Distinctions

Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher is a leader among Hawaii’s law firms, recognized for its expertise in real estate law, commercial transactions and complex commercial litigation in Hawaii, the US mainland and internationally. The firm’s intellectual power, mental strength and toughness generate winning strategies, strong negotiations and innovative settlements for clients. Above all, the firm’s passion for excellence and responsive client service has earned an international reputation for extraordinary client results.

Accolades

Top AV Preeminent® Rated Firm - Martindale-Hubbell®

Ranked "Tier 1" among Hawaii law firms-US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”

23 Practice Areas

41 “Lawyer of the Year” Recognitions - TheBest Lawyers in America® (2011-2024)

Named in 15 Practice Areas

Administrative/Regulatory Law

Appellate Practice

Banking & Finance Litigation

Bet-The-Company Litigation

Business Organizations

Civil Rights Law

Closely Held Companies & Family Businesses Law

Corporate Law

Government Relations Law

Legal Malpractice Law-Defendants

Medical Malpractice Law

Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law

Product Liability Litigation

Securities Litigation

14 Best Lawyers® – The Best Lawyers in America®,

7 Selected to "Ones to Watch®"

Named in 36 Practice Areas

8 Lawyers Among the "Top 25" Lawyers in Hawaii, Super Lawyers® List

More “Top 25” attorneys than any other Hawaii Law Firm

(2011, 2014, 2020, 2021)

11 Hawaii Super Lawyers®, Super Lawyers® List

9 Hawaii Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars List

Business Litigation – Real Estate Law – IP Litigation

Lawyer Named “Star” by Chambers and Partners USA Directory of Leading Lawyers for Business

Commercial Litigation

11 Lawyers Ranked by

Chambers and Partners USA Directory Leading Lawyers for Business

Business Litigation – Real Estate Law - Corporate/Commercial Law

Firm and 2 Lawyers Ranked by

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

Private Wealth Law

Selected “Litigation Law Firm of the Year-Hawaii”

Benchmark Litigation

(2020 - 2022)

Lawyer Named “Top 250 Women in Litigation”- Benchmark Litigation

(2011-2014)

6 Lawyers Named "Litigation Stars" by Benchmark Litigation,

Two "Future Stars"

Highly Recommended Law Firm

Best Places To Work by Hawaii Business Magazine

AV Preeminent® Rating By Martindale-Hubbell®

Law Firm Rated AV Preeminent®

17 Lawyers Rated AV Preeminent®

A. Bernard Bays, Trevor A. Brown, Norman H.Y. Cheng, Doug Chin, Duane R. Fisher, Andrew J. Lautenbach, Sharon V. Lovejoy, Ivan M. Lui-Kwan, Kenneth B. Marcus, Maile S. Miller, Christine N. Ohira, Lindsay E. Orman, Terence J. O’Toole, Judith Ann Pavey, Paul H. Sato, Sara S.T. Strona, Stephanie E.W. Thompson

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

Ranked “Tier 1” in Hawaii in 23 Specialties

Best Lawyers in America®-“Lawyer of the Year”

More “Lawyers of the Year” than any other Hawaii Law Firm (2014, 2015)

Lawyer of the Year (2015)	A. Bernard Bays	Legal Malpractice Law-Defendants
Lawyer of the Year (2017)	Trevor A. Brown	Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Lawyer of the Year (2019)	Trevor A. Brown	Closely Held Companies & Family Business Law
Lawyer of the Year (2020, 2023)	Trevor A. Brown	Securities Litigation
Lawyer of the Year (2022, 2024)	Trevor A. Brown	Legal Malpractice Law-Defendants
Lawyer of the Year (2023)	Doug Chin	Civil Rights Law
Lawyer of the Year (2015)	Duane R. Fisher	Corporate Law
Lawyer of the Year (2020, 2023)	Duane R. Fisher	Business Organizations
Lawyer of the Year (2014, 2022)	Sharon V. Lovejoy	Banking & Finance Litigation
Lawyer of the Year (2015, 2019, 2024)	Sharon V. Lovejoy	Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Lawyer of the Year (2020)	Sharon V. Lovejoy	Appellate Practice
Lawyer of the Year (2015,2018, 2023)	Ivan M. Lui-Kwan	Government Relations Practice
Lawyer of the Year (2022, 2024)	Ivan M. Lui-Kwan	Administrative/Regulatory Law
Lawyer of the Year (2016)	Kenneth B. Marcus	Business Organizations
Lawyer of the Year (2017)	Kenneth B. Marcus	Mergers & Acquisitions
Lawyer of the Year (2011, 2019, 2023)	Terence J. O’Toole	Bet-The-Company Litigation
Lawyer of the Year (2012, 2015, 2024)	Terence J. O’Toole	Banking & Finance Litigation
Lawyer of the Year (2014, 2018)	Terence J. O’Toole	Appellate Practice
Lawyer of the Year (2022, 2024)	Terence J. O’Toole	Appellate Practice
Lawyer of the Year (2013, 2018, 2023)	Judith Ann Pavey	Banking & Finance Litigation
Lawyer of the Year (2014, 2019)	Judith Ann Pavey	Product Liability Litigation
Lawyer of the Year (2020, 2023)	Judith Ann Pavey	Medical Malpractice Law-Plaintiff

Recognized by Best Lawyers in America©

A. Bernard Bays	Land Use & Zoning Law Commercial Litigation Legal Malpractice Law-Defendants Real Estate Litigation Trusts & Estates Litigation
Trevor A. Brown	Appellate Practice Arbitration Business Organizations Closely Held Companies & Family Business Commercial Litigation Commercial Transactions/UCC Law Corporate Law Ethics & Professional Responsibility Law Legal Malpractice Law-Plaintiffs Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law Product Liability Litigation-Plaintiffs Real Estate Law Real Estate Litigation Securities Litigation Trusts & Estate Litigation
Norman H.Y. Cheng	Business Organizations Leisure & Hospitality Law Real Estate Law
Doug Chin	Administrative/Regulatory Law Appellate Practice Civil Rights Law Commercial Litigation Government Relations Practice
Duane R. Fisher	Business Organizations Construction Law Corporate Law Land Use & Zoning Law Leisure & Hospitality Law Real Estate Law
Andrew J. Lautenbach	Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Real Estate Litigation
Sharon V. Lovejoy	Appellate Practice Arbitration Banking & Finance Litigation Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Eminent Domain & Condemnation Law Environmental Litigation Land Use & Zoning Litigation Real Estate Litigation Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action-Defendants Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action-Plaintiffs Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law Qui Tam Law
Ivan M. Lui-Kwan	Administrative/Regulatory Law Government Relations Law Land Use & Zoning Law Leisure & Hospitality Law Real Estate Law
Kenneth B. Marcus	Business Organizations Commercial Finance Leisure & Hospitality Law Mergers & Acquisitions Law Real Estate Law
Christina N. Ohira	Business Organizations Commercial Finance Commercial Transaction/UCC Law Land Use & Zoning Law Real Estate Law
Terrence J. O'Toole	Appellate Practice Arbitration Bet-The-Company Litigation Banking & Finance Litigation Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Eminent Domain & Condemnation Law Land Use & Zoning Litigation Mergers & Acquisition Litigation Real Estate Litigation Mass Tort/Class Action-Plaintiffs
Judith Ann Pavey	Appellate Practice Arbitration Banking & Finance Litigation Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Medical Malpractice Law Personal Injury Litigation Product Liability Litigation-Plaintiffs
Paul H. Sato	Commercial Litigation Real Estate Law Real Estate Litigation
Stephanie E.W. Thompson	Appellate Practice Commercial Litigation Real Estate Litigation

Recognized by Best Lawyers in America©, "Ones to Watch"

Robert J. Brown	Commercial Litigation Criminal Defense: General Real Estate Litigation
Kukui Claydon	Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Real Estate Litigation
John W. Kelly	Commercial Litigation IP Litigation Real Estate Litigation
Lauren K.O. Kagawa	Real Estate Law
Maile S. Miller	Commercial Litigation Environmental Litigation Land Use & Zoning Law Real Estate Litigation
Lindsay E. Orman	Appellate Practice Business Organizations Corporate Law Eminent Domain Law Land Use & Zoning Law Government Relations Practice Real Estate Law
Sara S.T. Strona	Business Organizations Corporate Law Real Estate Law

"Top 25" Lawyers in Hawaii, Super Lawyers® List
More “Top 25” attorneys than any other Hawaii Law Firm, (2011,2014, 2020, 2021)

Norman H.Y. Cheng	Real Estate Law	2021-2023
Duane R. Fisher	Real Estate Law	2014,2020-2023
Kenneth B. Marcus	Real Estate Law	2011-2012,2014
A. Bernard Bays	Business Litigation	2008, 2010-2021
Trevor A. Brown	Business Litigation	2015, 2018-2022
Sharon V.Lovejoy	Business Litigation	2023
Terence J. O’Toole	Business Litigation	2011,2020
Judith A. Pavey	Business Litigation	2016

Selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® List

Norman H.Y. Cheng	Real Estate Law
Duane R. Fisher	Real Estate Law
Ivan M. Lui-Kwan (2017,2018)	Real Estate Law
Kenneth B. Marcus	Real Estate Law
Lauren K.O. Kagawa	Real Estate Law, Rising Star
Christina N. Ohira (2017)	Real Estate Law, Rising Star
Lindsay E. Orman	Real Estate Law, Rising Star
Sara S.T. Strona	Real Estate Law, Rising Star
A. Bernard Bays	Business Litigation
Trevor A. Brown	Business Litigation
Andrew J. Lautenbach	Business Litigation
Sharon V. Lovejoy	Business Litigation
Terence J. O'Toole	Business Litigation
Judith Ann Pavey	Business Litigation
Stephanie E.W. Thompson	Business Litigation
Robert J. Brown	Business Litigation, Rising Star
Kukui Claydon	Business Litigation, Rising Star
Maile S. Miller	Business Litigation, Rising Star
Eric S. Robinson	Business Litigation, Rising Star
John W. Kelly	IP Litigation, Rising Star

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers For Business

Litigation, Firm, Band “1”
Real Estate Law, Firm, Band “2”
Corporate Commercial, Firm, Band “2”

“Star”, Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business

Terence J. O’Toole

Litigation/General Commercial

Recognized by Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers For Business

Kenneth B. Marcus	Real Estate Law, Band 1
Duane R. Fisher	Real Estate Law, Band 2
Norman H.Y. Cheng	Real Estate Law, Band 3
Trevor A. Brown	Real Estate Law, Band 3
Lindsay E. Orman	Real Estate Law, Up and Coming
Duane R. Fisher	Corporate Commercial, Band 2
Kenneth B. Marcus	Corporate Commercial, Band 2
Terence J. O'Toole	Litigation/General Commercial, Star
Sharon V. Lovejoy	Litigation/General Commercial, Band 1
Stephanie E.W. Thompson	Litigation/General Commercial, Band 2
Trevor A. Brown	Litigation/General Commercial, Band 3
Andrew J. Lautenbach	Litigation/General Commercial, Band 3
Judith Ann Pavey	Litigation/General Commercial, Band 3
Doug Chin	Litigation/General Commercial, Band 3

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide (2017-2023)
Private Wealth Law, Tier 1

Trevor A. Brown	Private Wealth Law
Christina N. Ohira	Private Wealth Law

Selected “Litigation Law Firm of the Year-Hawaii” Benchmark Litigation(2020 - 2022)

“Top 250 Women in Litigation in the United States”, Benchmark Litigation, (2011-2014)

Sharon V. Lovejoy

Litigation Star

Benchmark Litigation
Highly Recommended Firm

Trevor A. Brown	Litigation Star
Doug Chin	Litigation Star
Andrew J. Lautenbach	Litigation Star
Sharon V. Lovejoy	Litigation Star
Terence J. O'Toole	Litigation Star
Judith Ann Pavey	Litigation Star
Stephanie E.W. Thompson	Future Star
Maile S. Miller	Future Star

2014 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Pacific Edge Magazine

Ivan M. Lui-Kwan

“Women Who Mean Business”, Pacific Business News (2018)

Sharon V. Lovejoy

“Best Places To Work” by Hawaii Business Magazine

Practice Areas

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."

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

"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."

"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