Abigail R. Germaine

Abigail “Abbey” Germaine joined Elam & Burke in 2021 and focuses her practice on municipal law, urban renewal, public utilities, water and energy. Known for her problem-solving abilities, the foundation for her legal practice was established during her tenure with the City of Boise, where she offered strategic advice to the Mayor and City Council on a variety of issues, and made considerable contributions to the Public Works Department, with a key focus on energy and water.

Abbey transitioned into the private sector and became an integral part of the Elam & Burke team. Her focus on urban renewal, land use, and real property issues allows her to advise a wide range of clients, from individual homeowners to quasi-governmental entities and developers, often representing clients before the Idaho Department of Water Resources, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, and various other quasi-governmental entities.

Raised in a small town in Eastern Washington, Abbey completed her undergraduate studies in government and communications with the intention to attend law school. She moved to Idaho for her legal education, with plans to return home to Washington after graduation; however, the charm of Boise and the outdoor lifestyle it offered convinced her to stay.

Her representation of public entities includes specializing in environmental law, local government and municipal finance, and land use. She advises on issues of governmental regulations, private-public partnerships, government contracting, public works, and administrative law. Her work with land use issues includes easements, planning and development, and purchase and sale agreements.