Sheila R. Schwager

Sheila R. Schwager is a partner at Hawley Troxell, Chair of the Creditor Rights/Bankruptcy practice group, and a member of the firm’s Board of Partners. She represents consumer and commercial lenders in matters involving the Uniform Commercial Code, state and federal lending laws, bankruptcies, foreclosures, workouts, and collections. Her experience also includes defending lender liability claims and navigating complex consumer protection statutes, such as telemarketing laws, credit reporting, and the Fair Debt Collection Procedure Act.

Ms. Schwager earned both her B.S. (1991, cum laude) and J.D. (1994, summa cum laude) from the University of Idaho. Licensed in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, she has appeared before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and participated in trials in California. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Bankruptcy Law at the University of Idaho, reflecting her commitment to advancing legal education while maintaining a robust creditor rights practice across the United States.

In recognition of her professional achievements, Ms. Schwager was inducted in 2022 as the first woman in Idaho to join the prestigious American College of Bankruptcy. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights, Chambers & Partners for Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Mountain States Super Lawyers, and the Idaho Business Review. Her peers also honored her with the Professionalism Award from the Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section of the Idaho State Bar.

Beyond her legal practice, Sheila R. Schwager is deeply committed to pro bono work and community leadership. She has volunteered with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), served as an arbitrator in attorney fee disputes, and promoted financial literacy by working with high school students. A graduate of Leadership Boise, Sheila has also served on the Board of Directors for the Idaho Humane Society and currently serves on the Board of the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, continuing her long-standing dedication to advocacy and community service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Hawley Troxell
• Governing Board Member, Idaho State Bar (Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section) (2002-2008)
• Member, American College of Bankruptcy
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Inns of Court
• Board Member, Women’s and Children’s Alliance
• Member, Idaho State Bar (Idaho Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section)
• Member, Idaho State Bar (U.S. Bankruptcy Court Advisory Committee on Local Rules) (2001-2005)
• Chairperson, Idaho State Bar (U.S. Bankruptcy Court Advisory Committee on Local Rules) (2006-2016)

Licensed State

• Idaho
• Washington
• Oregon

Education

• University of Idaho
  Juris Doctor (JD) Summa Cum Laude
• University of Idaho
  BS in Cum Laude

Awards & Badges