The firm is proud to announce that 12 Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher attorneys have been recognized by the 2025 Chambers USA Guide. Duane R. Fisher is ranked in Corporate/Commercial and Real Estate Law, and Trevor A. Brown is ranked in both Litigation: General Commercial and Real Estate Law, bringing the firm's total rankings to 14.
Terence "Terry" O'Toole has earned the "Star" ranking in 2025. Mr. O'Toole has achieved this ranking each year since 2012.
Norman Cheng moved up to Band 2 in Real Estate Law!
What the Team is Known For
Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has a highly regarded legal team operating out of Honolulu. Its thriving bench of litigators is well versed in complex cases involving product liability, shareholder and personal injury disputes, among others. The firm demonstrates a significant focus on property-related environmental and construction litigation, with considerable further strength in class actions. It is active in state and federal court cases in Hawaii and on the US mainland, with additional expertise in trusts and estates cases and professional malpractice disputes.
Strengths
SOM&F is comprised of very talented litigators who have a keen strategic sense. The work product is exceptional and their attorneys are consistently responsive to client needs and inquiries.
The firm was an amazing advocate for us and clearly demonstrated their knowledge in the area and their exceptional advocacy.
All of the lawyers quickly respond to client inquires, maintain regular communication on important issues, and provide excellent client service
The firm has an extremely effective and professional team of attorneys. They developed a thorough understanding of the matters in question and effectively defended our positions
Notable practitioners
Terence O'Toole is a market-leading attorney whose extensive civil disputes practice draws on impressive trial experience.
"He's an outstanding legal strategist, who sees the big picture and can evaluate a case very well, posture for best resolution."
Sharon Lovejoy maintains a broad litigation practice, which includes commercial disputes and real estate suits. She has further expertise in handling contentious tax matters and class actions.
"Sharon is excellent at interfacing with opposing counsel, clients, and experts. She is an experienced litigator and a valuable leader in the firm."
"Sharon is an outstanding litigator."
Doug Chin is noted for his wide-ranging disputes expertise, including commercial and municipal litigation.
"He's an excellent, plugged-in lawyer who knows his way in court. He showed reliably good judgment throughout the case."
Stephanie Thompson possesses key expertise on litigation mandates, including IP and contractual disputes. She also maintains a significant pro bono practice.
Andrew Lautenbach is acknowledged for his handling of wide-ranging civil disputes, to which he brings notable trial experience. He is adept at representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
"He's an exceptional litigator with strong strategic sense. He’s a very good writer, researcher, and presenter - he's a total package attorney."
Judith Pavey regularly handles personal injury and professional malpractice claims, as well as broader commercial disputes. Her experience includes representation of state entities.
Trevor Brown offers expertise in both civil litigation and corporate transactions, including restructurings. He has notable experience handling appellate mandates.
"He's the best attorney I have ever worked with."
What the Team is Known For
Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has a full-service real estate law team in Hawaii that takes on sales, leasing and development-related issues. The team offers additional expertise in handling contentious matters, including eminent domain proceedings. The team is highlighted for its experience handling transactions in the hospitality, resort and retail sectors, and in providing support to outside investors financing projects in Hawaii.
Strengths
Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has an extremely effective and professional team of attorneys. They developed a thorough understanding of the matters in question and effectively defended our positions.
Their advice is always practical, business-oriented, and geared to advancing the client's goals while keeping it clear of legal troubles.
The firm has developed good relationships with governmental officials and can always get a prompt response to questions or requests for guidance.
Starn O'Toole has an exceptional depth of knowledge and understanding of land use and zoning concepts.
They offer strong knowledge of the market and great negotiation skills. I'm confident that this firm's attorneys could handle any real estate transaction.
Notable practitioners
Kenneth Marcus is at the forefront of the Hawaiian real estate market. He is 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.
Duane Fisher is highly regarded for his experience in sizable real estate transactions. He also offers expertise in construction law matters.
Norman Cheng is recognized for his work on corporate transactions in the hotels and resorts space. He offers experienced advice on purchase and sale agreements, permits and financing.
" Norman is very well respected and has strong relationships within the state agencies."
Ivan Lui-Kwan regularly represents clients in both contentious and transactional matters in the real estate space. He has further experience on matters relating to entitlements and acquisitions.
"Ivan's level of sophistication is strong.It was a pleasure working with Ivan."
Trevor Brown has a solid practice in redevelopment proposal arbitration, ground leasing and development negotiations.
Lindsay Orman actively acts on matters concerning legislation, investment structuring, acquisition and lease negotiation for clients in the hospitality sector.
"Lindsay has a level of expertise and attention to detail that is rare. It is extremely impressive, and we are so lucky to have had her as a resource. She's an excellent attorney, who is extremely responsive and knowledgeable.
Ivan Lui-Kwan regularly represents clients in both contentious and transactional matters in the real estate space. He has further experience on matters relating to entitlements and acquisitions.
Strengths
Ivan's level of sophistication is strong.It was a pleasure working with Ivan
What the Team is Known For
Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has an established legal practice in Hawaii, offering M&A expertise to domestic and international clients, with an emphasis on the real estate sector. The firm offers comprehensive abilities in this sphere, spanning business structuring, financing and joint venture activity. It is especially renowned for work with high-profile clients in the hotel and resort industry.
Strengths
They're experts in their fields. The firm is smaller than larger firms in town, but they make it up with their expertise and personalized services.
They are one of the best firms in Hawaii. They're excellent lawyers and do excellent legal work, with great communication and fair billing.
The attorneys are reasonable and "make a deal" orientated, but they're firm in positions that are not negotiable.
The advice is always professional and provided in a timely manner. The team are on top of the problems for our company and quick to gather solutions.
Notable practitioners
Duane Fisher is noted for his expertise in construction law, corporate finance, acquisition financing and restructuring of hotels.
"Duane is an outstanding attorney. Duane was the lead attorney and was a fabulous asset to us."