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Thomas J. Budge

Partner
tj@racineolson.com
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Phone: 208.232.6101
Fax: 208.232.6109

201 E Center St
Pocatello, Idaho 83201

Avvo Rating 10.0 Top Attorney Real Estate Badge Avvo Client's Choice 2016 Real Estate Badge AV Preeminent Thomas J. Budge Badge

Mr. Budge specializes in real estate, water rights, and natural resource law representing cities, corporations, banks, developers, and landowners throughout Southern Idaho in a wide range of transactions, administrative proceedings, litigation, and appeals.

He has worked for some of Idaho's largest real estate developments, was intimately involved with the Snake River Basin Adjudication, and has advised clients in connection with more than $100 million in real estate transactions. His experience includes land use, planning and zoning, agriculture, water rights, the Clean Water Act, easements, road disputes, boundary disputes, eminent domain, mining, and energy.

T.J. approaches legal challenges with the goal of identifying solutions that can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively. He has argued cases before the Idaho Supreme Court, Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Department of Lands, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and local government boards throughout eastern Idaho. The legal, historical, and practical insights gained from these experiences enable T.J. to provide clear and cost-effective solutions to the most difficult legal challenges that face our clients.

Professional Memberships and Activities

Mr. Budge is licensed to practice law in both Idaho and Utah. He is the past President of the Portneuf Inn of Court, a past Board member of the Water Law Section of the Idaho State Bar, and a current member of the Real Estate Section and the Water Law Section of the Idaho State Bar. His article A Fluid Transaction: Buying and Selling Water Rights was published in The Advocate, the official publication of the Idaho State Bar.

Awards

Mr. Budge has been awarded the highest AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, maintains a 10.0 rating with AVVO, was named the 2010 CASA Attorney of the Year, and has been a finalist for the Idaho Business Review Overachievers Under 40 (2015), Professional of the Year (2016), and Business & Achievement (2017) awards.

Academic Degrees
  • B.S., Idaho State University, 2003
  • J.D., University of Idaho, 2006
Speaking Engagements
  • Citizens Law Academy - Understanding Land Descriptions
  • Citizens Law Academy - Water Rights 101
  • Groundwater Hydrology, Law & Mitigation Seminar - Mitigation Plans Past & Present
  • Henry's Fork Watershed Council - Water Court Pros & Cons
  • Idaho Water Users Association - The Supreme Court Speaks: Conjunctive Management Update
  • Idaho Water Users Association - Water Pros & Cons
  • Law Seminars International - Mitigation in Practice: Challenges and Strategies
  • Law Seminars International - Water Issues on Land
  • National Business Institute - Special Considerations in Farm & Ranch Transactions
  • Portneuf Inn of Court - Eminent domain practice and procedure
  • Portneuf Inn of Court - Understanding Legal Descriptions
  • Sixth and Seventh Judicial District Law Clerk and Staff Attorney Training Seminar - Water Rights and Irrigation Easements
Personal Information

Mr. Budge is married to Heidi Bauer of Mud Lake, Idaho, and they have four children. He has served as a director of the Pocatello Pioneers Mountain Bike Team, a member of the Portneuf Health Trust Endowment Board, on the City of Chubbuck Development Commission, and on the Pebble Creek Ski Patrol, and is actively involved in church and other community activities.

Education

B.S., Idaho State University, 2003

J.D., University of Idaho, 2006

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

Idaho State Bar

Utah State Bar

Awards
  • Avvo – 10.0
  • Martindale-Hubbel – AV Preeminent
  • “Overachievers Under 40” (2015) – Southeast Idaho Business Review
  • Southeast Idaho Business Review Professional of the Year Nominee (2016)
  • Business and Achievement Award Nominee (2017) - Southeast Idaho Business Review
  • Professional of the Year Nominee (2016) - Southeast Idaho Business Review
Client Reviews
★★★★★
"When it comes to our business work, we trust Racine Olson.” Premier Technology Inc.
★★★★★
“Randy has been our family’s attorney for many years. I’ve not only retained Randy to help with our family business, but I’ve used Randy and his firm in more than one complicated issues. I’ve never been disappointed.” Shawn - Previous Client
★★★★★
"Pat George, well there is so much I can say…. EXCELLENT lawyer! He leaves no stones unturned. If you are in need of an excellent Lawyer I would highly recommend Pat George. He turned a life threatening accident into a life changing event.” Personal Injury Client
★★★★★
"The attorneys here are just fantastic my dad and I are big fans…they are the best in Pocatello. I have lived in Poky my whole life” Previous Client
★★★★★
“I had been to many other law firms concerning my case. They were willing and able to help me out and I feel confident that they will do what is best for me.” Previous Client
★★★★★
"Fred Lewis is very knowledgeable, courteous, and efficient in explaining everything you need to know to help you win your case. He truly cares about you as a person and is on your side." Workers' Compensation Client