Patricia Tobias
Patricia Tobias, Administrative Director of the Courts for the State of Idaho, has been named recipient of the 2012 Warren E. Burger Award. One of the highest awards presented by the National Center for State Courts, the Burger Award is named for the former Chief Justice of the United States who helped found the NCSC in 1971. NCSC presents the Burger Award annually to an individual who has made significant contributions in the field of court administration and who has contributed to NCSC’s mission.
In a letter of recommendation for the award, Idaho Chief Justice Roger S. Burdick said of Tobias: “She is an innovator, a ceaseless worker, a masterful administrator in Idaho and just as competent and important nationally.”
Tobias has served as Administrative Director of the Courts for 20 years. During this time, she actively supported the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission comprised of all entities impacted by individuals in the criminal justice system, such as health and human services, juvenile and adult correction leaders, legislative members and Idaho court officials. Tobias also spearheaded changes in the court retirement program which is credited for cutting costs and improving services. She was instrumental in implementing problem-solving courts, family court services and self-help centers for litigants not represented by attorneys across Idaho.