Philip J. Leas

Jon M.H. Pang is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. Jon M.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 Jon M.H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ian Wesley-Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Ian, who practices law in Hilo, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Egesdal is a Partner in the firm's Honolulu office and is a member of the Transactional practice group. He concentrates his practice on business structure and operations. Steve has assisted a wide variety of business entities in the formation, acquisition, operation, reorganization, and dissolution of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships and limited liability limited partnerships. He also has extensive litigation experience, and draws o...

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.

Ms. Strona is a Director of the firm. Ms. Strona focuses her practice in the areas of commercial real estate transactions, leasing, commercial asset and equity sales and acquisitions, and corporate law. Ms. Strona has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list since 2025, and the Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" list in the practice area of Real Estate Law since 2020. Ms.Strona has been named to T he Best Lawyers in America ® 2026 list in the practice area of Real Estate ...

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...

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...

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...

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

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 ...