Alan Van Etten

Following graduation from law school, Michael served as a law clerk to the Honorable Jon J. Chinen, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Hawaii. Since joining the firm in 1980, he has continued to use his expertise in bankruptcy law, the main emphasis of his practice. Michael also practices in the areas of bankruptcy & creditor’s rights, business & commercial, dispute resolution, and real estate & land use. In 1992, he and DKLKH colleague, Kenneth Kupchak, co-a...

Matt Evans is a Director of Damon Key and practices in the firm’s Business & Commercial Law, Real Estate, Construction Law, Creditors’ Rights, Insurance, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Appeals practice groups. With a primary focus on commercial disputes, Matt aims to provide legal services in a manner that places his clients’ goals at the center, with a mind toward helping them prevent disputes before they occur and, when necessary, resolve disputes by finding ...

John K. Matsumoto is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law and Trusts and Estates. John K., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gerald A. Sumida is a partner in Carlsmith Ball LLP's Honolulu office and Chair of the firm's Corporate & Business Practice Group. He concentrates on business structuring and operations, including corporate, limited liability company, joint venture and partnership matters; business acquisitions; sales and mergers; securities law; start-up company and venture capital financing; administrative and public utilities law; energy law, including energy project development and project finance; an...

Ms. Strona is a Director of the firm. Ms. Strona focuses her practice in the areas of commercial real estate transactions, leasing, commercial asset and equity sales and acquisitions, and corporate law. Ms. Strona has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list since 2025, and the Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" list in the practice area of Real Estate Law since 2020. Ms.Strona has been named to T he Best Lawyers in America ® 2026 list in the practice area of Real Estate ...

Na Lan is a Director at Damon Key and brings to the firm a unique combination of capabilities and experience in the areas of condominium and community association law, immigration, business and real property transactions, and dispute resolution for Mandarin-speaking investors and business owners. Born and raised in China, she is fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English. Ms. Lan once again was selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for he...

Christian D. Chambers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Christian D., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christian D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ian Wesley-Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Ian, who practices law in Hilo, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maile Miller is a Director of the firm. Ms. Miller is a vital member of the firm’s litigation team, representing clients in a variety of matters. Ms. Miller’s practice focuses on construction, business, and land use litigation, frequently appearing before Hawaii’s State and Federal Courts, in addition to administrative agencies such as the City and County of Honolulu’s Zoning Board of Appeals. Ms. Miller represents a wide variety of corporate and public entity clients,...

Crystal K. Rose is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Crystal K., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Crystal K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.