I will do everything I can to settle your case without having to fight it out in court. But if we have to take your case to court, I will work with you on preparing and presenting your best case for the Judge.
Education
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
University of California at Santa Barbara (B.A. in Political Science)
Iolani School
Experience
Solo practitioner specializing in family law cases in Hawaii (1996-present)
Mediator for the Oahu Child Welfare Mediation Program (2022-present)
Attorney Supervisor for the Child Welfare Clinic at the William S. Richardson School of Law (2025-present)
Mediator / Facilitator for EPIC 'Ohana, Inc. (1999-2007)
Attorney for domestic violence agency, AmeriCorps/SAVD (1996-1999)
Law Clerk/Bailiff to Judge Riki May Amano (1995-1996)
Positions / Memberships
Treasurer, Family Law Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association (2024-present)
Board of Directors, Child Law Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association (2023-present)
Custody Evaluator Standards Committee (2022-present)
Permanent Committee on Family Court Rules (2021-present)
Hawaii State Bar Association, Family Law Section (1997-present), Child Law Section (2008-present)
American Bar Association, Family Law Section (1997-present)
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (2010-present)
Annual Child Welfare Law Update Conference Planning Committee and Conference Emcee (2021-2025)
Director, Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii (2013-2018)
Chair, Child and Parent Advocates Section, Hawaii State Bar Association (2002 and 2003)
Legal Counsel, Hawaii Jaycees (2002 and 2003)
Director, Young Lawyers Division of Hawaii State Bar Association (1999 and 2000)
Vice-President, Hawaii Business Jaycees (1997-2000)
Volunteer Activities / Additional Memberships
Volunteer for Mediation Center of the Pacific (2014-present)
Volunteer for Kapolei Access to Justice Room (2013-present)
Volunteer Settlement Master for Family Court (2006-present)
Volunteer for Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (1996-present)
Volunteer for projects of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division (1996-present)
Member of Family Court's Teen Day Committee (2011-2021)
Member of Family Law Section's Leadership and Community Service Committee (2008-2012)
Member of Child Protective Act Task Force (2009-2011)
Member of Court-Improvement Program Advisory Committee (2002-2007)
Volunteer for Kids First Program (1998-2005)
Member of Family Drug Court Steering Committee (2003-2005)
Volunteer for Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem Program (1998-2000)
Publications
Co-Presenter and Contributing Author, Handling Child Custody Cases: A Complete Guide (National Business Institute, 2025)
Co-Presenter and Contributing Author, Family Law: Top Problems and Solutions for Paralegals (Institute for Paralegal Education, 2024)
Co-Presenter and Contributing Author, Family Law From A to Z (National Business Institute, 2016)
Contributing Author, A Handbook for Sole and Small Firm Practitioners (Hawaii State Bar Association, 2012 Revised Edition)
Co-Presenter and Contributing Author, Children’s Records Law in Hawaii (Lorman Education Services, 2004)
Co-Presenter and Contributing Author, Child Custody and Visitation in Hawaii (National Business Institute, 2003)
Co-Presenter and Contributing Author, Paralegals in Family Law Practice in Hawaii (Institute for Paralegal Education, 1999 and 2002)
Awards/Recognition
Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in Hawaii from The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (2021)
Recipient of Certificate of Special Commendation from Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (1997)
Recipient of Daniel K. Inouye Award (1999) and Edward Nakano Memorial Award (1998) from the Hawaii Jaycees
Recipient of Outstanding Local Vice-President Award from the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (1998)
