Jonas Ewart, a second-year law student at the University of Chicago Law School, spent the summer of 2026 working as an intern in the Office of the Idaho Solicitor General in Boise, gaining practical experience in legal research, writing, and appellate advocacy. The internship placed Ewart in one of Idaho’s most prestigious legal offices, where he contributed to significant state litigation matters while exploring a career path in courtroom practice.
Internship Responsibilities and Projects
During his time in the Solicitor General’s office, Ewart focused on legal research and writing—core competencies in appellate practice. His assignments included drafting amicus briefs, preparing internal legal memoranda, and helping prepare state attorneys for oral arguments before appellate courts. The Solicitor General’s office represents the state of Idaho in cases before the Idaho Supreme Court and federal appellate courts, making it a high-stakes environment for legal work.
Among the cases handled by the office during Ewart’s tenure was Little v. Hecox, which was litigated during the most recent U.S. Supreme Court term. Such high-profile litigation exposed Ewart to the complexities of constitutional law and the mechanics of appellate advocacy at the nation’s highest level.
Connection to Idaho and Legal Education
Ewart’s internship reflects a broader connection between the University of Chicago Law School and Idaho’s legal establishment. Michael Zarian, the current Idaho Solicitor General who supervised Ewart’s work, is himself a 2019 graduate of the same law school. This alumni network has created pathways for ambitious law students to bring their training to bear on consequential state legal matters.
For Ewart, the internship served as a testing ground for his intended career direction. He has expressed a commitment to pursuing litigation as a practicing attorney, and the Solicitor General’s office—where appellate advocacy is the core mission—provided direct exposure to that practice area.
Boise Experience Beyond the Office
Beyond his work responsibilities, Ewart took advantage of Boise’s recreational and cultural offerings. He spent free time camping and hiking in the surrounding area, activities that reflect the outdoor character of Idaho’s capital city. He also explored downtown Boise, familiarizing himself with the city’s downtown district and community spaces.
For law students accustomed to life in Chicago, a summer in Boise offered both professional opportunity and lifestyle exposure to a smaller, more geographically diverse market—a consideration for students evaluating where to build their legal careers after graduation.
What Comes Next
Ewart is scheduled to return to the University of Chicago Law School in the fall of 2026 to complete his third and final year of law school. Looking ahead to graduation and bar admission, his experience in the Idaho Solicitor General’s office has positioned him as a competitive candidate for litigation-focused positions at law firms, government agencies, or public interest organizations.
Internships at state attorneys general offices have become a standard pathway for law students seeking appellate experience. Such positions offer hands-on practice in the types of legal work that define appellate practice—research, writing, oral advocacy, and strategic litigation planning—skills that are directly transferable to any jurisdiction or practice setting.