Lauren K.O. Kagawa

Lauren K.O. Kagawa

Associate

What People Say About Us

"A very aggressive litigation group with some highly talented lawyers."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"A top notch law firm — highly impressive. Strategic thinkers with an uncommon ability to sift through complex issues to get to common-sense solutions."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"The individuals we work with come with high recommendations and take an assertive stance."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"Starn O'Toole clearly stands out above the rest in what they do."

Benchmark Litigation

"An impressive reputation as a go to commercial litigation law firm for regional and global corporations."

Benchmark Litigation

"We were looking for the best litigators in Hawaii, and we found them."

Benchmark Litigation

"The team is praised for comprising"excellent attorneys"who are"highly knowledgeable."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"thoughtful, creative problem solvers. They have the courage to challenge the client when it is their best interest."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"They have been an excellent representative for us. They are thoughtful in their analysis of the situation, have explored a variety of available options, offered sound advice and followed through with persistence."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has excellent lawyers. They are great advisors, and are very professional and polished."

The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is an excellent and responsive firm that understands business needs and issues."

The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"An excellent firm. Excellent service and very responsive, with well trained junior associates. They provide sound commercial advice."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"The thing that really makes them stand out is their business advisory capabilities — they are very insightful about the business side of real estate acquisitions."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"The best attorneys are in this firm. They are sensitive to the client's needs, most professional and won all of my litigation cases. I would highly recommend this law firm."

The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is the best firm I’ve had the pleasure of working with over a 38 year career. To a person, they are all professional, caring, effective and ethical."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers®, "Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has strong partners and associates in both real estate and commercial litigation. They are well respected by peers and local judges."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is first rate. The level of professionalism is extraordinary, and the competence is off the charts. Their negotiating ability with opposing counsel was superb; professional, courteous, and firm. They were able therefore, to reach good settlements and serve us very well while maintaining fine relationships with opposing counsel. This is a confident firm, with confidence based on achievement."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is one of the best most competent firms and attorneys I have ever used."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"I never cease to be surprised at the skills Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher brings in solving my legal issues. They are well connected and well regarded around town."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"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."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers

"The attorneys at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher have proved to be extremely efficient and responsive and while they are a top rate firm, their efficiency in work keeps costs reasonable. I enjoy and appreciate working with them, especially Ken Marcus."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"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."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Stephanie and Trevor, at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, helped us through a very difficult case with patience, compassion and diligence. Their attentiveness and candor got us the best possible outcome. I highly recommend!"

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"The real estate team at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher are true professionals. They are very knowledgeable on matters of Hawaiian law, and take a practical business approach to negotiations and problem-solving. They possess excellent research, drafting and negotiating skills. The presence of a government relations capability at the firm is a definite plus. I have worked with the firm for many years and look forward to many more."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

''Every document or filing they have ever promised has been delivered when they promised it or before.''

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

''They are well-prepared and knowledgeable litigators, as well as strategic thinkers with sound tactics.''

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

'''The firm is able to handle complex matters by providing sound and well-researched legal advice. They provide an excellent service and are very responsive to enquiries.''

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

Ms.Kagawa focuses her practice in the areas of real estate and commercial transactions. Ms. Kagawa has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" list in the practice area of Real Estate Law since 2021. 

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.

Examples of Ms. Kagawa’s work include:

Real Estate Acquisitions, Sales, and Development.  Represents clients in connection with real estate acquisitions, sales, and development. Negotiates, drafts, and reviews purchase contracts and assists clients with due diligence, title review, title insurance negotiation, entitlements and approvals.

Commercial Leasing.  Represents both landlords and tenants in the negotiation of retail, office, and ground leases, subleases, and lease extensions and assignments.

Corporate Structuring.  Represents clients in connection with forming and structuring entities, drafting operating agreements, and obtaining government licenses.

Ms. Kagawa earned her Juris Doctor from William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii at Manoa, graduating with honors. Ms. Kagawa is admitted to the Hawaii Bar.

Ms. Kagawa served judicial externships with Federal Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang and Circuit Court Judge Bert Ayabe.

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.

Volunteer work experience includes serving the Legal Aid Society and its Access to Justice program where she assisted with client intake and researched Hawaii Civil Codes (focusing on TRO, debit and landlord tenant disputes).