Waipahu Lawyers

My passion, legal skill, and commitment to justice stem from years of work in both the private and non-profit sectors. My primary practice is civil rights and liberties both against the government and employers. If you have been discriminated against, harassed at work, or your liberties have been violated, I want to hear from you. At my firm, we believe in making justice work for our clients through efficient, personalized, and outstanding legal services.

Rick Abelmann is a bankruptcy attorney admitted to practice in Hawaii and New York. He graduated in economics before entering law school, and worked for both small and large business and firms in the past. Rick previously practiced corporate and securities law in Hong Kong with Clifford Chance, one of the largest law firms in the world, and also spent time working on the trading floor for the equities division of the Wall Street investment bank Morgan Stanley. He worked on transactions valued at hundreds of millions of dollars on a regular basis.

After leaving the corporate world,...

Judith Ann Pavey has successfully handled personal injury cases in Hawaii since 1977 and continues this important work as Of Counsel at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher. The law firm is ranked by U.S. News-Best Lawyers® since 2010 as "Best Law Firm" in its core business of Real Estate Law and Commercial Litigation, and also Personal Injury Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law and Product Liability Litigation(since 2012), solely based on Ms. Pavey's contribution. Ms. Pavey has been named by The Best Lawyers in America©, as a Lawyer of the Year in Honolulu in the practice areas of Banking & Finance Litigation...

Bridget represents clients in a wide range of civil and commercial litigation matters, with an emphasis on consumer class actions. Her experience includes representation of injured consumers against hotels, restaurants, banks, and other corporations, of debtors, creditors, and bankruptcy trustees in bankruptcy litigation matters, and of citizens and public figures in civic matters of public importance. Bridget has practiced in the State, Federal District, and Bankruptcy Courts of Hawaii and Washington State, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and has argued before the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel. Bridget was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2013-2017 and...

Since obtaining his J.D. from the University of Hawaii in 2005, Honolulu divorce attorney Justin L. Sturdivant has focused his practice on family law matters. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Sturdivant has worked as a Civil Litigator, Mediator, Custody Evaluator, and Guardian Ad Litem. These experiences have provided him with great insight into the way the family court system functions. All of Mr. Sturdivant’s knowledge and training goes on to benefit his clients. He takes great pride in his work and fully dedicates himself to achieving the best outcome possible in a timely manner. You schedule a free, no-obligation consultation...

David is one of the nation’s most respected lemon law attorneys. He is an attorney in good standing and has been admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Hawaii. He is the founding attorney of the lemon law firm David J. Gorberg & Associates, P.C. and concentrates his practice in the field of Lemon Law and Breach of Warranty. His firm has represented more than 30,000 clients for lemon law claims against all auto manufacturers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Hawaii, and has recovered more than 500 million dollars in settlements. The firm maintains lemon...

Since 1995, I've been an attorney at Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A., where I became an equity partner in 2013. As the managing partner of our esteemed 40+ year law firm, I lead with a commitment to excellence in representing our clients. With a focus on trial law, my dedication to securing maximum compensation and justice for our clients is reflected in the verdicts and settlements I've obtained. I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1992 with honors, earning a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1995. Admitted to the bar in Florida,...

Erik Peterson, a partner with Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, has obtained what is believed to be the largest medical malpractice settlement in California history. Mr. Peterson is licensed in California and Hawaii and practices throughout each state. He has obtained a $21 million jury verdict representing the victim of a car accident who sustained a brain injury. Mr. Peterson has been listed as a "Super Lawyer" for over 10 years, is rated "10" on AVVO, and "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and professionalism and is listed in "America's Top 100 Attorneys." Please call Mr. Peterson for...

Stephanie E.W. Thompson is a Director of the firm who concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial and real estate civil litigation. Ms. Thompson has assisted in the representation of various clients from multi-million dollar corporations to small businesses and individual interests in legal matters ranging from wrongful termination and unfair competition, to negligence, commercial litigation, general business and trust disputes.

Ms. Thompson is named to the 2020 Best Lawyers in America© list in the practice area of Real Estate Litigation. She holds an "AV Preeminent"® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® for both her skill and integrity. Ms. Thompson was...

Mr. Thomas graduated from the University of Florida in 1984 and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida College of Law in December 1987. He became a member of the California Bar in 1988. With over 1,500 cases and 26 years of experience in every type of investment case Mr. Thomas has a proven track record of success. As an advocate for investors Mr. Thomas utilizes his extensive experience and knowledge of the securities and commodities markets as a former licensed Series 7 stockbroker and Series 3 commodities broker with Shearson Lehman Brothers. His professional memberships include the...

Practice limited to representing Federal civil service employees with adverse action, discrimination, security clearance revocation, whistle-blower reprisal, and related labor/employment claims before the MSPB, EEOC, OSC, and mediators/arbitrators. Elbridge W. Smith concentrates almost exclusively in representing individual federal employees, primarily handling MSPB and other appeals, EEO complaints and defenses, at the administrative and federal court levels. He has been in private practice since 1977, with firms concentrating in civil rights and employment litigation, representing various federal and private sector unions and their employees. Mr. Smith is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Hawai'i, Richardson School of Law. He...

As an attorney and counselor at law, Christopher D. Thomas has founded his practice on the principles of assertive, energetic, yet personable representation of clients who face the most difficult of legal challenges. Chris understands the daunting tasks facing those he represents, and approaches these problems with the most proactive and resourceful strategies available. He knows that clients want real results, want them quickly, and in the most cost-effective manner possible. Whether via aggressive courtroom litigation, use of alternative dispute resolution, or just practical down to earth advice, success is founded by moving boldly forward to resolution in the...

James J. Stone was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and is thoroughly familiar with Hawaii’s multiple cultures and the needs of Hawaii’s residents and visitors. He attended St. Louis High School and graduated from the University of Hawaii. He was a member of the first graduating class from the University of Hawaii’s school of law, and has over 30 years of experience. See www.nulaw.net for more info on background and services.

Tom Farrell is one of the most experienced and respected family law attorneys in Hawaii. With over 28 years in Hawaiis Family Courts, he is the first and only lawyer in Hawaii to be certified as a family law specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (accredited by the American Bar Association). His practice emphasizes complex divorce litigation and related family law issues such as interstate custody disputes, family violence, child support, alimony claims, and division of assets and debts. A retired Colonel in the Army Reserve and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he understands the special issues confronting military families. Mr. Farrell, also handles national security...

Attorney Yuka Hongo practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate, and Captive Insurance. She speaks fluent Japanese as well as English. Attorney Yuka Hongo was born in Japan and raised in the United States. After graduating from Oberlin College, she earned her law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, CA. She is licensed to practice in Hawaii, California, New York, and the District of Columbia. In 2013, she founded Hongo Law Office, LLLC in Honolulu, HI. Our firm assists clients with estate planning matters such as the preparation of trusts, transfer on death deeds, and other documents. We also...

Terence O’Toole is a director of the Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher law firm. He manages the firm’s litigation department and has over forty years experience in the area of commercial and complex litigation. Mr. O'Toole holds Martindale-Hubbell's highest possible professional rating (AV Preeminent) given by legal peers, based on their knowledge of his work, reputation and integrity.

The Law Office of Gary G. Singh is a high-volume practice providing legal assistance for immigrants on matters ranging from visa applications, adjustment of status, bond, exclusion and removal proceedings. Gary is an active member of the Hawaii Federal Criminal Justice Act panel where he represents clients before the Federal Court. He is fluent in English, Japanese, Malay and Punjabi, and has been a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association since 1995.

Ms. Hirota began her law practice in Ohio as an associate with Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, a large law firm in Cincinnati. After practicing immigration law in Ohio for two years, Ms. Hirota returned to her family in Hawaii and joined Lynch & Farmer in 1997. She was named a partner of Lynch Ichida Thompson Kim & Hirota in 2002 and left that firm to found Hirota & Associates in 2009. Ms. Hirota’s practice concentrates solely in U.S. Immigration and Nationality law. Ms. Hirota is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, having served on the following...

Amy Lawson Woodward is an associate attorney at the Law Office of William H. Lawson, concentrating her practice in the area of plaintiffs' personal injury litigation. Prior to joining her father's firm in 2016, Ms. Woodward practiced law at Carlsmith Ball LLP (one of the top corporate law firms in Hawaii), focusing predominantly on litigating commercial disputes.

Ms. Woodward is ranked in the "Top 10 Under 40" personal injury attorneys in Hawaii by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA). She has obtained favorable awards for injured individuals at arbitration and successfully advocated for clients in...

I was born and raised in central Missouri and received my bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of Missouri in 1996. Following graduation, I moved to Honolulu and attended the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law where I received my juris doctorate in 1999. After receiving my JD, I served as a law clerk to the Honorable Victoria S. Marks in the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii. In 2000, I accepted a position as a Deputy Public Defender for the State of Hawaii and began my legal career working...

Greg Ryan & Associates understands that divorce can be one of the most challenging and stressful events your family may ever face. We will provide clear and honest guidance to help you and your family move forward. Do not let divorce turn into a lengthy, ugly and expensive “battle.” Let us help you get through it, quickly and with civility, dignity and respect. Attorney Gregory L. Ryan is a military veteran. Mr. Ryan and his team understand your military lifestyle and the unique issues you face as a military family. If you are a service member or spouse currently stationed in...

My name is Ofir Raviv and I am a bankruptcy attorney in Hawaii. My office is in Honolulu, Hawaii but I serve clients on all the Hawaiian Islands.
I love helping people, and once you meet me you may be surprised that I am not from Hawaii but was born and raised in Israel where I attended college. I met my wife who is a local girl, got married and moved back to Hawaii where we have made our home.
After I graduated from UH, I worked as a bankruptcy attorney for one of Hawaii’s most prominent consumer bankruptcy law firms...

Ron Heller has been practicing law in Hawaii for over 30 years, concentrating on tax litigation, tax law, and business disputes, primarily dealing with accounting and financial issues. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant as well as an attorney. Mr. Heller is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, and a past Chair of the Tax Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association. He has litigated tax cases at the county, state, and federal levels. In addition to tax cases, Ron has represented clients ranging from individual sole proprietors to multi-national corporations in a wide variety...

Duane R. Fisher concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate law, hotels and resorts, construction law, business structure and operations and commercial transactions. Mr. Fisher has represented a wide range of business organizations, from hotel owners, telecommunications companies, general contractors, Wall Street investment firms and multibillion dollar energy development companies to closely held corporations and sole proprietors, in both private transactions and before federal and state administrative agencies.

Ms. McMillen has extensive state and federal experience in sentencing, appellate litigation and post-conviction proceedings. In her federal practice she represented clients in some of the most complex and rigorous prosecutions in Hawai`i’s federal court history, including an appeal from a conviction for selling military stealth technology to foreign governments. She has also represented clients in cases involving: tax fraud and evasion; mortgage fraud; immigration fraud; immigration offenses; misuse of public funds; alien smuggling; mail fraud; wire fraud; drug trafficking. In addition, she represents clients in family law and divorce cases. For more about...

Steven L. Hartley has specialized in the practice of Family Law for 13 years. Mr. Hartley began his family law career in 1996 with Stirling & Kleintop and was named partner of the firm in September 2000. In 2004, Mr. Hartley moved to Bloomington, Indiana where he continued to practice family law with Mallor, Clendening, Grodner and Bohrer, LLP. Mr. Hartley returned home to Hawaii with his family in 2005 and resumed his family law practice partnering with Frank T. Lockwood to form Lockwood & Hartley, ALC. In 2009, Mr. Hartley opened his current firm, Hartley & McGehee, LLP,...

Stephen has historically represented clients in a wide range of civil, commercial litigation matters. He was born in New Jersey, raised in Wilmington, Delaware, attended university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and went on to obtain his juris doctoris from New York University School of Law in 1995, after which, he remained and practiced in New York for 10 years at such international firms as Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy and Morrison & Foerster. Stephen moved to Hawai‘i in 2005 and joined the firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing, where...

Nathan Natori has been practicing law in Hawaii since 1992, and has represented clients running the gamut from state and county agencies, large corporations (Nextel, The Queen's Health System, Holland America Line, Kaiser Permanente), and local families and individuals. Whether big or small, each client is important to Mr. Natori and receives the same level of service. Timely responses from an attorney who cares and whom you can trust is what you will receive at Natori Law Office LLLC.

Scott A. Makuakane has been practicing law in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, asset protection, estate and gift taxation, and probate since 1983.   Mr. Makuakane has written various training manuals and articles for lawyers concerning estate planning, including authoring the Estate Planning Checklist and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax chapters of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Encyclopedia of Estate Planning. Mr. Makuakane is also a regular contributor to Generations Magazine, a Hawaii-based publication that shares important information and tips for seniors. His column focuses on estate planning issues and is written in an easy to digest non-legalese style.     Scott Makuakane’s...

William Bullard is dedicated to providing the highest quality Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy services, and debt workouts to clients at an affordable, cost effective, personal one on one manner. William serves clients on all the Hawaiian Islands from offices located in Honolulu and Koloa.

Rick Abelmann is a bankruptcy attorney admitted to practice in Hawaii and New York. He graduated in economics before entering law school, and worked for both small and large business and firms in the past. Rick previously practiced corporate and securities law in Hong Kong with Clifford Chance, one of the largest law firms in the world, and also spent time working on the trading floor for the equities division of the Wall Street investment bank Morgan Stanley. He worked on transactions valued at hundreds of millions of dollars on a regular basis. Honolulu bankruptcy attorney ...

I am the Director of Legal and Government Affairs for the Hawaii Employers Council, the premier HR resource for employers in Hawaii. For more information, please visit www.hilaborlaw.com.

I am a Hawaii bankruptcy attorney and have 28 years of bankruptcy experience. My entire practice focuses on helping people like you get out from under the crushing burden of debt.

Not all bankruptcy lawyers are the same. Many are very good at putting people on a conveyor belt and moving their cases down the line. After helping thousands of individuals, families and business owners successfully “dump the debt” in bankruptcy, I have learned that nothing is more important than personal attention to each client’s case. When you hire me, you get me. When you call my office, I talk to...

As a former Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii Law School and former Chairman of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Hawaii Chapter, Mr. Ma was previously appointed the Trade Representative of the State of Hawaii in Hong Kong and China for U.S.-inbound investment.