Attorneys

Practice areas:

• Guardianships
• Government Law
• Litigation 
• Real Estate
• Trust Administration & Probate

After completing law school in 2013, Marc worked as a Public Defender in Canyon County for six years. During that time, he argued more contested motions than he can remember, was lead counsel in approximately twenty jury trials and argued a case before the Idaho Supreme Court.

Marc joined the firm in October 2019. Shortly after joining the firm, he argued his second case before the Idaho Supreme Court. His practice focuses on guardianship, municipal and local government, real property, civil litigation, probate and estate planning.

Marc was a member of the Idaho Law Review during his final two years of law school, a position requiring excellent research and writing skills. In his third year, he was a member of the Executive Board of the Idaho Law Review. He also prevailed on the briefs in a case before the Idaho Court of Appeals prior to joining the firm.

Marc was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. After graduating from high school he moved to Boise and attended Boise State University, where he competed on the Track and Field team. After graduation from Boise State, he decided to pursue a law degree at the University of Idaho.

In his personal time, Marc likes to spend as much time as he can with his wife and children, and is actively involved in his church. He is an avid cyclist, and also enjoys hunting, golfing, and boating. He’ll do just about any activity that takes him outside to experience the best of what Idaho has to offer.

Practice areas:

• Guardianships
• Government Law
• Litigation 
• Real Estate
• Trust Administration & Probate

After graduating from Caldwell High School, Bill attended the University of Idaho, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1969. He then attended the University of Idaho College of Law where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1972. In 1973, Bill joined his father’s firm, Gigray, Miller & Downen, in Caldwell.

Bill joined the firm in 1990. His practice emphasizes municipal and local government, estate planning, probate and corporate law. He is past president of the Third District Bar Association, past president and member of the board of directors for the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, and a past member of the Trial Lawyers of America. In 2019, Bill received the Idaho State Bar Distinguished Lawyer Award which is the highest award a lawyer can receive from the state bar.

Over the years, Bill has been involved in his church and community. He has served as president of the Jaycees and Optimist Club, and is currently the president of the Greenbelt Civic League of Caldwell, the Caldwell Foundation for Education Opportunity, the Foundation for Ada/Canyon Trails Systems (F.A.C.T.S.), and serves as Legal Counsel for the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce.

Bill began playing drums at the age of 13. He and his band, Almost Dangerous, have been playing together for 17 years. Bill has a quick wit and enjoys telling stories and puns with his unique sense of humor.

Practice areas:

• Business Law
• Estate Planning
• Governmental Law
• Real Estate
• Water & Environmental

Matt joined the firm in December 2007. His practice focuses on helping clients to navigate the complex waters of federal, state, and local administrative laws and regulations, particularly as related to business zoning and land use, water law, and environmental issues. He works with a number of homeowners associations with issues such as organization, administration and enforcement, and collections and liens. Matt also advises client on real estate transactions and disputes, business planning, estate planning and probate administration.

Matt serves as legal counsel to a number of municipalities and local government entities, including the City of Melba, City of Cascade, City of Sun Valley, City of Ketchum and City of Wilder. In 2013, he was recognized by his peers in the Idaho Municipal Attorneys association and awarded the “Promising Newcomer” Award.

Matt graduated from the College of Idaho (“Go Yotes”) and then headed to Washington University in St. Louis where he completed his law degree as well as a master’s degree in political science. While at the law school he served as a student attorney in the Washington University Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic.

Matt is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Nampa. He is also active in the Nampa Chamber of Commerce, serving as a co-chair of the Government Relations Committee. He volunteers and works with a number of other local non-profit organizations, including as a board member of the Nampa Schools Foundation and a coach in the Nampa Premier Soccer Club.

He is an avid soccer player, although creaky knees now mean he is slowly shifting his focus from competitive play to just kicking the ball with his young sons. Matt and his wife also enjoy gardening, cooking, and traversing Idaho’s great outdoors.

Lawyer Matthew Johnson | Featured Attorney Estate Planning

Practice areas:

• Business Law
• Estate Planning
• Governmental Law
• Real Estate

Bill joined the firm in September of 2010 after graduating near the top of his class at the University Of Idaho College Of Law. In law school, he served as Editor-in-Chief for the Idaho Law Review and was on the Dean’s List. Bill also served as a summer legal clerk for the Seventh Judicial District of Idaho. Prior to law school, Bill graduated from the College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Economics, and Spanish. He then worked for two years in the Idaho Office of the Governor, where he served under three consecutive Idaho Governors.

Bill’s practice focuses on Civil Litigation, Estate Planning and Municipal Law.

Bill speaks Spanish fluently, is an avid mountain biker, and enjoys running, hunting and Krav Maga. Bill lives in Nampa with his wife Sarah and their children.

Practice areas:

• Business Law
• Estate Planning
• Real Estate
• Water & Environmental

Phil joined the firm in September of 1979 following his graduation from the University of Idaho College of Law. He has practiced since that time primarily in the areas of tax and estate planning, probate and trust law, business law, real estate and water law, with some specialized work in the areas of employee benefit plans and HIPAA matters.

In addition to his law firm practice, he has been active in voluntary community work for over 35 years. Among his community activities are: Nampa Kiwanis Club (past president, past treasurer, current children’s reading programs coordinator, past Kiwanian of the Year); Canyon Area United Way (past president); Boise Philharmonic Association (past board member and treasurer); University of Idaho Alumni Association (past national board member; current local chapter treasurer); annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count team member; recipient of Idaho Education Association 2011 “A+ Friend of Education Award”; City of Nampa Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (past secretary); and Foundation for Ada/Canyon Trail Systems, Inc. also known as F.A.C.T.S. (board member and treasurer).

Born in 1946 in Lewiston, Idaho, he was raised in rural Nez Perce County, Idaho, graduating from Lewiston High School in 1964. After graduation from the University of Idaho in 1969 with a degree in accounting, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy, where he served in ships primarily deployed in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. He also served as an instructor at the Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, Georgia, where he trained supply officers for the fleet. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for service aboard USS VERNON COUNTY (LST-1161) while operating in and about the rivers of the Republic of Vietnam in 1969 to 1971. He also served in USS PARSONS (DD-949), USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) and USS CAMDEN (AOE-2).

Phil resides in Nampa with his wife, Pam, and has one adult daughter, Liesl, who is a Ph.D. graduate in biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is currently on the faculty of Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, where she teaches conservation biology and ecology. He enjoys gardening, sailing, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, running, bicycling, bird watching, cooking, drawing, writing, music, reading (particularly P.G. Wodehouse, Patrick O’Brian, and Ellis Peters), good food and good wine.

Practice areas:

• Business Law
• Governmental Law
• Real Estate

Brian joined White Peterson as an associate in May 2009. While in law school he served as an Articles Editor for the Lewis & Clark Law Review and earned a special certificate in Intellectual Property Law. As a third year law student, he worked as a clerk in the County Counsel’s office for Washington County, Oregon.

Brian was raised in Caldwell and currently lives in Boise. He enjoys hiking, gardening, photography, attending the Boise Philharmonic, and studying Eastern cultures.

Practice areas:

• Business Law
• Governmental Law
• Real Estate

Maren joined the firm in May 2024. She focuses on all things “local government,” and works with the firm’s various public clients. Prior to joining White Peterson, Maren worked for 9 years as an associate and a partner at firms representing municipal agencies in Southern Idaho. She received the Idaho Municipal Attorneys “Rising Star” Award for her work with a few of the largest cities in Idaho. Maren’s practice has also included business transactions, real estate, corporate counsel, employment and human resources, and civil litigation. 

Maren graduated from University of Idaho College of Law in 2013, where she was a member of the Idaho Law Review and was one of three students selected for the National Moot Court team. During her summers, she spent time as an intern with the United States District Court where she worked closely with Staff Attorneys on drafting opinions for federal judges. 

Prior to law school, Maren played volleyball at Boise State University and now coaches volleyball in the area through both high school and competitive club seasons. Due to her busy coaching schedule and also being a mom, Maren does not have much free time. When she does, she enjoys spending time with her family, organizing, and watching her husband play in local bands.

Practice areas:

• Civil Litigation
• Business Law
• Governmental Law
• Real Estate

Luke joined the firm in August of 2025. His practice areas focus on civil litigation, government, business law, and real estate law. 

He graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in May 2025 and joined the firm shortly after passing the Idaho Bar Exam. Luke earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Boise State University before attending law school. During his legal studies, he served on the Idaho Law Review’s executive board as Chief Research Editor, where he oversaw publication research, mentored student writers, and worked at the intersection of legal scholarship and practical application.

Luke was born in Boise and currently resides in Meridian. Outside of his legal practice, Luke enjoys exploring Idaho’s outdoors, including upland and big-game hunting as well as fishing on Idaho’s lakes and rivers. Luke is an avid collector of historical and precision firearms.

Practice areas:

• Business & Corporate Law
• Real Property
• Local Government
• Civil Litigation
• Estate Planning

Linda joined the firm in September 2024. Her practice focuses primarily on the transactional aspects of business law—which include entity formation and organization, contracts, corporate governance, and business transactions. She also provides counsel on real property matters, civil litigation, local government matters, and estate planning.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Linda built career experience as a civilian IT project manager for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and as a gallery artist—exhibiting work in the U.S. and overseas. 

As an undergrad, she studied mathematics at Cal State Channel Islands, and later earned an M.B.A. from Cal Lutheran University. She earned her J.D. from University of Idaho in 2024, and graduated cum laude with an emphasis in business law.

In her free time, Linda enjoys distance running, playing video games, and cooking.

Practice areas:

• Government Law
• Civil Litigation
• Business Law
• Real Estate

Jake joined the firm in June 2023. His practice areas focus on local government, business law, real estate and civil litigation. Prior to joining White Peterson, he worked as a Deputy Prosecutor for the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office where he handled cases ranging from stolen candy bars to stolen firearms and drive by shootings.

Jake’s interest in law began during his undergraduate career at Brigham Young University, Idaho. There, while learning about the American legal system and its history, he realized its importance and became determined to attend law school. He attended the University of Idaho College of Law where he graduated near the top of his class. In law school, he served as the Chief Managing Editor of the Idaho Law Review, made the Dean’s List and received multiple CALI Excellence for the Future Awards (overall highest grade in a class). During law school, he worked as a summer law clerk for a Magistrate Judge and as a legal intern for the City of Idaho Falls, the City of Moscow and for a law firm focusing on local government.

In his free time, Jake enjoys playing the guitar, reading, spending time outdoors and going on walks and spending time with his wife Rachael and their children.

Practice areas:

• Business & Corporate Law
• Bankruptcy (Debtor/Creditor)
• Estate Planning
• Probate
• Real Estate
• Water Law

Laura joined the firm in January 2026. She started her legal career in 1986 when she joined the firm of Ringer Clark Chartered in Boise, Idaho. She worked at Morrow & Fischer. PLLC from 2014 to 2025 before joining White Peterson Gigray & Nichols, P.A. 

Laura is a fourth-generation Idahoan on both sides of her family. She graduated from Northwest Nazarene College, now known as Northwest Nazarene University, in 1983 with a degree in accounting and business administration and from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1986 where she was a member of the Idaho Law Review.

Her practice includes bankruptcy law, including debtor and creditor representation, wills, estates and probate, collection law, general business law, real estate law and water law with emphasis on pressurized irrigation systems.

Laura is admitted to the Idaho State Bar and U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. She is a member of the Idaho State Bar Commercial and Bankruptcy Law Section, Idaho Women Lawyers since its inception in 1986, including holding positions as president, treasurer and board member, and Soroptimist International of Caldwell, Idaho, from 2014 to the present, including holding positions as co- president and board member. She has received the Idaho State Bar Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section 2013 Professionalism Award, the Idaho Women Lawyers Outstanding Achievement of the year Award in 2013, and the Idaho Women Lawyers Kate Feltham Award in 2019. 

Practice areas:

• Government Law
• Estate Planning
• Business Law
• Real Estate

Terry joined the firm in 1972. After graduation from law school, he worked as a deputy prosecutor in Ada County prior to joining the firm.

His major practice areas involve municipal law, real estate, estate planning, probate and general business. He is the former Nampa City Attorney having held that position for 40 years.

Terry was born and raised in New Plymouth. He is married and has three sons.

Practice areas:

• Government Law
• Estate Planning
• Business Law
• Probate/Trust Administration

Bud joined the firm in September 2018. He was an original member of the predecessor firm to White Peterson, which he joined in 1969 after being admitted to the Idaho State Bar and U.S. District Court, District of Idaho. He left in 1983 to form his own firm where he practiced for 35 years. On September 1st, 2018, he merged his practice, Yost Law, PLLC, with White Peterson.

Bud was born in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1939. He attended Miami University in Ohio graduating in 1961. He received a commission in the United States Air Force, which was activated in 1963, and he was stationed at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. He was honorably discharged in 1966 with the rank of Captain. He was accepted to the University of Idaho College of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 1969. Bud served as legal counsel to the House of Representatives during the 1970 and 1971 sessions.

The opportunity to solve problems for people was a motivator in Bud’s decision to pursue a career in law. Bud is often described as a practical and pragmatic lawyer, and one who is solution-oriented.

Bill Nichols joined White Peterson as an associate in 1999 and became a partner in 2004. He earned his J.D. from the University of Oregon, and passed the Oregon bar in 1980. In 1986, he took and passed the Idaho bar. He was the City Attorney for the City of Meridian, from 2000-2004, and the City of McCall, from 2005 to present. He was also very involved with the City of Nampa. He joined the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys in 2016 which became the majority of his practice. He was a member of the Idaho State Bar, Oregon State Bar, Association of Idaho Cities, and the Idaho Municipal Attorneys Association. Bill received the President’s Award from the Idaho Municipal Attorneys in 2009 and the Idaho State Bar Professionalism Award in 2010. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and clients.