Chambers USA Directory of Leading Lawyers For Business has once again ranked Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher Litigation team as Band 1. Real Estate and Corporate Law attorneys were ranked very high, earning the Band 2 distinction.
Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best.The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client. (Chambers and Partners)
Further comments from Chambers USA
Litigation
Impressive litigation team acting on major commercial disputes, best known for its strong developer-side practice in the real estate sector. Skillful representation of financial institutions in contentious matters, including acting for trustees and lenders in relation to foreclosures.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"A top-notch law firm - highly impressive. Strategic thinkers with an uncommon ability to sift through complex issues to get to common-sense solutions."
"The individuals we work with come with high recommendations and take an assertive stance."
Notable practitioners
The "brilliant, strategic and analytical" Terence O'Toole heads the litigation department. He is consistently singled out as a top practitioner in the field of commercial litigation, with one source noting: "When I watched him in court I was extremely impressed. His organization and ability are both really good."
Former Attorney General Mark Bennett earns considerable praise for his expertise in commercial and appellate litigation, antitrust and government relations. One impressed source commented: "He's certainly tier-one caliber."
Clients describe of counsel Judith Pavey as "organized and excellent." Her wide-ranging experience in litigation and alternative dispute resolution includes personal injury, medical malpractice and construction cases.
Real Estate Law
Popular practice for purchases and sales of real property, leasing, condominium developments and finance. Impressive credentials in the hospitality sector, frequently acting for hotel and resort developers.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"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."
"They always communicated and followed through. They were very thorough and detail-oriented."
Notable practitioners
Excellent client service and an "invaluable knowledge of local legal precedents and customs" make Kenneth Marcus a popular choice for real estate counsel. As an active member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, hotel management is an important area of his focus.
Duane Fisher provides locally tailored advice to international hotel chains as well as Hawaiian real estate developers and property owners. Sources praise his "strong work ethic," describing him as: "A good partner and adviser."
A trusted legal adviser to the hotel industry for many decades, Peter Starn is described as: "A very detailed fellow, very experienced and knowledgeable." He also handles matters involving commercial and office real estate.
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.
Corporate Law
Caters to the corporate needs of a range of local and international businesses, most notably in the hospitality sector. Very active in tax and estate planning, deftly supported by the firm's strong commercial litigation team.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"In all areas that we have had to deal with, the firm has performed over and above our expectations."
Peter Starn provides strong leadership for the firm's corporate and real estate teams. His broad practice includes tremendous experience on M&A and corporate finance deals, as well as complex commercial litigation.