winters clerked for the Honorable George A. Southworth, Administrative District Judge in Idaho’s Third Judicial District for over three years, handling a wide variety of criminal and civil cases, including appeals.
Areas of Practice:
- Real estate
- Civil litigation
- Family law
- Criminal defense
- Landlord/Tenant law
- Wills and probate law
- Contract law
Education:
- Boise State University, Bachelor Business Administration (cum laude)
- University of Idaho College of Law, Juris Doctor
Member:
- Richard C. Fields American Inns of Court
- Idaho Women Lawyers Association
- Third District Bar Association – past Vice President
- Idaho State Bar
Accolades:
- Idaho State Bar Denise O’Donnell Day Pro Bono Award recipient
- University of Idaho Pro Bono Above and Beyond Award recipient
Affiliations:
- Stampede for the Cure - committee member
- YMCA Youth Volleyball coach
Past Affiliations:
- Fourth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee – student member
- Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
- Idaho Real Estate License
- Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots
