David Nevin

David Nevin is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Nevin, Benjamin & McKay LLP in Boise, Idaho. For more than four decades, he has represented clients across the United States in complex, high-profile criminal cases, particularly those involving civil rights, constitutional issues, and government overreach. His work has earned him a reputation as one of the nation’s most respected trial lawyers.

David graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1978. He began his career as a law clerk to Justice Jos. J. McFadden of the Idaho Supreme Court, and later served as a deputy Ada County Public Defender. In 1983, he co-founded his current firm. He is admitted to practice before Idaho state and federal courts, as well as multiple U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal, the United States Supreme Court, and the U.S. Military Commissions at Guantanamo Bay.

Throughout his distinguished career, David has defended cases of national importance, including the Ruby Ridge trial, the terrorism prosecution of Sami Omar Al-Hussayen, and serving as lead government-appointed counsel for Khalid Shaikh Mohammad at Guantanamo Bay from 2008 to 2019. He has also partnered with legendary trial lawyer Gerry Spence, securing significant acquittals in politically charged prosecutions.

In recognition of his contributions, David Nevin has been honored with the Idaho State Bar’s Distinguished Lawyer Award, the ACLU of Idaho’s Clarence Darrow Award, and repeated inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Idaho College of Law, where he frequently lectures on trial practice, criminal law, and civil rights.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Nevin, Benjamin & McKay LLP
• Founder, Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Licensed State

• Idaho

Education

• University of Idaho College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Colorado State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges