The firm is proud to announce that 13 Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher attorneys have been recognized by the 2024 Chambers USA Guide.
Terence "Terry" O'Toole has earned the "Star" ranking in 2024. Mr. O'Toole has achieved this ranking each year since 2012.
Ivan M. Lui-Kwan has been named in the firm’s newest Chambers USA practice area of Real Estate Law/Land Use & Zoning for 2024.
Douglas S. Chin moved up to Band 2 in the practice area of Litigation: General Commercial.
Trevor A. Brown is ranked in both Litigation: General Commercial and Real Estate Law, bringing the firm's total rankings to 14.
Chambers USA Comments
Litigation/General Commercial
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.
"The team brings a high level of technical knowledge and skill on complex topics."
"They were fantastic colleagues and excellent lawyers."
Terence O'Toole is a market-leading attorney whose extensive civil disputes practice draws on impressive trial experience. "He is extremely knowledgeable and professional." "Terry O'Toole is a very experienced litigator. He has a deep knowledge of the law and litigation practice, and can be relied on to develop creative arguments and solutions to problems."
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. "She is extremely knowledgeable and professional." "Sharon is an excellent litigator with a talent for identifying and developing arguments that resonate with judges."
Doug Chin is noted for his wide-ranging disputes expertise, including commercial and municipal litigation. "Doug Chin is a sophisticated professional who understands the political climate and landscape, including individuals and organizations." "Doug is a smart and savvy litigator with an understated but firm presence in court that has earned him respect from judges and lawyers across the aisle." "Doug is extremely knowledgeable and keenly aware of the political environment, but understands the needs of business too."
Stephanie Thompson possesses key expertise on litigation mandates, including IP and contractual disputes. She also maintains a significant pro bono practice. "Stephanie is a strong advocate for her clients." ''She is professional and knowledgeable, and provides excellent insights to clients."
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. "''Andrew is smart, responsive and levelheaded.''"
Judith Pavey regularly handles personal injury and professional malpractice claims, as well as broader commercial disputes. Her experience includes representation of state entities. "''Judith is a solid trial attorney.''"
Trevor Brown offers expertise in both civil litigation and corporate transactions, including restructurings. He has notable experience handling appellate mandates. "''Trevor is really professional, dedicated and intelligent.''" "''He is smart, extremely thoughtful, analytical and unrelenting.''"
Corporate/Commercial
Duane Fisher is highly regarded for his experience in sizable real estate transactions. He also offers expertise in construction law matters.
Duane Fisher is noted for his expertise in construction law, corporate finance, acquisition financing and restructuring of hotels. "Duane has given us great advice and input, and has been exceptionally proficient in navigating some very delicate matters.""Duane is fabulous. He's intelligent and easy to work with."
Real Estate Law/Land Use & Zoning
Ivan M. 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.
Real Estate Law
Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has a full-service real estate law team in Hawaii that takes on sales, leasing and development-related issues. Additional expertise includes handling contentious matters, including eminent domain proceedings. Highlighted for its experience handling transactions in the hospitality, resort and retail sectors, and in providing support to outside investors financing projects in Hawaii. The firm also regularly coordinates complex due diligence investigations.
"''The firm provides unique strategic insight.''"
"The lawyers are all very knowledgeable, efficient and prompt. They also provide thoughtful analysis."
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.
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 is a knowledgeable lawyer."
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 an excellent attorney with practical solutions. He is also a strong negotiator.''"
Trevor Brown has a solid practice in redevelopment proposal arbitration, ground leasing and development negotiations. "''Trevor is really dedicated and intelligent.''"
Lindsay Orman actively acts on matters concerning legislation, investment structuring, acquisition and lease negotiation for clients in the hospitality sector. "Lindsay has an outstanding command of Hawaii real estate legal matters."