Michael J. O'Malley

Jan M. L. Y. Kutsunai is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Jan M. L. Y., 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 Jan M. L. Y. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

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...

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.

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.

Gail represents many of Hawaii’s major private and public hospitals and medical centers, physicians and other healthcare providers in medical malpractice cases before the Medical Inquiry Conciliation Panel (MICP) and in state and federal courts. Gail was recognized by Best Lawyers as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2023 for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants in Honolulu, Hawaii. In January 2024, Gail was lead counsel and obtained a defense verdict for a medical center in a c...

Ms. Young (formerly Lisa A. Chun) concentrates on real estate, commercial financing and general business transactions. She has extensive experience in real estate and asset-based financing. She has served as counsel in the purchase/sale and the development and financing of numerous and commercial facilities, including hotels and shopping centers and in large-scale lending syndications. She also serves as local counsel to a national company with extensive agricultural operations in Hawaii. She...

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.

Charles T. Kleintop is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Charles T., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 1987. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Trevor A. Brown represents clients in both litigation and transactions. His real estate experience ranges from resort acquisition and development to acting as trial counsel to establish beach access rights based on Kingdom of Hawaii land use. Mr. Brown's corporate experience ranges from negotiating corporate restructurings to acting as trial counsel to force the break-up of related land development corporations. Mr. Brown counsels trustees and beneficiaries in trust matters and also represent...