HSBA Young lawyers division
The HSBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) provides professional development, networking, and community service opportunities for attorneys under 36 or in their first five years of practice.

Young Lawyers Division (YLD) is automatic for all HSBA members until the end of the calendar year in which you turn 36 years old or if you have been in practice less than five years anywhere.
We invite and encourage members to take an active role in the YLD! Contact us at yldhawaii@gmail.com with questions, comments, or suggestions. Feel free to join us at our monthly meetings.
The YLD is a proud affiliate of the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association (ABA). For more information regarding the ABA YLD activities and resources, see the ABA YLD website.
Read the latest message about the YLD's happenings and new initiatives. ➜
Meet the leaders of the Young Lawyers Division guiding its initiatives. ➜
Connecting volunteer attorneys with the community through outreach and legal services. ➜

Aloha Kākou,
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...
Aloha Kākou,
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.
To my 2025 Board, you’ve shown what it means to lead with purpose. Mahalo for your tireless work and for inspiring others through your example.
Our work was guided by the spirit of pūpūkahi i holomua - unite to move forward. This powerful Hawaiian proverb reminds us that progress is made through unity, and that truth was reflected in every initiative we undertook. Our members and volunteers came together with shared purpose and heart, demonstrating that when we stand together, we can accomplish extraordinary things for our community.
This year, we saw tremendous success across all our programs. The Legal Line and Ask-a-Lawyer Clinics (Law Week) initiatives reached hundreds of residents statewide, providing free legal information and guidance to those in need. Our High School Mock Trials and Junior Judges programs brought legal engagement into schools and communities with renewed energy reaching into the generations to come.
Looking ahead to 2026, I am excited for the future of the YLD. To our incoming Board: you are stepping into a legacy of leadership and service, and I know you will carry it forward with excellence. You have the opportunity to build on our momentum, innovate, and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
To all YLD members: I encourage you to stay engaged, get involved, and find ways to serve. Whether through pro bono work, volunteering at legal clinics, or simply mentoring a colleague, your contributions matter. Community service is not just a tradition—it’s a responsibility and a privilege. It connects us with the people we serve and reminds us why we chose this profession.
A special mahalo to the HSBA staff, whose behind-the-scenes support and coordination made our programs run smoothly and helped bring our vision to life. You know who you are!!!
Thank you again for an unforgettable year. May your holidays be filled with joy, rest, and reflection. I look forward to seeing the YLD continue to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Mahalo,
Chad Au
Juris Education Interview With Chad Au
Read the interview with Juris Education, a leading law school admissions consulting edtech startup.
We invite and encourage members to take an active role in Young Lawyers Division!
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