ohn Hansen began his legal career in Idaho in 1959. A native and lifelong resident of Idaho, he graduated from the University of Idaho with degrees in Agricultural Economics and Law. He practiced with firms in both Boise and Idaho Falls before founding a partnership with his brother, Orval Hansen. After his brother's election to the United States House of Representatives, Mr. Hansen developed and was senior partner in the firm of Hansen, Beard, St. Clair, Peterson and Sullivan before joining this firm in 1992.

Mr. Hansen is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, the Idaho State Bar Association and the Seventh Judicial District Bar Association.

Mr. Hansen has served the profession as a member of numerous state and local bar committees. His practice focuses on real estate and water law, estate planning and administration and related litigation.

Mr. Hansen was elected to the Idaho State Senate in 1986 and served six terms. In the Senate he served as chairman of the Human Resources Committee, Education Committee, and the State Affairs Committee. He was the ranking member of the Resource and Environment Committee and a member of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC). Mr. Hansen also served as Idaho commissioner and vice chairman of the Education Commission of the States and is a member and chairman of the Six State Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force, as well as numerous interim committees and task forces.

Mr. Hansen is married to Michele A. Hansen and has three children. He has a long history of community service. His hobbies and recreational interests include fishing, hunting, both downhill and cross-country skiing as well as white water rafting.