Maegan A. Ruggles

Published Works · Hawaii Conveyance Manual II (Editor), 1988 · Hawaii Commercial Real Estate Manual (Contributing Editor), 1988 Representative Clients · Nauru Tower · Hawaiki Tower · Keauhou Golf Course · Kiahuna Golf Club · Kiahuna Plantation · The Pointe at Poipu · Kiahuna Shopping Village-Phase I · Vista Waikoloa · Hualalai Resort

Doug’s practice emphasizes taxation, estate planning and business planning. He assists individuals, families and businesses with their legal needs. Doug once again was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Corporate Law, Litigation-Trusts & Estates, Tax Law, and Trusts & Estates. He was also named the Best Lawyers® 2024 Litigation-Trusts & Estates “Lawyer of the Year” in Honolulu. A designa...

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...

Shawn H. Yamada is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Shawn H. practices law in Hilo, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Shawn H. Yamada 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 Shawn H. Yamada is held by other lawyers.

Lex R. Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Lex R. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Lex R. Smith since 2008. 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 Lex R. Smith is held by other lawyers.

Megan Lim practices in the firm’s Wills, Trusts & Estates practice group with a focus on estate planning, probate and trust litigation, conservatorship and guardianship proceedings, and trust and estate administration. Megan has once again been named to the 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America list in the practice areas of Trusts & Estates and Litigation-Trusts & Estates. She is a graduate of the University of Washington, School of Law where she worked in the Chi...

Ronald I. Heller has been practicing law in Honolulu for over 30 years, in the areas of tax litigation, business/commercial litigation, taxation and business law. He received both JD and MBA degrees from the University of Michigan, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant as well as an attorney. Mr. Heller is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, and a past Chair of the Tax Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association. He has litigated tax cases at the county, state, and federa...

Mr. Higa focuses on commercial litigation, construction disputes, and tax controversies. He has experience handling various types of business, real estate, construction, tort, bankruptcy and tax matters in Hawaii State and Federal Courts, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Higa’s experience includes favorable settlements and decisions for his clients in mediation and arbitration, on dispositive motions in court, on appeal, and through trial, including a jury verdict in e...

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

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 ...