Wendy Hanakahi

Eric S. T. Young is a sole practitioner with 30 years of experience in estate planning, probate and trust law. He is a graduate of Harvard University and the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii. Mr. Young concentrates his practice in estate planning and trust and probate litigation and dispute resolution. Mr. Young has been awarded Best Lawyers in America “Hawaii Lawyer of the Year” seven times - in “Trusts and Estates” (2020, 2023 and 2025) and &...

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...

Adrian L. Lavarias is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Real Estate, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Real Estate Law. Adrian L., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adrian L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Craig K. Shikuma is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. Craig K., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Craig K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kai Wang is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. Kai, who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kai 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

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...

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 ...

Michael J. Nakano is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Michael J., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patrick K. Wong is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law. Patrick K., who practices law in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.