Frances Nicole L. Tabios
Associate
What People Say About Us
"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is an outstanding firm with a deep expertise in the matters that they assisted us in, and a mastery of the art of negotiation. They were able to resolve the matters with grace and professionalism."
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"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."
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"The individuals we work with come with high recommendations and take an assertive stance."
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"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."
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."
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."
Best Law Firms, Comment
"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is one of the best most competent firms and attorneys I have ever used."
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."
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."
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."
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!"
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."
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.''
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Frances Nicole L. Tabios is a litigation associate who focuses her practice in the areas of business litigation and complex commercial litigation. Ms. Tabios is fluent in English, Ilocano, and Tagalog, and proficient in conversational Japanese.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Tabios was a Judicial Law Clerk at the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii for the Honorable Shanlyn A.S. Park. In this position, she researched and drafted judicial opinions and orders on a wide range of dispositive and procedural motions and analyzed complex legal and factual issues across civil cases.
Following her federal clerkship, Ms. Tabios practiced at a Honolulu law firm, where she represented clients in a broad range of litigation matters, including complex commercial litigation, condominium association disputes, trust and probate matters, and general business disputes. Her practice encompassed all phases of litigation, from pre-suit investigation and strategic case assessment through discovery, motion practice, mediation, and trial preparation. She regularly advised individuals, businesses, fiduciaries, and community associations on complex legal issues and dispute-resolution strategies.
Ms. Tabios earned her law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, William S. Richardson School of Law, and is a proud Ulu Lehua Scholar. While in law school, Ms. Tabios received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for the Highest Grade in Legal Research and served as the Executive Editor for Volume 25 and Staff Editor for Volume 24 of the Asian-Pacific Law and Policy Journal. In addition, she was a Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law and the Island Leadership Lab, competed as an Oral Advocate in the Native American Moot Court Competition, and served as a captain of the Ete Bowl team.
During the summer of 2022, Ms. Tabios was a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Shanlyn A.S. Park of the First Circuit Court of Hawaii, before she was appointed to the Federal bench.
Ms. Tabios holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philippine Language and Literature from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, graduating summa cum laude in just 2.5 years.
The versatility of a law degree and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact ultimately drew her to the legal profession. That realization sparked a lasting commitment to advocacy, shaped by Chief Justice William S. Richardson’s legacy of protecting the “little guy down the stream.” In that spirit, she believes that the law must be practiced with integrity as a way of serving others and expanding access to justice. As an attorney, she enjoys analyzing complex issues, developing practical solutions, and building meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.
Ms. Tabios currently volunteers with the Honolulu District Court Access to Justice Room and the William S. Richardson School of Law’s Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic. She loves exploring the world and discovering hidden gem restaurants. When she’s not whipping up matcha lattes, she enjoys cooking a variety of cuisines and stays active with weightlifting and yoga.
