Michael Tribe was appointed to the Idaho Court of Appeals by Gov. Brad Little on Jan. 23, 2024.

Judge Tribe brings a varied legal background to the role, having worked as a small-town Idaho attorney with a range of expertise before becoming a judge in one of Idaho’s district courts.

Judge Tribe received a bachelor's degree from Southern Utah University in 1999 and graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2003. After graduating, he clerked for Judge Barry Wood, supporting the judge’s work across Gooding, Jerome and Lincoln counties. He then joined what became the Rupert-based Robinson, Anthon & Tribe law firm, where his focuses included water law, criminal defense and representation for various small governments including cities and school districts.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter in 2017 appointed Judge Tribe as a district judge of the Fifth Judicial District with chambers in Burley. In addition to handling felony criminal and civil matters, Judge Tribe presided over the Mini-Cassia and Jerome felony drug courts.

Judge Tribe and his wife, Amber, have three children. Outside of work, Judge Tribe enjoys skiing, listening to Amber perform on the piano, and working through Tom Lopez's "Idaho: A Climbing Guide."