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2027 Edition
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Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher is a Honolulu-based litigation firm with a prominent role in Hawaii’s most consequential commercial, property, environmental and public-interest disputes. The firm's practice spans complex commercial litigation, mass torts, condemnation, land use, hospitality and disputes involving major infrastructure and development projects.
Doug Chin is praised for his "vast and varied civil and criminal experience" and is described as "an excellent analyst who communicates effectively with clients and other counsel," with one source noting that he is the first person they think of when additional resources are required. Paul Sato is currently handling a multi-million-dollar claim for a client and earns praise for his strategic approach, with the client expressing "great confidence in his plan for the client's defense."
Among the firm's notable matters, Sharon Lovejoy and Kukui Claydon represented a University in defending claims brought by former students alleging that they were improperly charged fees for services they did not receive. Clients describe Claydon as "a strong litigator and advocate for clients." Elsewhere, Terry O'Toole is highlighted as "field general and lead counsel" on a complex litigation matter, while Andy Lautenbach is credited with handling complex cases from beginning to end with strong results. Trevor Brown is similarly recognized for his ability to navigate complex matters.
Clients point to the firm's breadth of capabilities, with one source remarking that "the firm has strength in multiple areas." Others praise its practical approach, noting that it "provides cost effective solution[s] to legal issues," while additional feedback highlights the firm's commitment to "client service, community service." One client also emphasized the depth of the litigation bench, commenting that the firm has "many talented and committed litigators at the lead counsel, strong second chair and associate levels" and that those attorneys are deployed "effectively and appropriately," reflecting "respect and trust among the partners and associates."
Updated October 2026
Doug Chin is praised for his "vast and varied civil and criminal experience" and is described as "an excellent analyst who communicates effectively with clients and other counsel," with one source noting that he is the first person they think of when additional resources are required. Paul Sato is currently handling a multi-million-dollar claim for a client and earns praise for his strategic approach, with the client expressing "great confidence in his plan for the client's defense."
Among the firm's notable matters, Sharon Lovejoy and Kukui Claydon represented a University in defending claims brought by former students alleging that they were improperly charged fees for services they did not receive. Clients describe Claydon as "a strong litigator and advocate for clients." Elsewhere, Terry O'Toole is highlighted as "field general and lead counsel" on a complex litigation matter, while Andy Lautenbach is credited with handling complex cases from beginning to end with strong results. Trevor Brown is similarly recognized for his ability to navigate complex matters.
Clients point to the firm's breadth of capabilities, with one source remarking that "the firm has strength in multiple areas." Others praise its practical approach, noting that it "provides cost effective solution[s] to legal issues," while additional feedback highlights the firm's commitment to "client service, community service." One client also emphasized the depth of the litigation bench, commenting that the firm has "many talented and committed litigators at the lead counsel, strong second chair and associate levels" and that those attorneys are deployed "effectively and appropriately," reflecting "respect and trust among the partners and associates."
Updated October 2026
