As we approach the close of another year in Hawai‘i’s vibrant and ever-evolving legal community, this season offers a special opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the values that ground us. The holidays in Hawai‘i are unique—not only because they blend the beauty of our islands with the warmth of our communities, but also because they remind us of the spirit of aloha that shapes the way we practice law in the Islands. This time of year encourages us to appreciate both the work we do and the people who make that work meaningful.

I am filled with immense gratitude and pride reflecting on the incredible year we’ve had together in the Young Lawyers Division.  Serving as your President has been an honor, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated Board members, the broader HSBA membership, and every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and aloha to make this year so impactful.

Mahalo for attending the 2025 HSBA Annual Meeting! Keynote speaker Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald (retired) addressed the audience on building trust in the Judiciary and the partnership between the Judiciary and the Bar. HSBA and YLD award recipients were honored, retired judges were recognized, and 2026 Presidents of the HSBA and Young Lawyers Division were sworn in.

Unlock new opportunities to grow and maintain your practice by joining the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS). As a valuable and trusted resource for both bar members and the public for over 50 years, the LRIS program provides a steady stream of qualified client referrals tailored to your legal expertise.

How the LRIS benefits your practice:

• Client Growth: Receive calls directly from individuals actively seeking representation in your selected areas of law.
• Expert Matching: We handle the referral process, ensuring you are connected with clients who need your specific skills.
• Low-Risk Entry: Test the program with a special prorated fee structure.

3-Month Trial: $106.25
The prorated fee through June 30, 2026 is $268.75
Join today and invest in the future of your practice.

For more information see the link to the registration form; email LRIS@hsba.org or call the LRIS Administrator at 808-792-7350.

The Administrative Judge of the Third Circuit Court is seeking attorneys interested in serving as court-appointed arbitrators in disputes relating to motor vehicle insurance policies pursuant to Chapter 431:10C, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i. Applicants should have experience in civil litigation and/or arbitration and must be willing to accept cases in the Third Circuit. An earlier version of this solicitation mistakenly included a requirement that applicants be on active status. Applicants may be on either active or inactive status.

Attorneys from all islands are welcome to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume via email to:
Judge Wendy M. DeWeese
Administrative Judge of the Third Circuit
Email:   4thDivisionSched.3cc@courts.hawaii.gov

The Criminal Division of the First Circuit Court is seeking attorneys interested in serving as court appointed counsel in criminal cases.

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i and have experience in litigation and/or criminal practice.  Applicants should indicate whether they have a preference of offense classifications for which they would like to be considered.

Attorneys from all islands are welcome to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to: 
Judge Ronald G. Johnson
Criminal Administrative Judge 
777 Punchbowl St. 
Honolulu, HI 96813 
Phone:  808-539-4173 
Email:   17thdivision.1cc@courts.hawaii.gov

The Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i, Hawai'i State Judiciary, and Bar Associations across the state proudly recognize the following firms and attorneys who volunteered their time at the Honolulu Access to Justice Room and Self-Help Centers across the state during the month of November 2025.

These volunteers provided critical legal information and support to self-represented litigants across the islands. We extend our deepest gratitude to the firms and attorneys listed below for helping to make justice more accessible for all.

Honolulu Access to Justice Room
Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert
Schlack Ito
Cara Rozzi
Derek Kobayashi
Frances Nicole Tabios
Jay Nakasone
Jeremy O'Steen
Kalina Nguyen Le
Katie Pham
Kira-Nariese K. Brown
Leina-Mei S. Johnson
Logan T. Araki
Madeleine M.V. Young
Matthew Gozun
Megan L.M. Lim
Mike Goodman
Nicholas Ernst
Paris Johnson
Scot Matayoshi
Tatjana Johnson
Toren. K. Yamamoto
Tred Eyerly

Kaua'i Self-Help Center
Emiko Meyers
Laura Barzilai
Sean Hartlieb

Maui Self-Help Center
Brianne Wong Leong
Caroline Peters Belsom
Frank Loyd Jr.
Kau'i Yamane
Marcus Sierra
Sam Shnider
Wendy Hudson

Kona Self-Help Center
Georgette Yaindl
Judy Howard
Liz Geddes
Nicholas Kittleson
Suzette J. Hill
Victor M. Cox

Hilo Self-Help Center
Alan Komagome
Craig Sadamoto
Georgia Berrenberg
Jennifer Zelko
Karly Aoki
Lea Cooper
Sheena Crail

Mahalo for your service and dedication. To join our growing pro bono network and support access to justice in your community, please contact Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org.

Legal Aid offers complimentary, online, on-demand training sessions for pro bono attorneys, covering divorce, custody, and paternity law. These sessions provide a thorough introduction to divorce, custody, and paternity law and procedures, focusing on essential information that volunteers need to assist self-represented litigants at Self-Help Centers or to support pro bono cases. CLE credit is available for participants.

To learn more about accessing these training sessions and pro bono opportunities, please reach out to Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org.

The Honolulu Access to Justice now offers both remote, and in-person services at the courthouse, and we need your help!

By volunteering, you play a crucial role in bridging the justice gap for self-represented litigants facing legal challenges in landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, debt collection, and other district court matters.

Volunteer Opportunities:
In-Person Shifts: First Wednesday of the month at Honolulu District Court (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM)
Remote Shifts: All other Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM)

Why Volunteer?

• Flexible 2-hour shifts available
• Comprehensive online training provided (CLE Available)
• Ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
• Choose between remote or in-person options to fit your schedule.
• Meaningful pro bono work!

Whether you’re a returning volunteer or new to the program, your participation is vital to ensuring access to justice for our community.

Interested? Have Questions?
Visit our website.
Contact: Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org for more details.

The Young Lawyers Division is looking for Legal Lines volunteers. Legal Lines is a weekly hotline with services provided by attorney volunteers every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Attorneys provide legal information to the general public. Calls are being answered remotely and will be forwarded to your mobile phone, so you can take calls from your office or home. If you are interested in providing legal information to the public in these trying times, please contact the YLD at yldhawaii@gmail.com.

Hawai‘i Online Pro Bono (HOP) has become a primary, alternative way for people to request assistance with their legal issues.  Attorneys can work from home to answer questions.  HOP asks for your assistance answering 1 or 2 (or more!) questions on its website.  Individuals have questions posted including but not limited to family law, estate planning, landlord-tenant, small claims, and bankruptcy. A few minutes of your time can make a world of difference to Hawai‘i residents in need.

In response to the Maui Fires, a new topic was added to answer basic Maui Disaster Relief questions, in the areas of Private Landlord/ Tenant, Family Law, Collections/Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, and Estate Planning.

A new branch of the existing Hawai‘i Online Pro Bono  is specifically for federal legal matters including immigration and veterans issues has launched here.

Please reach out to HOP if you have any questions on how to set up a volunteer attorney account at hopadmin@vlsh.org. Mahalo!

For more information about volunteering see link, Get Involved – Volunteer Legal Services of Hawaiʻi

Or call the Intake Line:

(808) 528-7046

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fax: (808) 524-2147

If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact our support team!

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