Best Civil Lawyer in Hawaii
Elizabeth Fujiwara
Civil Lawyer
Elizabeth Jubin Fujiwara, provides over two decades of trial and valuable experience as a lawyer handling employment law, discrimination, civil rights, and labor law cases. She is also obtainable as a neutral fact-finder in employment matters.
Ms. Fujiwara has served as the Senior Trial Attorney for the EEOC in Hawai’i and the Pacific Basin. She is the creator and was president of the National Employment Lawyers Association of Hawai’i from 1993 to 1996. She retains a Masters Degree in Social Work with a emphasis on advising and community development.
Published Works
- Cause of Action for Post-Ellerth/Faragher Title VII Employment Sexual Harassment Claims (with Joyce M. Brown), Causes of Action, 2d (Clark Boardman Callaghan), 27 COA2d 1 (2011)
- Our Rights, Our Lives, Sponsored by the Hawaii Women Lawyers (1st, 2nd and 3rd ed. 1996)
- Employee Rights Under Judicial Scrutiny: Prevalent Discourse and the Hawaii Supreme Court, University of Hawaii Law Review, Summer, 1992
- Proving Damages in a Sexual Harassment Case, Trial, Vol. 30, No 4, 1994
- Sexual Harassment and Litigation Strategies: Plaintiff Attorney’s Perspective, Hawaii Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Feb. 12, 1993, pp. 35-64
- Sexual Harassment and Litigation Strategies: Plaintiff Attorney’s Perspective (reprinted by permission), Employee Advocacy, Summer, 1993, p. 2
- ATLA Employment Section Newsletter, Editor and Frequent Contributor, 1995-96
Shawn A. Luiz
Civil Lawyer
Shawn received his Bachelor’s Degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Florida School of Law. After law school Shawn returned to Hawaii with a vision to start his own law practice.
As a Plaintiff’s attorney Shawn appreciates the opportunity to assist clients from all walks of life in their fight for justice. He is passionate about defending the rights of those who have been wronged. Shawn is a proud member of the Hawaii State Bar Association, Florida Bar and the American Bar Association. In addition to being admitted to practice in all State and Federal courts in Hawaii, Shawn has proudly been admitted to the Highest Court, the United States Supreme Court.
Shawn believes in giving back to the community. He has served on the Board of Directors for Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Catholic Conference and volunteers for programs that focus on outreach to Hawaii homeless families.
When Shawn is not practicing law, he loves to spend time with his wife and two children and enjoys workouts in the gym and traveling. Shawn lives by the basic principle, best known as the “golden rule”, treat others as you would like to be treated.
University Attended:
- Chaminade University of Honolulu, B.S., 1991
Law School Attended:
- University of Florida, J.D., 1996
Marcos Bendaña
Civil Lawyer
Marcos Bendaña has been an Associate with Fujiwara & Rosenbaum, LLLC since 2019. His focus is in the areas of employment law, discrimination, civil rights, whistleblower retaliation, and wrongful termination in violation of public policy. Mr. Bendaña started as an extern with Fujiwara & Rosenbaum, LLLC during his final years of law school in 2017-2018 and quickly realized his passion to assist plaintiffs in civil rights issues.
Mr. Bendaña received his J.D. from the University of Hawai‘i, William S. Richardson School of Law, and his undergraduate B.S. in Political Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. While in law school, Mr. Bendaña was an Ulu Lehua Scholar and a student representative for the Admissions Committee. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Bendaña was a construction engineer and manager in California and Hawai‘i for ten years. Mr. Bendaña then went back to school and soon after worked and volunteered for Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services as a youth program coordinator and community organizer.
Mr. Bendaña is committed to social justice, the public interest, and to assist underserved and underrepresented communities.
Education:
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
B.A., Political Science, May 2012
University of Hawai‘i, William S. Richardson School of Law
J.D., 2018
Admitted Practices:
Hawai‘i State Bar
Hawai‘i United States District Court for the District of Hawai‘i.
Kevin O'Grady
Civil Lawyer
EDUCATION
After earning a psychology degree from the University of Arizona in 1990, I graduated with an MS in Criminal Justice Administration at Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1997, I earned my Juris Doctor cum laude from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in New York.
LEGAL CAREER
In over two decades of legal experience, I am fortunate to have gained exceptional legal training. This training includes working as a deputy prosecutor in state courts, a Special Assistant United States Attorney, and serving as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army, where I was a Trial Counsel (Prosecutor) and also a Senior Trial Counsel (senior military prosecutor). As a Judge Advocate I have also served as an Article 32 Investigating Officer and Preliminary Hearing Officer. I have experience on the mainland and Hawaii.
CRIMINAL & DUI LAW EXPERIENCE
- Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy
- Scottsdale Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
- Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at Ak-Chin Indian Tribe
- Domestic violence prosecutor and S.A.U.S.A. at Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Tribe
- Senior Trial Counsel (prosecutor) in United States Army
- Defense Attorney at The Law Office of Kevin O’Grady, LLC
- NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Test Trained & Qualified (2015)
- NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor & Qualified (2016)
- Intoxilyzer 8000 Operator Trained (2012)
- Seminar on Criminal Discovery and Brady at annual Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HACDL) (2019)
- Seminar on DUI Basic Defense for HSBA (Hawaii State Bar Association) (March 2020)
- NCDD (National College for DUI Defense) Annual Summer Session speaker regarding DUI and the military client (2021)
JODY L. BROADDUS
Civil Lawyer
Jody L. Broaddus is a civil law attorney with considerable experience in civil litigation matters. Jody has been a licensed civil law attorney for over 21 years. In addition to being licensed in Arizona and Hawai‘i, she was also licensed in Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Growing up in a small town in Iowa, Jody has learned to create a human connection in a close-knit community as well as the importance of earning an honorable reputation. Jody understands that people have challenges in life, and sometimes they just need someone in their community to direct and support them.
After moving to Phoenix in 1988, she went to work as a file clerk at a notable personal injury law firm where she quickly advanced as a civil litigation paralegal. While working at the law firm, Jody’s passion for the law and helping others grew. She obtained her Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice at Eastern Arizona College, then her Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, which culminated in her receiving her Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska.
EXPERIENCE
Arizona Civil Law Attorney – Automobile Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Dog Bites/Maulings, Burn Cases, Wrongful Death, Assaults, Dram Shop and Drunk Driving Accidents, Premises Liability, Boating Accidents, Nursing Home Negligence, Medical Malpractice, Trucking Accidents, Civil Rights, Bad Faith Insurance, Defamation/Slander, Contract Disputes, Commercial Litigation, Banking Disputes and Litigation, Professional Licensing Disputes.
James J. Bickerton
Civil Lawyer
Jim Bickerton has been practicing law in Hawaii for more than 36 years and is the founding partner of the firm. Jim is widely regarded as one of the best trial attorneys in Honolulu and has been continuously listed as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” and “Hawaii’s A+ Attorneys” since 1993. In addition to the hundreds of individual clients Jim has successfully represented over the year, his client list has included such notables as Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi, Governor Ben Cayetano, UH Basketball Coach Gib Arnold, Princess Abigail Kawananakoa, The New Yorker magazine, the NCAA, USA Today, The Hawaii State Campaign Spending Commission, Simon & Schuster and several past presidents of the Hawaii State Bar Association.
Jim currently represents a wide range of both plaintiff and defendant clients in commercial and real estate litigation, consumer class actions, professional liability of attorneys, accountants and real estate brokers, medical malpractice, serious personal injury and wrongful death, and First Amendment and defamation issues.
Education
J.D., University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) School of Law, 1981
B.A., Psychology, University of Hawaii, 1978
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Memberships
Hawaii State Bar Association
Trever K. Asam
Civil Lawyer
Trever is a partner at Cades Schutte, representing clients in federal and state tax matters. Trever handles both planning and controversy matters, including audits, appeals, and tax litigation in the federal and state courts. Typical clients include Hawai‘i businesses with federal income tax issues and international clients navigating Hawai‘i’s unique tax laws including the General Excise Tax and the Transient Accommodations Tax.
Trever is also one of Hawai‘i’s leading attorneys for nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, advising clients on formation, tax exemption, unrelated business income, and the use of joint ventures and corporate subsidiaries. He currently serves as the firm’s pro bono coordinator.
Practices & Industries
- Agriculture & Food Distribution
- Corporate & Business
- Educational Institutions
- Energy
- Hospitality & Retail
- Non-profit & Tax-Exempt Organizations
- Tax
Daniel M. Chen
Civil Lawyer
Daniel is a seasoned litigator who has extensive experience handling disputes involving trusts, real estate, businesses, and personal injury matters. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in state court, federal court, arbitrations, administrative hearings, and mediations. Daniel has conducted litigation and insurance seminars for corporate clients and has served as a Presenter for the National Business Institute.
Daniel has received an AV-Preeminent Peer-Review rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 Top Attorney rating from Avvo.
Daniel was born and raised in Kailua, Hawai’i and is a graduate of Punahou School. He attended college at the University of Pennsylvania and played on the Men’s Varsity Tennis Team (Division I). After graduating from college, Daniel returned home and attended the University of Hawai’i, William S. Richardson School of Law. In law school, Daniel was a member of Law Review and the Sports Law Moot Court Team. In his free time, Daniel enjoys tennis, golf, stand up paddle boarding, and trying his luck in Las Vegas.
EDUCATION
- University of Hawai’i, William S. Richardson School of Law, Honolulu, Hawai’i
- J.D. – 2001
- Honors: Law Review, Sports Law Moot Court Team
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- B.A. – 1998
- Punahou School
- Diploma – 1994
Paradise Found, Legal Woes Abound: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in Hawaii
Hawaii, a place synonymous with pristine beaches and volcanic wonder, can also be the scene of complex legal issues. Whether facing a contract dispute or a personal injury claim, navigating the legal system can feel like traversing molten lava – treacherous and demanding a skilled guide. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in Hawaii is crucial for protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unveiling the Mysteries of Hawaii Civil Law:
Civil law encompasses a vast array of legal issues, from property rights to business contracts. A skilled civil lawyer in Hawaii possesses in-depth knowledge of:
- Applicable Laws and Regulations: They can meticulously analyze your situation within the framework of Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and relevant court rulings, ensuring your case aligns with legal principles specific to the state.
2. Championing Your Rights in the Aloha State:
- Protecting Your Interests: A skilled civil lawyer is your advocate, ensuring you understand your legal rights and protecting your interests throughout the process. They’ll help gather evidence, craft strong legal arguments, and present your case persuasively (whether in negotiations or court) to maximize your chances of success. (HI.gov)
3. Navigating the Legal Labyrinth:
The legal system is a complex maze. A top civil lawyer in Hawaii is your guide:
- Local Legal Expertise: Familiar with local laws, court rules, and procedures, they can handle paperwork, meet deadlines, and avoid potential pitfalls that could jeopardize your case.
4. Negotiating for a Favorable Resolution:
Many civil cases can be resolved through negotiation:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: A skilled civil lawyer can act as your representative, leveraging their legal knowledge and effective negotiation strategies to reach a settlement that aligns with your interests.
5. Local Knowledge: A Strategic Advantage:
Laws can vary by state:
- Understanding Hawaii’s Nuances: Hiring a lawyer well-versed in Hawaii’s legal landscape ensures they understand the unique aspects of Hawaiian law, the local court system, and the judges who may preside over your case. This familiarity can be a significant advantage in building a strong legal strategy.
6. Peace of Mind Amidst Legal Challenges:
- Stress Relief Through Expertise: Engaging a skilled civil lawyer provides peace of mind. Knowing you have a professional dedicated to your case, handling legal complexities, and representing your interests allows you to focus on other aspects of your life with less stress.