Samantha Sneed

Gregory M. Hansen, Of Counsel, concentrates his practice in the areas of employee benefits; stock option, stock purchase and equity incentive plans; general corporate and business law; and state and federal income tax controversy matters, with an emphasis on employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) and custom designed retirement arrangements. While an attorney with the U.S. Treasury Department, Mr. Hansen tried U.S. civil tax cases and helped prepare criminal fraud tax cases for review by the U....

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 ...

Kukui Claydon is a Director of the firm. Ms. Claydon is an integral part of the firm’s litigation team, representing clients in complex litigation matters. Ms. Claydon’s practice is well-rounded with impressive depth representing clients in construction, real estate development, large financial institutions and business owners who are often involved in multimillion dollar disputes. Ms. Claydon represents both corporate and public entities, ranging from large and medium-sized Hawai...

Joel D. Kam is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Joel D. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Joel D. Kam since 2019. 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 Joel D. Kam is held by other lawyers.

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

Matt Evans is a Director of Damon Key and practices in the firm’s Business & Commercial Law, Real Estate, Construction Law, Creditors’ Rights, Insurance, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Appeals practice groups. With a primary focus on commercial disputes, Matt aims to provide legal services in a manner that places his clients’ goals at the center, with a mind toward helping them prevent disputes before they occur and, when necessary, resolve disputes by finding ...

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 ...

Ms. Ohira is a Director of the firm and concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate and land use law, hotels and resorts, business structure and operations, and commercial transactions. She brings more than 15 years of experience to her work on a variety of real estate acquisitions and sales, commercial leasing and commercial residential developments, including representing condominium associations and the creation of in condominium and community developments. Ms. Ohira’s comm...

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.

Bruce A. Nakamura is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Bruce A. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Bruce A. Nakamura since 2014. 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 Bruce A. Nakamura is held by other lawyers.