Kirk M. Neste

Lauren R. Sharkey, is a Director and concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate, taxation and business & commercial law. She represents businesses in wide-ranging commercial matters including acquisitions and sales of real estate and business, development and leasing. Ms. Sharkey also advises businesses and individuals as to state and federal tax issues. She is licensed (inactive) as a certified public accountant in Hawai’i and California. She is a former summer clerk to ...

Douglas S. Chin has extensive experience in state and federal courts, from Hawaii to the United States Supreme Court, and experience in managing state and local government agencies at the highest levels. Mr. Chin focuses his practice in commercial litigation, administrative law, and government relations. Mr. Chin is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell® ; the highest rating possible, for his skill and integrity. Mr. Chin has been named to The Best Lawyers in America® list in...

J. George Hetherington is the President of the firm and Chair of its Corporate Department. He has been with the firm since 1978 and his practice is focused in the areas of corporate and health care law.Mr. Hetherington's corporate practice revolves around mergers, acquisitions, divestures, capital formation, securities law, joint ventures, contract negotiation and preparation and other transactional work for new and established Hawaii businesses and national and international companies doing ...

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...

Tom Van Winkle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Tom, who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tom is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kimi M. Ide-Foster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Kimi M., 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 Kimi M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kenneth Y. Sugita is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Kenneth Y., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth Y. 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...

Mr. Klevansky’s practice emphasizes commercial law, business litigation, bankruptcy law and reorganization, fraudulent transfers, and creditors’ rights. He counsels corporate and individual clients related to collection and payment of secured and unsecured claims and judgments, foreclosures and other post-judgment remedies through litigation, arbitration and less formal proceedings. Mr. Klevansky graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor's o...

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