Jonathan Lai

Paul Sato is a seasoned Hawaii litigation attorney who has 50 years experience. Mr. Sato is Of Counsel to the firm and focuses his practice in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law, Corporate Law and Administrative Law. Mr. Sato has been selected for inclusion to The Best Lawyers in America ® list in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation and Real Estate Law. Mr. Sato is rated AV Preeminent® , Martindale-Hubbell’s® highest rating po...

Stuart Kodish is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Stuart, who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stuart is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Timothy Luria is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Timothy, who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clifford K. Higa is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Financial Services Regulation Law. Clifford K., 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 Clifford K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric S. T. Young is a sole practitioner with 30 years of experience in estate planning, probate and trust law. He is a graduate of Harvard University and the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii. Mr. Young concentrates his practice in estate planning and trust and probate litigation and dispute resolution. Mr. Young has been awarded Best Lawyers in America “Hawaii Lawyer of the Year” seven times - in “Trusts and Estates” (2020, 2023 and 2025) and &...

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

A. Bernard “Bernie” Bays is a Director of the firm. Mr. Bays has over 50 years of experience successfully representing clients in over 150 landmark Hawaii litigation cases. 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 in Civil Trial Law by the National Board o...

Carlito P. Caliboso is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Communications Law, Energy Regulatory Law and Utilities Law. Carlito P., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carlito P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gregory M. Sato is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Gregory M., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregory M. 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...