CLIENT COMMENT - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Director
• Litigation
• Member of the Hawaii State Bar Association's

Mr. Bays is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association's, "Living Legend Lawyers". Mr. Bays has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, as a "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu in the practice area of Legal Malpractice Law-Defendant Litigation (2015). He is also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law-Defendants, Trusts and Estates Litigation, Land Use & Zoning Litigation and Land Use & Zoning Law. Mr. Bays was a founding partner at a large Hawaii law firm concentrating his practice in complex litigation.

Job Titles:

• Public Director

Job Titles:

• Administrative Staff Member
• Office Assistant

Job Titles:

• Director
• Director at Starn O'Toole Marcus
• Litigation
• Member of the Bar of the State of Hawaii

"Andrew Lautenbach is a rising star within the firm. He has extensive trial experience, and has handled a wide variety of contractual disputes, lender liability claims, antitrust cases and real estate litigation. A market source says: "He has certainly proved himself time and time again as someone who is very strategic in his thinking and very well prepared."" Mr. Lautenbach is a member of the bar of the State of Hawaii and the State of California (inactive). He is admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Associate With Harvard Law School 's Legal Services Center

Andrew R. Crosby focuses his practice in the areas of real estate law, commercial transactions, corporate law and commercial litigation. Mr. Crosby is admitted to the Hawaii Bar. Mr. Crosby earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law, graduating with honors. While in law school, Mr. Crosby was a member of the University of Hawaii Law Review Journal, Advocates for Public Interest Law, the Federal Bar Association, and the Law & Business Organization.

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant

Job Titles:

• Administrative Staff Member
• Legal Assistant
• Billing Coordinator

Job Titles:

• Director

Job Titles:

• Director
• Member of the Hawaii State Bar Association

"Our condo association moved to Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher after decades with another firm upon a referral recommendation. At the time, I was a fairly new board president and found that our decades long relationship with our prior counsel was by far not doing us any favors, especially regarding collections. We were assigned to Christina Ohira, who promptly recommended Mark McKellar for our sorely needed collections activities. As well, Christina helped us navigate the termination of a long-time site manager of whom it was discovered was embezzling association funds and probably had been for decades. Christina was of great assistance to us in dealing with a board member who had become abusive to our board, our new site manager and his neighbor as well as myself, both directly and indirectly through social media and letters to elected officials of Hawaii. She helped us put together a "response" plan for when this now "non-board member" complains about any of the aforementioned people, places or things! She also helped us deal with a homeowner whose unit was damaged by work done by a contractor hired by the board, which they refused to cover. I seriously cannot say enough good things about Christina and, by association, Mark McKellar. Our association is so much better off than we were!" 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 has been recognized by the 2023 Chambers and Partners USA High Net Worth Guide in the practice area of Private Wealth Law. Ms. Ohira is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association and served as the Chair of the Real Property & Financial Services Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association in 2016.

Job Titles:

• Paralegal

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Litigation

Job Titles:

• Dean

Job Titles:

• Paralegal

Job Titles:

• Director
• Litigation

"Doug Chin, at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, has been a wonderful partner in our government relations efforts. He is a consummate professional and well respected in our community, so he is able to open many doors for us. We appreciate our partnership with Doug and with Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher." Doug Chin is noted for his wide-ranging disputes expertise, including commercial and municipal litigation. ''Doug can litigate, negotiate and guide. He sees a broader picture than just the battle of rights between the parties, and his actions and advice are aimed at solving the problem." ''As the former Attorney General, he has developed a strong sense of the judiciary and the approaches that will have the greatest chances of success.'' Mr. Chin has been named to the The Best Lawyers in America® list in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Government Relations Practice, Administrative/Regulatory Law and Civil Rights Law. Mr. Chin has been named the "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America®, in the practice area of Civil Rights Law (2023). In 2020, Mr. Chin, on behalf of a major international auto distributor, obtained a unanimous jury verdict in a federal trial reducing the damages sought by plaintiffs from $42 million to one dollar ($1), in addition to being awarded substantial counterclaim damages. As a state and Honolulu County prosecutor for more than 15 years, Mr. Chin tried approximately 50 jury cases to verdict. Mr. Chin was recognized with a "Top Gun" award for winning the most trials in a calendar year out of 100 Honolulu prosecutors. In 2006, Mr. Chin was appointed First Deputy Prosecutor and then became Acting Prosecuting Attorney in 2010. Mr. Chin served as the Hawaii Lieutenant Governor in 2018. From 2010 to 2013, under Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, Mr. Chin served as the Managing Director for the City & County of Honolulu, during which he was responsible for 23 municipal government agencies and more than 10,000 employees with an annual operating budget of $2 billion and negotiated complex matters ranging from public employee contracts to energy sustainability initiatives.

Job Titles:

• Co - Founder
• Director
• President
• Hawaii Real Estate Lawyer
• Real Estate Development Counsel

Duane R. Fisher is co-founder of the firm, named a "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America©, selected to the "Top 25" Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, in Chambers and Partners USA Directory of Leading Lawyers for Business and is recognized for his expertise in real estate, corporate and construction law. "I recommended Duane Fisher of this firm to a client recently and told the client that Duane is really good. The client called me back a few weeks later and said "Duane Fisher isn't good he's "crazy good". Hawaii real estate lawyer, 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 multi-billion dollar energy development companies to closely held corporations and sole proprietors, in both private transactions and before federal and state administrative agencies. Large Real Estate Transactions. Has represented both buyers and sellers in all aspects of multi-million dollar real estate transactions, including negotiating terms of sale, drafting letters of intent and purchase and sale agreements, establishment of and interface with escrow, supervising closings, procurement of various types of title insurance and negotiating endorsements with title insurers, and advising clients concerning land use matters. Business Sales and Formations. Mr. Fisher regularly advises clients with regard to a wide range of business law issues including the acquisition/sale of existing businesses, as well as the formation of business entities. He has drafted numerous purchase and sale agreements and organizational documents and agreements, such as articles, bylaws, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements and the like. Assists clients to prepare company minutes and resolutions, and keep appropriate company record books. Construction Contracts. Has represented owners and contractors in the negotiation, execution, implementation and completion of construction and architect contracts, including custom contracts and modifications to Standard AIA and DBIA contract documents, in both commercial and large residential transactions. Sale of Large Waikoloa Resort Hotel. Represented 87% owner in the sale of its interest in world- class resort hotel to the minority owner/manager of the hotel. Transaction was complicated by a number of factors, including (1) the fact that a significant portion of the purchase price was paid for with unregistered shares of stock of a publicly traded corporation; (2) the real property upon which the hotel is situated is leasehold and the transaction required the consent of the ground lessor; (3) a portion of the premises involved "ceded lands" that were the subject of significant title issues; and (4) the hotel was subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Mr. Fisher was primarily responsible for drafting and negotiating the purchase and sale agreement, and was substantially involved in resolving all complexities of the deal, and coordinated a successful real estate closing of the transaction all in less than thirty days. All parties remarked that they had never witnessed such a complicated commercial real estate transaction brought to such a smooth closing in so short a period of time.

Job Titles:

• Elaine Meguro / Legal Assistant

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Litigation

Eric S. Robinson focuses his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, administrative law, government relations, and land use, with a particular concentration on Special Management Area (SMA), shoreline, and sea level rise (SLR) issues. Mr. Robinson is admitted to the Hawaii Bar and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law graduating summa cum laude. Mr. Robinson has been selected to the 2023 Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" list in the practice area of Business Litigation. Mr. Robinson advises clients on a number of matters related to land use and development in the shoreline area and special management area. His work includes advising clients on administrative rules, entitlements and approval processes, sea walls and shore protection structures, environmental review, and governmental affairs work. Mr. Robinson is registered as a lobbyist with the State of Hawaii, the City and County of Honolulu, and the County of Maui, and regularly prepares testimony for clients and provides testimony on their behalf. Mr. Robinson represents clients in administrative proceedings, court, arbitration, and mediation. Mr. Robinson's litigation experience includes complex commercial litigation and disputes related to entity management and control. While attending law school, Mr. Robinson received numerous CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in courses including Secured Transactions, Real Property II, and Real Estate Development & Finance. Mr. Robinson was also Managing Editor of the University of Hawaii Law Review, Vol. 42. He received the Gregory Conlan Memorial Scholarship and WSRSL Achievement Scholarship. Prior to law school, Mr. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of North Florida. Mr. Robinson served as a Financial Management Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps on active duty for six years before joining the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 2017.

Job Titles:

• Paralegal

Job Titles:

• Paralegal

Job Titles:

• Scholarship

Job Titles:

• Treasurer, Student Bar Association

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant

Job Titles:

• Law Clerk

Job Titles:

• Director
• Managing Member of Hokukahu

Ivan M. Lui-Kwan has been named a "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America©, selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list and rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®. Mr. Lui-Kwan is the Ambassador to the US for the Maori King Tuheitia, and National Board Member of The American Judicature Society. He is Past Chairman of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Board. Ivan M. Lui-Kwan was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii. He has practiced law for over 50 years, focusing on Hawaii's land use, administrative and real estate law. Mr. Lui-Kwan is a Director of the law firm, has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law, Leisure & Hospitality Law, Real Estate Law, and named "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America®, in the practice area of Government Relations Practice (2015, 2018, 2023) and "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu, in the practice area of Administrative/Regulatory Law (2022, 2024). He has also been selected to the 2017 & 2018 Hawaii Super Lawyers® list(s) in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Mr. Lui-Kwan has a long-standing AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. Mr. Lui-Kwan has also been recognized as the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award winner by Pacific Edge Magazine, and the 2015 Queen Emma Ball Honoree for his many contributions to the St. Andrew's Schools and the people of Hawaii. He is Ambassador to the United States for the Maori King Tuheitia and was knighted by King Tuheitia in November 2015. He is also recognized as a 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree from Saint Martin's University, where he studied Political Science and graduated with honors. In July 2019 the St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii recognized him with the St. Francis Assisi Spirit Award. He was presented with the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce 'O'O Award. From the beginning of his career, Mr. Lui-Kwan committed to improving the quality of life for all of Hawaii's residents, particularly those who occupy the economic and societal underclass in Hawaii. His vision is a healthy community in which all Hawaii residents have access to good health, fulfilled employment, comfortable housing and a pleasing physical environment. In the course of pursuing his vision, Mr. Lui-Kwan has built a vast network of key allies in the three levels of government, in the native Hawaiian community, in the Pacific Islands countries particularly in Polynesia and in Micronesia, in the senior management circle of major businesses, in the justice system, and in the world of nonprofit organizations. Real estate, renewable energy, hospitality, health care, and transportation companies seeking to enter Hawaii's business environment, find his knowledge of Hawaii's unique environment and inner workings invaluable. The following is a partial list of activities, which Mr. Lui-Kwan has engaged in pursuit of his vision for Hawaii.

Job Titles:

• Represented Developer

in a suit against Kaiser Hospital which enabled Myers to purchase the Waikiki Prince Hotel site. Also represented Myers in litigation involving development of the hotel, including the first appellate decision in Hawaii upholding the issuance of a Special Management Area Use Permit.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Litigation
• Senior Litigation Counsel

"I enjoyed working with Doug and John. Amazing integrity, top notch service and very quick responses. If needed, I would work with both of them in the future and would definitely refer them to anyone needing legal advice and counsel. The service was genuine and personable, not just transactional. Thank you Doug and John." Mr. Kelly has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" list in the practice area of IP Litigation since 2020. Mr. Kelly has been named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch list in the practice areas of Intellectual Property Litigation, Real Estate Litigation and Commercial Litigation.

Job Titles:

• Associate

Job Titles:

• Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba ( Ret. ) - Hawaii Supreme Court

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• Director
• of Counsel
• Litigation
• Personal Injury & Medical

"Of counsel Judith Pavey is considered a crucial part of the team by those in the market and regularly appears on high-profile international disputes. Her practice incorporates personal injury litigation, as well as product liability disputes." Judy Pavey is singled out for her depth of experience litigating plaintiff's personal injury cases in addition to medical and professional malpractice. She is called "extremely personable" and effective in communicating to both juries and judges. Ms. Pavey has been recognized in both commercial litigation and personal injury practice areas. Ms. Pavey is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law, Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiff, Product Liability Plaintiff, Appellate Practice, Arbitration, Litigation-Banking & Finance, Construction Litigation and Commercial Litigation. Ms. Pavey is recognized as a "Litigation Star" by Benchmark Plaintiff, and by Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business in the area of Litigation: General Commercial. She has also been selected for inclusion to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, Business Litigation, and selected to the 2016 Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Top 25" list. Ms. Pavey has the highest rating AV® from Martindale Hubbell® for both her skill and ethics.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Litigation

Job Titles:

• Director
• Honolulu Real Estate Attorney
• Member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants

Kenneth B. Marcus is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America©, named a "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America©, selected to the "Top 25" Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, in Chambers and Partners USA Directory of Leading Lawyers for Business and is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC). Mr. Marcus has structured numerous successful hotel management agreements and authored the Hawaii State Bar Association Real Estate Manual chapter. "Ken Marcus is a true professional and represents his clients with a caring attitude. He doesn't gloss over the facts, and while difficult to hear sometimes, he tells it like it is. He is incredibly responsive and delivers on promised timetables. Ken works well with others in and outside his firm, but is no pushover when advocating for his client. He immerses himself into the background of the case to ensure no one can pull the wool over his eyes. He is efficient and effective and I would recommend him to my friends and business associates."U.S. News-Best Lawyers, "Best Law Firms" Comment "Kenneth Marcus is described by sources as "a fantastic all-rounder" and "the complete package"when it comes to transactional real estate. His expertise in real estate acquisitions and leasing matters is highly sought after by clients based in Hawaii and on the US mainland."Chambers and Partners, USA Directory of America's Leading Lawyers For Business, Real Estate "Ken Marcus at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, is extremely responsive and knowledgeable. We've worked with him on a wide diversity of projects."U.S. News-Best Lawyers, "Best Law Firms" Comment "I am so thrilled with my experience at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher. Ken Marcus and Duane Fisher are incredible responsive and incredible fast in their work. I find them to be courteous, efficient, knowledgeable, and effective. I have worked with a number of big firms in Honolulu and they are leaps and bounds above the competition when it comes to every metric that matters most to my business."U.S. News-Best Lawyers, "Best Law Firms" Comment "Ken Marcus is an absolute dream when it comes to lease negotiation. He is super responsive and efficient and doesn't let the negotiation get hung up on minutiae. His efficiency makes him cost effective as well. I am so thrilled with the work out of Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher does on my real estate transactions."U.S. News-Best Lawyers, "Best Law Firms" Comment "Our relationship with Ken Marcus, Trevor Brown and the Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher Team has been exemplary. The depth of their knowledge and experience on the area we are working one is complete and deep. They are honorable, and it has been easy and pleasant to work with them." U.S. News-Best Lawyers, "Best Law Firms" Comment "Kenneth Marcus is at the forefront of the Hawaiian real estate market. He also singled out for his considerable expertise in handling matters in the hospitality and leisure space. His widely admired practice includes advising on acquisitions, divestitures and the development of real estate projects." "Chambers and Partners, USA Directory of America's Leading Lawyers For Business, Real Estate Honolulu real estate attorney Kenneth B. Marcus has over 45 years of experience in the areas of commercial real estate law, development, finance, leasing, purchases and sales. He also has extensive experience in Hawaii business law including the formation of partnerships and limited liability companies, and corporate finance. His real property practice includes the development, acquisition, sale, financing and restructuring of hotels, office buildings and shopping centers, with particular expertise in the hotel industry. Mr. Marcus has also participated in the reorganization of and recovery of assets for insolvent insurance companies. has over 45 years of experience in the areas of commercial real estate law, development, finance, leasing, purchases and sales. He also has extensive experience in Hawaii business law including the formation of partnerships and limited liability companies, and corporate finance. His real property practice includes the development, acquisition, sale, financing and restructuring of hotels, office buildings and shopping centers, with particular expertise in the hotel industry. Mr. Marcus has also participated in the reorganization of and recovery of assets for insolvent insurance companies. Mr. Marcus holds Martindale-Hubbell's® highest possible professional rating AV®, for both his skill and his integrity. Mr. Marcus has been selected to the "Top 25" Hawaii Super Lawyers® list three times (2011,2012, 2014), in the practice area of Real Estate Law. He is also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Business Organizations, Commercial Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions and Real Estate Law, and named The Best Lawyers in America®, 2016 "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu, in the practice area of Business Organizations and 2017 "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu, in the practice area of Mergers & Acquisitions. He is also recognized by Chambers USA Leading Lawyers For Business for Real Estate Law. Mr. Marcus is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants. He authored the chapter for the Hawaii State Bar Association Real Estate Manual on Hotel Management, which includes Restaurant Leases and Liquor Licensing. Mr. Marcus served as Vice Chairman of the Stadium Authority of the State of Hawaii from July 2006 to June 2014, is the past-President of Temple Emanu-el in Honolulu. Some examples of Mr. Marcus' work include:

Job Titles:

• Administrative Staff Member
• Facilities Coordinator

Ko Olina Development, LLC v. Centex Homes - Represented the master developer of the Ko Olina Resort in a dispute concerning its contractual right to purchase certain commercial apartments and to control certain limited common element areas within the Beach Villas at Ko Olina condominium project. Following a bench trial, the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii confirmed and enforced Ko Olina Development's right to purchase the commercial apartments, but allowed Centex Homes to transfer control over the limited common element areas to the Association of Apartment Owners. The trial court's judgment was affirmed by the Ninth Circuit. Ko Olina Development, LLC v. AOAO - Represented Ko Olina Development, as the owner of commercial apartments within the Beach Villas at Ko Olina Condominium Development, in arbitration against the Association of Apartment Owners concerning Ko Olina Development's right to use the commercial apartments for commercial purposes open to the general public. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the client and awarded attorneys' fees. The judgment was confirmed and enforced.

Job Titles:

• Director
• President

Ms. Claydon has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" List in the practice area of Business Litigation since 2018. Ms. Claydon has been named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch list in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation and Real Estate Litigation. Ms. Claydon is the President of and active in the Hawaii Federal Bar Association, and is a Federal Bar Association Foundation Fellow. Ms. Claydon has also been selected as a lawyer representative to the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, a two-year position. While in law school, Ms. Claydon served as research assistant on numerous projects including the biography of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with Professor(s) Wendy Williams and Mary Hartnett; on the China Health Law Initiative for the O'Neil Institute for National and Global Health Law; and researcher and technical editor for Georgetown Law Journal's Annual Review of Criminal Procedure. She also served as the Executive and Submissions Editor for the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics for two years.

Job Titles:

• Associate

Ms. Kagawa has been selected for inclusion to The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch 2024 list in the practice area of Real Estate Law. While in law school, Ms. Kagawa was a research assistant as part of the Scholar Advocate Program. She conducted legal research and writing regarding the Korematsu Coram Nobis case and proposed a new framework for judicial duties.

Job Titles:

• Director
• Key Member of the SOM & F

Lindsay E.Orman has been named to The Best Lawyers in America©: Ones to Watch list, selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® "Rising Star" list and is rated AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell's® highest rating possible for her skill and integrity. Ms. Orman represents clients in connection with business transactions, including acquisitions and asset purchases. She also advises clients regarding business structure and operations matters, including entity formation, registrations, and creation of governing documents. "Lindsay Orman actively acts on matters concerning legislation, investment structuring, acquisition and lease negotiation for clients in the hospitality sector. ''She is creative in identifying possible solutions or alternatives.'' Lindsay E. Orman is a Director of the firm. She is a versatile real estate and business law attorney who is skilled at analyzing complex matters and developing creative, results-oriented solutions. Ms. Orman represents diverse clients, including hotels, developers, government agencies, publicly traded companies, closely held entities, and individuals. She focuses her practice in the areas of real estate acquisitions and sales, land use and entitlements issues, business structure and operations, business transactions, and legislative and other government relations work.

Job Titles:

• Director
• Litigation
• Member of the Firm

"Maile Miller and Kukui Claydon of Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher provided outstanding support as local counsel for a high-stakes and high profile litigation. Their work was of the highest caliber in all ways, legally, strategically and practically. They were cost-conscious and efficient. I give them my highest recommendations." Maile Miller is a Director of the firm. Ms. Miller is a vital member of the firm's litigation team, representing clients in a variety of matters. Ms. Miller's practice focuses on construction, business, and land use litigation, frequently appearing before Hawaii's State and Federal Courts, in addition to administrative agencies such as the City and County of Honolulu's Zoning Board of Appeals. Ms. Miller has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" List in the practice area of Business Litigation since 2018. Ms. Miller has been named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch list in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Land Use and Zoning Law and Environmental Litigation. Ms. Miller has been named to the 2023 Benchmark Litigation list as a "Future Star".

Job Titles:

• Associate

Nicole H. Kim concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate law, commercial transactions and corporate law. Ms. Kim earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law. During law school, Ms. Kim was Technical Editor of the University of Hawaii Law Review and Staff Editor of the Asian-Pacific Law and Policy Journal. She was President of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society and Treasurer of the Federal Bar Association Student Chapter.

Job Titles:

• Director
• Managing Director

Norman H.Y. Cheng is Managing Director of the firm. Mr. Cheng has been named to The Best Lawyers in America© list, selected to the "Top 25" Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, is in Chambers and Partners USA Directory of Leading Lawyers for Business. Mr. Cheng is rated AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell's® highest rating possible for his skill and integrity. He practices in the area of real estate law, and participates on many non-profit boards. "Clients single out Norman Cheng as a "very smart guy, extremely sharp and good at presenting positions." He advises on the transactional, construction and operational aspects pertaining to tourist and leisure developments." Norman H.Y. Cheng is Managing Director of the firm. Mr. Cheng concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial leasing, business structuring, hotels and resorts, and general commercial transactions. His experience includes working on a variety of projects such as condominium development, land use permitting, structured finance, construction agreements and business sales. Mr. Cheng holds Martindale-Hubbell's® highest possible professional rating AV® given to him by other professionals based on their knowledge of his work, reputation and integrity. He has also been recognized by Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Mr. Cheng has been selected for inclusion by his peers to the "Top 25", Hawaii Super Lawyers® list in 2021-2023, and selected for inclusion to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list each year since 2016 in the area of real estate law. Mr. Cheng has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in the America® in Honolulu list in the practice areas of Real Estate Law, Corporate Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships and Leisure & Hospitality Law. Mr. Cheng is actively engaged in the community through involvement on the boards for several non-profit organizations that are focused on helping women, children and the aging population in Hawaii. Some examples of Mr. Cheng's work include:

Job Titles:

• Counsel
• Director
• Litigation

Paul Sato is a seasoned Hawaii litigation attorney who has over 45 years experience. Mr. Sato is 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 possible, for his skill and integrity.

Represented Michael Fuchs, the former Vice Chairman of Time Warner, in a lawsuit regarding the $18M purchase of an oceanfront development property from Mauna Lani Resort that enabled Fuchs to purchase the property for $16.5M.

Job Titles:

• Administrative Staff Member
• Bookkeeper
• Office Manager

Job Titles:

• Director

Sara S.T. Strona has been named to The Best Lawyers in America©: Ones to Watch list, selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® "Rising Star" list and is rated AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell's® highest rating possible for her skill and integrity. Ms. Strona represents clients in connection with the purchase and sale of businesses and assets as well as entity formation and business structuring. Her practice also includes commercial real estate transactions. She is admitted to the Hawaii Bar, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law. "Worked with Sara (who represented the buyer and I the seller) recently on a complex hotel transaction which involved the simultaneous closing of two separate transactions (a fee and a leasehold purchase) and a number of challenging issues arose. After the closing my client, my client's broker and I all agreed that Sara's performance throughout the transaction and especially during the pre-closing period was instrumental in achieving our goal. She is an excellent lawyer." 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 Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch list in the practice areas of Business Organizations (Including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Real Estate Law.

Job Titles:

• Director
• Litigation

"Sharon Lovejoy is an excellent litigator. She is thorough, extremely smart, tactical, and strategic." Sharon V. Lovejoy represents clients in a wide variety of litigation matters with primary focus in commercial, real estate and business litigation. Ms. Lovejoy has been named to The Best Lawyers in America®, "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu list, Appellate Practice (2020), Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law (2015, 2019, 2024) and Litigation-Banking & Finance (2014, 2022). Lovejoy is also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® (in "Appellate Law", "Arbitration", "Banking & Finance Litigation", "Commercial Litigation", "Construction Litigation", "Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law", "Environmental Litigation","Real Estate Litigation", "Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law", "Qui Tam Law", "Land Use & Zoning Litigation" and "Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action-Defendants", "Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action-Plaintiffs"), selected for inclusion to the "Top 25", Hawaii Super Lawyers® list in 2023, selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list (in "Business Litigation") since 2010, and recognized by Chambers and Partners Leading Lawyers for Business (in "Commercial Litigation"). Ms. Lovejoy was honored to be appointed as a Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America trial lawyer honorary society, and served a 3 year term as a lawyer delegate to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judicial Conference. She was President of the Federal Bar Association, Hawaii Chapter, 2013-14. Ms. Lovejoy is listed in Benchmark Litigation's Top 250 Women in Litigation (2011-2014), and is recognized as a "Litigation Star" by Benchmark Litigation and Benchmark Appellate. Ms. Lovejoy has been selected to the Pacific Business News list of "Women Who Mean Business" for 2018, and Pacific Edge Magazine's "Women in Business" in 2019. Ms. Lovejoy is admitted to practice law in Hawaii, Texas (Inactive), Florida (Inactive), Colorado(Inactive) and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11 th Circuit. Ms. Lovejoy has represented various business interests, from multi-national corporations, hospitality industry leaders and large commercial lenders, to small businesses and individual interests, in legal matters including real estate litigation, large commercial foreclosures, construction disputes, environmental litigation, landlord and tenant matters, trust and probate litigation and general business disputes. She has extensive experience in both state and federal courts, and has handled cases before appellate courts and in alternative dispute resolution forums. Ms. Lovejoy holds Martindale-Hubbell's highest possible professional rating AV®, given to her by other legal professionals based on their knowledge of her work, reputation and integrity. Some examples of Ms. Lovejoy's recent legal work include:

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant

Job Titles:

• Director
• Litigation
• Professionals

"When we got into a litigation matter in Hawaii, we got a reference to Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher. They not only exceed in their expertise, they understand the culture and politics of the area as well. Stephanie Thompson and the staff in particular showed impeccable integrity. I usually refrain from participating in these types of surveys, but I wanted to share how great this firm is."U.S. News-Best Lawyers, "Best Law Firms" Comment Stephanie E. W. Thompson is a Director of the firm. Ms. Thompson 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 has also participated in other legal matters involving construction and environmental issues, trust and estates, fraudulent transfers of land, and wrongful death claims. Ms. Thompson has been named to The Best Lawyers in America® list in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Litigation. She holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® for both her skill and integrity. Ms. Thompson has been recognized by Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business in the practice area of Litigation: General Commercial. Ms. Thompson has been selected for inclusion to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list since 2021, in the practice area of business litigation. She was the 2015 Litigation Section Chair for the Hawaii State Bar Association, and a member of the board from 2011 through 2016. Since 2014, she has co-chaired the Hawaii State Bar's Litigation Academy, a two-day intensive course regarding litigation practice. In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Thompson has developed and presents workshops relating to eDiscovery for small businesses as well as ethical considerations relating to eDiscovery practice for attorneys. She has been a guest speaker at various civic organizations and has presented on the topic for bar organizations not only across the State of Hawaii, but also the nation. She has been a guest speaker on various radio programs including Hawaii Public Radio's The Conversation and Think Tank Hawaii's Life in Law series. For the last 3 years she has taught the course on eDiscovery at the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii.

Job Titles:

• Hotel Owner and Commercial Landlord

Hotel Owner and Commercial Landlord - Tenant Matters. Represented the hotel owner/landlord of an 800 room Waikiki hotel with over 50 commercial tenants. Created model form office and retail leases for the landlord. Responsible for negotiating and documenting the office and retail leases for the hotel, and for handling legal issues with respect to the commercial tenants. Successfully represented landlord in summary possession action against a defaulting tenant.

Job Titles:

• Director
• Director of the Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher Law Firm
• Litigation Department Manager

Litigation department manager Terence O'Toole is "amazingly talented in depositions and always manages to get pertinent information for cases." He has recently handled a number of complex and high-value matters for many of the firm's key clients. "Accomplished litigator" Terence O'Toole is a renowned expert in complex commercial and real estate disputes.

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant

Job Titles:

• Administrative Staff Member
• Office Assistant

Job Titles:

• Director
• Litigation

Trevor A. Brown has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© in twelve litigation and transactional categories, named a "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America©, in Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business and Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide. Mr. Brown has been selected to the "Top 25" Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, named a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation, and has served as Chair of the Litigation Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association. Trevor Brown is "an outstanding lawyer," according to a commentator. Brown is a litigator with particular expertise in sophisticated trust and estate disputes. Trevor A. Brown represents clients in both litigation and transactions. His real estate experience ranges from resort acquisition and development to acting as trial counsel to establish beach access rights based on Kingdom of Hawaii land use. Mr. Brown's corporate experience ranges from negotiating corporate restructurings to acting as trial counsel to force the break-up of related land development corporations. Mr. Brown holds Martindale-Hubbell's® highest possible professional rating AV Preeminent®, for both his skill and integrity. Mr. Brown is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® list in fifteen categories: Appellate Practice, Arbitration, Business Organization (including LLC's and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Commercial Transactions/UCC Law, Corporate Law, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, Real Estate Law, Commercial Litigation, Securities Litigation, Trusts & Estates Litigation, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Real Estate Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law-Defendants and Product Liability Litigation-Plaintiffs. Mr. Brown has been named a "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America®, in the practice areas of Legal Malpractice Law-Defendants (2022, 2024), Securities Litigation (2020, 2023), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2019) and Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law (2017). Mr. Brown has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers list since 2013, and named to the "Top 25" list (2015, 2018-2021), Business Litigation. Mr. Brown is recognized by Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business in the practice areas of General Commercial/Litigation (since 2017) and Real Estate Law (2023). In 2017, Chambers and Partners USA High Net Worth Guide first reviewed Hawaii lawyers, and has recognized Mr. Brown in the practice area of Private Wealth Law each year since. Mr. Brown is recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a "Litigation Star" for his litigation expertise, and is a former Chair of the Litigation Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association. Mr. Brown has acted as special counsel to provide legal opinions in complex financing transactions, served as a Co-Reporter for the Hawaii 2000 Report on Lawyer's Opinion Letters in Mortgage Loan Transactions, published at 22 U. Haw. L. Rev. 347 (2000), and has served on subsequent committees addressing lawyers' opinion letters. Trevor Brown is characterized by peers as having "an analytical mind that is on a different level." Clients echo this praise, calling Brown "meticulous" and "extremely quick with his response time." Benchmark Litigation Comment Trevor Brown is popular with clients, with one commenting: "He is the most detailed, organized attorney I have ever used. You know he is giving you 100% when working on your case." He is notably experienced in trustee compensation and shareholder disputes. A source notes: "He is one of the most talented strategic thinkers I've met in years, and stands out in a room of the local elite. He routinely comes up with thoughts that are the next step." Chambers and Partners USA, Leading Lawyers for Business Comment "He is strategic-minded and thoughtful," says an interviewee; "he is very approachable and enjoys discussing matters with clients and counsel." Another source enthuses: "He is creative and dogged in his determination. His case theory is impeccable; he doesn't leave a stone unturned. His strategic thinking is one of his strengths. If he is on the other side we think, 'son of a gun, we're going to have to work hard'. He's a force to be reckoned with." Chambers and Partners USA, High Net Worth Guide Comment "In all instances, Trevor Brown was the consummate legal professional - engaged (active listening, pertinent laser-focused questions, accurate concise recapitulation of facts and issues), knowledgeable (law and facts) and cordial. With Trevor, there is no wasted motion, words or time. He gets to the core of the matter quickly, while exhibiting what can only be described as a "good bedside manner". Best Lawyers-Best Law Firms, Client Comment Trevor Brown handles a wide range of transactional and disputes work, including a significant caseload of trusts litigation matters. "He is a very cerebral lawyer and a tireless advocate for his clients," enthuses one source, adding: "He is extremely creative in arriving at legal solutions and thinks outside of the box. He will wake up at 2am with a brainwave and have solved the case. What a hero! His tireless effort and non-stop work is amazing. He is a tremendous talent." Chambers and Partners USA, High Net Worth Guide Comment Trevor Brown has a solid practice in redevelopment proposal arbitration, ground leasing and development negotiations. ''Trevor is really dedicated and intelligent. He is extremely good both in written submissions and live in arbitration.' Chambers and Partners USA, Leading Lawyers for Business Comment "Trevor Brown divides his practice between litigation and transactional matters. In the litigation sphere, he possesses considerable experience in real estate disputes, as well as securities and trusts and estates cases. Market sources praise him as "very knowledgeable," noting that "he does excellent work. He's talented, smart and hard-working." Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, General Commercial Litigation "Trevor Brown is known for his litigation work," according to a source. "He knows the trust litigation area," says another interviewee, adding: "He is a very deep thinker and good litigator. He truly digs in, Trevor is the type of guy who does not stop thinking about a case, and is creative about thinking about solutions." Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide Comment "He is a very creative thinker," observes a source, adding: "He is dogged, tireless and always wants to win, but is still very ethical and even-handed. He is truly a gentleman's lawyer and an outstanding practitioner." Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide Comment Trevor Brown is a litigator with particular expertise in sophisticated trust and estate disputes."I can count on Trevor for high-quality service, the ability to break down complicated transactions in a way that I can understand and comprehend to make an informed decision, and the business acumen to quickly understand the salient issues.", Chambers and Partners USA, Leading Lawyers for Business Comment "Having used several attorneys at the firm, I've been impressed with their breadth of expertise. I've mainly worked with Trevor Brown, and I'm continually impressed by his integrity and deep understanding of nuanced legal issues. I highly recommend both Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, as well as Trevor Brown individually." Best Lawyers-Best Law Firms, Client Comment Some examples of Mr. Brown's work include:

Job Titles:

• Review - Production Editor