Benchmark Litigation

Hawaii

Review

Dispute resolution
Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher

Over the course of nearly 50 years, Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher has cemented itself as Hawaii’s preeminent trial firm. Remaining steadfast from pre-trial to the courtroom, the Starn O’Toole team is widely regarded as an authority in commercial disputes arising in real estate and a host of other practice areas. Clients and peers alike compliment their capabilities. “They are a top-flight firm in Hawaii, capable of handling the full range of litigation matters,” confirms former co-counsel. “Their legal judgment in developing and executing on strategy is unparalleled. They argued and won a motion to dismiss, deftly addressing questions from the court. They are great colleagues to work with.” A client cheers the team’s “research, litigation prep, communication and presentation.” One client testifies, “Starn O’Toole was retained to provide legal services related to several eminent-domain actions. The firm evaluated the property needed to be taken via eminent domain, drafted the complaint and other documents needed to initiate the action, retained expert witnesses and consultants, conducted discovery, filed dispositive and non-dispositive motions, filed appellate briefs and participated in mediation sessions regarding settlement.  It was a very complex dispute, with claims exceeding $100 million. [They are] Very knowledgeable and responsive to State-level issues. They have been prompt, responsive and effective.”
     Sharon Lovejoy and Terence O’Toole have served as guiding forces among the firm’s team for nearly the entirety of its existence while remaining active in representing numerous of the most prominent clients in Hawaiian infrastructure and among the largest companies in the state’s real estate market in a wide variety of regards. A contemporary also points out, “They have picked up quite a bit of litigation from the Maui fires, and also Hawaii Air/Alaska Air cases – as the plaintiffs! – but they are primarily focused on business litigation and represent a lot of local banks.” A client notes that O’Toole “has a lot of experience with complex litigation. He works with a team that compliments his expertise.” Speaking to Lovejoy’s qualities, a client praises her “effective communication and client relations, advice and litigation prep.” Doug Chin is commended by a client as “very personable and knowledgeable. His experience and reputation in the government sector are well regarded.”