From ROTC to the Courtroom: How ISU Shaped Attorney James Dunkelberger’s Path

POCATELLO, Idaho––James Dunkelberger, an Idaho State University (ISU) graduate, began the path from Highland High School in Pocatello to a partnership at a leading Utah law firm through a strong family tradition, paired with considerable ambition. “My family has a deep history with ISU,” he shared. “My grandparents both graduated from here, and my great-grandfather was honored by the university. Even my mother went back to school and graduated the same year I did.”

Earning a double major in Political Science and Military Science with a minor in French in 2008, he recalls that ISU provided him with flexibility, mentorship, and the freedom to explore his personal trajectory.He first became interested in political science at a major fair, where his introduction to the ROTC program helped shape his direction at ISU. “I didn’t fully understand what political science was when I started,” he said, “but I was always interested in government, and ISU helped me turn that curiosity into something real.”

He took the LSAT test and applied to several law schools around the country while still an undergrad. Thanks to a strong GPA and high test scores, for which he credits ISU’s academic structure and his personal initiative, he got multiple offers. With a full tuition scholarship, he ultimately chose Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.

After his studies, he began his legal career at Bennett, Tueller, Johnson & Deere, a law firm based in Utah, where has served for more than 15 years. After a one-year clerkship with Judge N. Randy Smith of the Ninth Circuit in Pocatello, he came back to the firm. He became a partner in 2018 and, in 2021, a part-owner.

“Every day, I work with people I admire, people who are smarter than me and make me better,” he said. “It’s a hard job, but I love who I work with, and that makes all the difference.”

His journey at the ISU was not only academic. He met his wife, also an ISU student and education major, while they were both active in student government (ASISU). This involvement provided him with leadership experience and helped him become more outgoing. “ISU is one of those places where you get out of it what you put into it,” he said. “I learned how to campaign, speak, organize, and connect—all things I still use today as an attorney.”

He also attributes Dean Kandi Turley-Ames, PhD., Judge Smith, and ROTC instructors like Major Morris, who were his instructors and mentors, for helping him complete independent studies, meet major requirements, and overcome academic challenges.

Looking back at his ISU journey, he advises the current ISU students clearly: “Treat college like your job. Your professors are your bosses, and your grades are your performance reviews.”

He also accentuates how important balance is: “Work hard, but also play hard. Go hiking, join clubs, and meet people. Learn how you learn and grow from your mistakes—just don’t get discouraged.”

Now that he is in a position where he can give back, he is eager to mentor ISU students who hope to join law schools. “ISU can and should be a launchpad for great legal careers. If any student is interested in becoming a lawyer, send them my way.”

He is convinced that ISU’s pre-law program can stand head-to-head with top institutions, and he thinks that more students should know what is achievable. “I always called ISU ‘the Harvard of the West.’ It gave me everything I needed to succeed.”

About our contributor: Suraiya Nasrin is a former Graduate Instructor in the Department of English and Philosophy at Idaho State University, where she taught first-year composition and English as a Second Language. She holds a Master of Arts in English from both Idaho State University and the Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh. Her research focuses on rhetoric and composition, multimodal pedagogy, material culture studies, and environmental humanities, with particular interest in how infographics enhance students’ creativity and critical thinking. Suraiya is also an experienced student mentor, committed to fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments.