Malek earns achievement accolades

BOISE — Every two years, the Boise nonprofit Idaho Women Lawyers presents one remarkable individual with a Notable Achievement of the Year award.  

Tara Malek, an attorney and owner of Smith + Malek in Coeur d'Alene, is the 2024 winner. This year's awards gala will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 17 at Boise Centre East.

"Receiving the Notable Achievement of the Year award is incredibly meaningful,” Malek said Friday.

Malek said the reason she chose a career in law is the pursuit of justice.

“This award is a reminder of that and the impact we can have on our community,” Malek said.

Idaho Women Lawyers President Leslie Hayes said the award is given to those who make significant contributions to the legal community.

The winner is chosen from a group of nominees who exemplify leadership, public service and commitment to improving diversity in the legal profession.

Idaho Women Lawyers, formed in 1986, helps promote the advancement of women in legal professions across the state. 

Hayes said the group has worked to improve gender equality, equal pay, organizational leadership and representation in judiciary and government work environments.

Malek joined Smith + Malek in 2018 after working as a state and federal prosecutor. The former Idaho Senate candidate has been recognized as a North Idaho Business Journal 40 under 40 winner and is a founding member of the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network, an organization focused on educating Idahoans about access to contraceptives.

Malek said she is truly grateful for this recognition from Idaho Women Lawyers, an organization that she deeply appreciates and respects. She said she is also grateful for the support of the team at Smith + Malek.

"I look forward to continuing to serve northern Idaho with integrity and passion," she said.