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Over the years, I have had the privilege of presiding over thousands of cases.  My legal career follows tens of thousands of hours watching the faces of the parties and their loved ones and attorneys taking upon themselves their clients’ cause. I have witnessed first-hand the effect of conflict--often months or even years in the making.  I know that finding resolution can often be elusive. However, I am committed to finding it.  

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For nearly thirty years, I have followed with great interest every jury verdict in the courthouse where I was chambered.  This enabled professional insight and observation.  In turn, I possess a unique ability to predict outcomes.  Considering the next step in my career, conflict resolution stood out as the ideal fit.  Working closely with attorneys and their clients to forge a new path greatly appealed to me. 

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I look forward to engaging in the meaningful and collaborative work of problem solving and guiding the parties toward a resolution. 

Expertise & Experience 

Dane has served as a District Judge in the Seventh Judicial District of Idaho since 2011.  He served as the Administrative District Judge for four years.  Judge Watkins has presided over numerous civil and criminal jury and court trials. Prior to his judgeship, he served for nine years as the elected Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney.  His first legal employment came while working for the Department of Justice in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba interpreting asylum interviews between fleeing Haitian refugees and U.S. asylum adjudicators. 

  • 2001 - 2011 Elected Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney 

  • 2001 - 2010 Chair Multi-Disciplinary Task Force (Prevention of child abuse) 

  • 2003 - 2010 Chair Domestic Violence Task Force (Domestic Violence) 

  • 2003 - 2010 Chair Critical Incident Task Force (Officer involved shooting)  

  • 2003 - 2010 Child Advocacy Center board member   

  • 2003 - 2010 Governing Board for Seventh Judicial District Treatment Courts 

  • 2004 - Elected to second term of Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney 

  • 2004 - Public Leadership Award (Domestic Violence Intervention Center) 

  • 2004 - 2011 Regional Domestic Violence Task Force 

  • 2004 - 2021 Member Rotary International 

  • 2005 - Community Collaboration Award (Help, Inc., child abuse elimination) 

  • 2005 - Friend of Law Enforcement Award (Bonn. County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department and Idaho State Police) 

  • 2005 - 2008 Chair Idaho Association of Counties Public Safety and Justice Committee 

  • 2008 - Award of Excellence (International Association of Arson Investigators) 

  • 2008 - Board Member Idaho Prosecuting Attorney’s Association 

  • 2008 - Elected to third term of Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney 

  • 2009 - 2010 - P.O.S.T. Council member Peace Officer Standards and Training (Governor Appointment) 

  • 2009 - Treasure Idaho Prosecuting Attorney’s Association 

  • 2009 - Chair Ethics Committee Idaho Prosecuting Attorney’s Association 

  • 2009 - STOP Grant Board 

  • 2009 - Supreme Court Committee on Families and Children in the Court 

  • 2009 - President Eagle Rock Inns of Court 

  • 2009 - 2010 President Prosecuting Attorney’s Association 

  • 2010 - Outstanding Service Award (Eagle Rock Inn of Court) 

  • 2010 - Miles Adler Award Idaho Association of Counties 

  • 2011 - 2025 District Judge in the Seventh Judicial District State of Idaho 

  • 2011 - Completed Ironman, Nice France 

  • 2016 - 2026 Felony Sentencing Committee (Idaho Supreme Court appointment) 

  • 2016 - Judge National Mock Court Trials 

  • 2020 - 2024 Administrative District Judge for Seventh Judicial District 

  • 2023 - Present – Mentor Judge to Idaho District judges (Idaho Supreme Court appointment) 

  • 2024 - Present – Judicial Wellness Committee (Idaho Supreme Court appointment) 

  • 2025 - Present Judicial Coach (National Judicial College) 

  • 2025 - Professional Coach, International Coaching Federation 

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