James D. Hovren

Of Counsel | E: jdh@elamburke.com | P: 208-343-5454 |

Jim is an experienced attorney at Elam & Burke, where he focuses on corporate and business law, with a particular emphasis on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate transactions. With a career spanning decades, Jim has earned a reputation for his deep understanding of the complexities of business, making him a trusted advisor to companies ranging from small startups to large enterprises. His practice includes representing clients as general counsel, advising on complex acquisitions, and facilitating the buying and selling of agricultural properties.

Jim is originally from the small town of Challis, Idaho, where his family was rooted in the lumber and hardware business. Jim worked in the family store until he pursued his education at the College of Idaho. He earned his Juris Doctor and MBA from the University of Washington in 1985, marking the beginning of a distinguished legal career. Jim joined Evans Keane in 1985 and developed a diverse business practice including significant work in public securities in the 90s, before concentrating more on other areas of business law. He dedicated his entire career to Evans Keane before taking advantage of the opportunity to join Elam & Burke in 2024.

Jim’s extensive experience in business law is complemented by his work in real estate, particularly in high-value agricultural transactions. His clients appreciate his responsive and loyal nature, often forming long-term relationships that extend beyond the professional sphere. His commitment to his clients is reflected in the numerous referrals he receives from professionals and peers alike. Jim’s contributions to the legal community have been recognized by several prestigious organizations, including Chambers USA®, Best Lawyers in America®, and Mountain States Super Lawyers®, and he is proud of his service as the first Honorary Battalion Commander for the 1st Battalion – 183rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Helicopter) of the Idaho Army National Guard.

Outside the office, Jim enjoys fly fishing, trap shooting and alpine skiing, reflecting his love for the outdoors. He also supports his wife’s growing plantscape business, embodying the same dedication and enthusiasm he brings to his legal practice. Jim’s deep roots in Idaho, coupled with his passion for law and business, make him an invaluable asset to his clients and the community.

Practice Areas

Representative Matters

From 1993 through 2002, preparation of all periodic reports [Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K], and Proxy materials for an NYSE listed corporate client. Prepared and filed various Registration Statements [Forms S-1, S-3, S-4 and S-8]. Coordinated the listing of securities on the NYSE and NASDAQ National Market.
Recapitalization, Exchange Offer [pursuant to Securities Act of 1933 §§ 3(a)(9) and 3(a)(10)] and Merger of an Idaho state-chartered bank holding company.
Formation of Idaho state-chartered banks and bank holding companies.
$31,000,000 Rights Offering with Distribution of Rights to purchase 10,100,000 Units, each consisting of two shares of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock. Transaction included the Registration of the Units, Rights, Common Stock and Warrants on Form S-1, and the Listing of the Common Stock on the NYSE and the Rights and Warrants on the NASDAQ National Market.
Merger of Parent corporation with Subsidiary to Eliminate $11.94 (Stated Value) Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and Listing of Common Stock and Warrants on the NYSE and NASDAQ National Market. Preparation of related Registration Statement on Form S-4.
Preparation of proxy materials and corporate documents for corporate client’s successful 1 for 8 Reverse Stock Split.
Successfully represented closely-held issuer in tender offer and follow-on reverse stock split to eliminate minority shareholdings.
Represented corporations and limited liability companies in redemption transactions.
Represented various issuers in Reg D (Rule 506) offerings.
Various business purchase and sale transactions, ranging from $1,000,000 to $130,000,000.
Various transactions representing buyers or sellers of commercial properties, including transactions valued at $23,500,000 and $24,000,000.
Various transactions involving agricultural properties, including purchases and sales in excess of $20,000,000.
Frequently assists out-of-state lenders with secured loan transactions in Idaho.

About

Education

College of Idaho, B.A. summa cum laude 1980
University of Washington School of Law/Foster School of Business, J.D. and MBA 1985

Bar Admissions

Idaho State Bar
United States District Court for the District of Idaho
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
All courts of the State of Idaho

Articles and Presentations

Lectured: “High Level Best Practices & Tips for Board Members,” Association of Corporate Counsel – Mountain West Chapter
Lectured: “Corporate Governance for Exempt Nonprofit Corporations & the Unique Issues Presented by 501(c)(7),” Far West Ski Association
Co-author: “Handbook for Idaho Nonprofit Corporations, First Edition,” (Idaho State Bar, Corporate and Securities Section, 1990);
Co-author: “Basic Corporate Law in Idaho” (National Business Institute, Inc., 1995);
Co-author: “Business Law Developments in Idaho,” 1995 – The Legal Year in Review, (CCM, The American Lawyer’s Corporate Counsel Magazine, 1995);
Co-author: “Business Law Developments in Idaho, USA,” 1996 – The Legal Year in Review, (CCM, The American Lawyer’s Corporate Counsel Magazine, 1996);
Author: “Dissenters Rights Under Part 13 of the New Idaho Business Corporation Act,” (The Advocate, April 1997);
Co-author: Idaho Submission – Global Legal Update for Businesses, 1998 (American Corporate Counsel Association 1998);
Author: “Business Entities – What’s Frequently Used Today,” The Messenger, (Idaho Small Business Development Center, Winter 2001).

Organizations/Positions/Involvement

Idaho State Bar, Business and Corporate Law Section (Member); Committee to Revise the Idaho Corporate Code (Member)
Wyakin Warrior Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit serving post-9/11 wounded and injured veterans, Board of Directors
Small Business Development Center, Volunteer
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area and Pheasants Forever, Volunteer
Bogus Basin Ski Club, Member
Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation, Member
Boise Gun Club, Member
El Korah Shrine (providing screening clinics assisting children with admission to Shriners’ Hospitals), Member
Leadership Boise Alumni Association (class of 1997-98)

Awards

Martindale-Hubble AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney, which signifies the highest possible rating for legal ability and adherence to the highest standard of professional conduct
Recognized by Chambers USA® (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Mountain States Super Lawyers® (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Corporate Governance and Corporate Compliance Law
Named as one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Corporate Lawyers in Idaho: 2023 Edition” by Business Today
Recipient of the Idaho Business Review “Leaders in Law Award” 2018
Honored to be selected as the first Honorary Battalion Commander for the 1st Battalion – 183rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Helicopter) of the Idaho Army National Guard 2018
Selected to participate in the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Visitor Embark Program aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68)