James W. Geiger

John L. Knorek, a Director at the firm, provides counsel and representation to large and small employers in all aspects of employment and wrongful discharge law. His practice also includes collective bargaining negotiations, affirmative action compliance, mediation and arbitration. He provides training to businesses on employment discrimination and preventative personnel practices, including family leave, disability law and sexual harassment. Mr. Knorek is a founding co-editor of the Hawaii C...

Melissa H. Lambert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Melissa H., 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 Melissa H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert Aaron Creps is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Robert Aaron, who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert Aaron is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ivan M. Lui-Kwan was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii. He has practiced law for over 50 years, focusing on Hawaii’s land use, administrative and real estate law. Mr. Lui-Kwan is a Director of the law firm, has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America ® for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law, Leisure & Hospitality Law, Real Estate Law, and named “Lawyer of the Year” in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America ®...

Dean T. Yamamoto is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law and Real Estate Law. Dean T., 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 Dean T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brett concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial and business litigation, real estate disputes, and intellectual property litigation. Brett is focused on helping clients navigate their way through complex issues and disputes, seeking out creative and efficient solutions to their problems. Through his experience, Brett has represented individuals and Fortune 500 companies in both state and federal court as well as before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and various other a...

Normand R. Lezy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Normand R., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Normand R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph A. Stewart is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Government Contracts and Land Use and Zoning Law. Joseph A., 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 Joseph A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tred once again was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Litigation-Insurance. He was also named Best Lawyers® 2022 Litigation Insurance “Lawyer of the Year” in Honolulu. A designation given to a single attorney in each practice group by metropolitan area. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among their peers for their ab...

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...