James J. Bickerton

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

Adrian L. Lavarias is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Real Estate, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Real Estate Law. Adrian L. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Adrian L. Lavarias since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which A...

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, Diane’s practice focuses on complex litigation and dispute resolution. Prior to joining the firm in 1978, she was an extern to the Honorable Herbert Choy, Circuit Judge, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Diane is involved in a number of professional and community activities, servicing on the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaii Supreme Court, as a national director of Easter Seals, Inc., as well as a director of Easter Seals Hawaii and ...

Harry Y. Oda is a partner in the firm's Honolulu office, concentrating his practice in the areas of corporate law, commercial transactions, estate planning, pension, probate and taxation. Mr. Oda is a member of both the Hawaii and California Bar and has been practicing law since 1987. He was again selected by attorney peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2018 for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, for Trusts and Estates, and for ...

Clifford K. Higa is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Financial Services Regulation Law. Clifford K. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Clifford K. Higa since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Clifford K. Higa is held by other lawyers.

Derek B. Simon is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Derek B. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Derek B. Simon since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Derek B. Simon is held by other lawyers.

Gregory M. Sato is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Gregory M. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Gregory M. Sato since 2007. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Gregory M. Sato is held by other lawyers.

Lawrence Okinaga is a partner in the firm's Honolulu office and a member of its Transactional practice group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate, financial institutions, real estate, and administrative law. Mr. Okinaga has developed this deep experience in representing corporations, partnerships and individuals, for more than 38 years. He regularly advises clients on business matters and supervises the firm's litigators in clients' disputes. He is listed in Chambers USA: A...

Ikaika B. Rawlins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Real Estate Law. Ikaika B. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Ikaika B. Rawlins since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ikaika B. Rawli...

A. Bernard “Bernie” Bays is a Director of the firm. Mr. Bays has over 50 years of experience and has successfully represented clients in numerous landmark Hawaii litigation cases and over 150 trials or arbitrations. Mr. Bays focuses his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, business litigation, real estate litigation, trusts and estates litigation, legal malpractice law-defendant litigation, real estate law and land use and zoning law. Mr. Bays is Board Certified...