Elbridge W. Smith

Christine was born and reared in Japan. She is the President of Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, and practices in the firm’s Corporate, Commercial, and Real Estate Law practice groups, primarily with Japanese-speaking clients. To address the needs of her Japanese clients, her practice also encompasses Immigration Law, Estate Planning and Employment matters. She is a past Director of Meritas, a worldwide affiliation of commercial law firms, which has members in over 254 global markets. D...

MAILE M. HIROTA is the Manager of Hirota & Associates, LLLC, concentrating in business and family-based immigration law, including family visas, business and investor visas, deportation & removal defense, permanent residence and U.S. citizenship matters. Ms. Hirota has been selected by her peers as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” in the field of immigration law each year since 2008. She has been named the Best Lawyers’ Honolulu Immigration Law “Lawyer of t...

Joseph A. Ernst is a Director of the firm and a member of the employment law department. His practice involves counseling and defending employers in all aspects of employment law, including defense of wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, whistleblower, and retaliation claims. He also assists clients with employer compliance with state and federal employment and labor laws. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment, Employment Litigation, Employment Compliance, Labor Relations

Nicholas J. Lezak is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Nicholas J., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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...

David M. Louie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction. David M., 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 David M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Blake W. Bushnell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Blake W., 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 Blake W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kenneth B. Marcus is Director Emeritus of the firm who has practiced law since 1972. Mr. Marcus is experienced in the areas of commercial real estate law, development, finance, leasing, purchases and sales. He also has extensive experience in Hawaii business law including the formation of partnerships and limited liability companies, and corporate finance. His real property practice includes the development, acquisition, sale, financing and restructuring of hotels, office buildings and shoppi...

Charles T. Kleintop is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Charles T., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 1987. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.