Legal Jobs in Honolulu

Perform paralegal, administrative and clerical tasks

Salary $80,000 per year and above depending on experience

In person position in Honolulu, Hawaii

Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate

Reserved parking, medical, vision, dental, 401(d) and profit sharing

Please send resumes via email to or post resumes on LinkedIn

Inquiries to be kept confidential

How To Apply

Download, complete and submit the fillable application form found on the OHA website ( ), along with a resume and cover letter to:

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS

560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200

Honolulu, Hawai'i 96817

Attention: Human Resources

Or via email:

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) employees must be permanent Hawaii residents. Out-of-state applicants who are offered employment with OHA will need to relocate to Hawaii and establish permanent residency.

SALARY

$122,232 to $150,072 per year. Starting salary may be between the minimum and maximum salary range provided, based on qualifications.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Board Legal Counsel is the chief legal advisor to the Board of Trustees ("BOT") Chairperson, the Board of Trustees, and the Chief of Staff of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Board Legal Counsel is responsible for protecting OHA's legal and fiduciary interests as well as providing direct legal support to the BOT. This role ensures organizational compliance with all applicable state, federal, and trust laws, and supports the Board of Trustees (BOT) in fulfilling its constitutional and statutory duties under HRS §10-5.

As a key member of the Board of Trustees' team, the Board Legal Counsel helps advance OHA's mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians through ethical governance, risk mitigation, legal stewardship of trust resources, and compliance oversight. Key areas of support include governance and compliance matters, procurement and contract oversight, board policies and procedures, conflict of interest safeguards, and the review and development of legal memoranda, standard operating procedures, and other board related documents. Additionally, the Board Legal Counsel advises the BOT on OHA's escheat rights, related kuleana and land matters, and supports the Chairperson in their role as OHA's Chief Procurement Officer, Head of Purchasing Agency, and Senior Executive Board Member as a Co-Trustee of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

At the direction of the Chairperson, the Board Legal Counsel may further coordinate with OHA's Corporate Counsel or external legal advisors, as appropriate, to ensure alignment with broader legal strategies and risk mitigation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Legal Services for OHA

a. Reviews and advises on proposed Board actions to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and OHA policies and procedures.

b. Drafts legal opinions and advisory memoranda addressing policy, operations, governance, and other administrative functions affecting OHA, the BOT, and staff at the request of the Chairperson, BOT, or Chief of Staff.

c. Reviews and revises OHA contracts, leases, and other transactional documents and instruments subject to the Chairperson or the BOT's review and/or approval, and which impose obligations, responsibilities, encumbrances, liens, or releases that safeguard the agency's legal and financial interests.

d. Conducts legal training for the BOT and Board staff on applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards relevant to their work duties and responsibilities.

2. Legal Services to the Board of Trustees

a. Provides legal counsel and guidance to the BOT Chairperson, Chairpersons of Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, or Permitted Interaction Groups, BOT, and Chief of Staff on matters involving compliance, risk,

and legal interpretation, including the Board's oversight, fiduciary duties, strategic governance, and trust obligations.

b. Renders legal advice, counsel, and guidance on applicable laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and legal documents that may affect agency or board operations, including but not limited to state and federal laws impacting Native Hawaiian self-determination, beneficiary rights, and OHA's statutory and fiduciary obligations as a public trust agency.

c. Develops, and implements programs and projects that enhance the legal services provided to the Chairperson, BOT, and Chief of Staff, helping to protect and advance the agency's legal and financial interests.

d. Supports the Board in developing and implementing legal strategies on high-level policy issues, such as ceded lands, the public land trust, Native Hawaiian entitlements, beneficiary services and funding, and agency accountability.

e. Reviews and assesses claims and potential litigation in coordination with the Chief of Staff and/or Corporate Counsel Office, as appropriate. Advises the Chairperson and BOT on legal strategies, including whether to pursue litigation or settlement, with careful consideration of fiduciary impact and organizational risk.

f. Provides legal guidance on complex, confidential, or politically sensitive matters that affect the Board's oversight and decision-making responsibilities.

g. Assists the BOT Chairperson, Chairpersons of Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, Permitted Interaction Groups, BOT, and Chief of Staff with special projects and confidential assignments requiring legal insight and discretion.

h. Supports Standing Committee Chairs and their Aides, the Chief of Staff, and the Board Secretary by reviewing agendas and minutes for BOT and committee meetings, ensuring procedural and legal accuracy.

i. Evaluates legal risks and promotes a culture of compliance, integrity, and proactive legal stewardship at the Board level.

j. Continuously monitors the quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of internal and external legal services secured by and delivered specifically to the Board, in coordination with the Chief of Staff, as distinct from legal services retained by the agency for operational or programmatic purposes, unless otherwise requested by the Chairperson, BOT, or General Counsel. Ensures that all such services align with OHA's mission, fiduciary responsibilities, and commitment to legal and ethical excellence.

3. Consistently upholds the priorities, decisions, and directives of the Chairperson in alignment with the Hawaiʻi Rules of Professional Conduct.

4. Regular in person attendance is required although this position is hybrid-eligible in accordance with OHA's Telework policy and subject to the discretion and approval of the Board Chairperson.

5. This position requires residency on the Island of Oʻahu.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned by the Chairperson.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. Education. Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

2. Licensure. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai'i and a member in good standing with the Hawai'i State Bar Association.

3. Legal Work Experience. Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible legal practice.

• At least five (5) of those years must be in the State of Hawai'i.

• Legal experience must include the following:

i. Contractual and Legal Document Expertise. Minimum of five (5) years drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, leases, agreements, legal instruments, and amendments.

ii. Leadership and Legal Team Management. Minimum of five (5) years supervising and evaluating attorneys and legal support staff. Experience must demonstrate leadership, organizational, and team development skills in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Procurement Law. At least two (2) years of experience applying Hawai'i procurement laws as set forth in HRS Chapters 103D and 103F.

2. Specialized Legal Expertise. Demonstrated legal experience in one or more of the following areas is highly preferred:

• Trust law and fiduciary obligations

• Native Hawaiian rights and legal advocacy

• State of Hawai'i legislative and budgetary processes

• Civil litigation before State and/or Federal courts

• Administrative law and proceedings before boards, commissions, or hearing officers

• Public sector or nonprofit governance, including service as legal counsel to Boards of Directors or Trustees, Executive Leadership (CEO, VPs), with experience advising on legal, fiduciary, compliance, and governance matters

3. Public Accountability and Compliance. Experience interpreting and applying Hawai'i's Sunshine Law (HRS Chapter 92) and the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) (HRS Chapter 92F).

4. Cultural Competency and Mission Alignment.

• Knowledge of Native Hawaiian culture, language, and history, and ability to apply this understanding in a legal and organizational context.

• Familiarity with the Mana i Mauli Ola Strategic Plan or similar culturally grounded frameworks.

• Demonstrated commitment to working with or supporting Native Hawaiian communities or mission-aligned, values-based organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

[Please refer to the rest of the KSAs on our website]

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP is looking for an associate with 3 to 7 years' experience in civil litigation to join its growing Honolulu, Hawaii office. Candidates should have a working knowledge of state and federal civil procedure, and excellent writing and communication skills. Previous civil litigation experience is preferred, and previous experience handling products liability, commercial litigation, and/or professional liability matters is strongly preferred. Valid Hawaii BAR license required.

The attorney in this role will assist with the Honolulu office’s litigation cases, which will include minor to catastrophic personal injuries, products liability, mass torts, and commercial litigation matters. The day-to-day work will include client meetings, reporting and investigation, and taking and attending depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations and/or trial. Depending on the size and exposure of the case the attorney will work independently or with partner oversight.

Why Thompson Coe?

· We have been providing top-notch legal services to our clients, both regionally and nationally, for 75 years.

· We are a 290+ attorney firm with offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; New York City, New York; New Orleans, Louisiana; and St. Paul, Minnesota.

· We offer formal mentorship and training programs for associates and senior attorneys including yearly reviews, supervising partners, and yearly associates' school/advanced associates' schools.

· We offer a transparent path to partner levels.

· We offer a competitive salary and quarterly bonuses based on hours billed rather than collections.

· We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid parental leave, 401(k) and profit sharing for full time employees, as well as health, vision and dental insurance. Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are not working with outside recruiters for this position.

Torkildson Katz is seeking a highly motivated Associate Attorney with 2–6 years of experience to join our Tier 1 Labor & Employment Practice Group. This specialized role is designed for a practitioner who desires to gain expertise in both advocacy and advising clients. You will initially work with senior counsel and, depending on your abilities, serve as direct contact managing complex workplace issues, including conducting internal investigations while simultaneously supporting our team to manage employment law litigation and labor relations cases.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: INVESTIGATIONS & COUNSELING

1. Workplace Misconduct Investigations: Lead sensitive internal investigations into allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and code of conduct violations for Hawaii’s leading employers.
2. Fact-Finding & Credibility Assessments: Conduct impartial interviews with complainants and witnesses; gather and analyze electronic and documentary evidence to assess credibility.
3. Investigative Reporting: Prepare comprehensive, defensible Reports of Investigation that outline factual findings and provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
4. Compliance Advisory: Counsel clients on proactive measures, including the Hawaii $16.00 minimum wage hike and updating employee handbooks to comply with HCRC and EEOC standards.

LITIGATION & LABOR DEFENSE DUTIES

1. Employment Litigation: Represent management in State and Federal courts against claims of wrongful termination and harassment under Title VII and the Hawaii Fair Employment Practices Act.
2. Administrative Defense: Defend clients in proceedings before the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).
3. Labor Relations: Assist in collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, and matters before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Hawaii Labor Relations Board (HLRB).
4. Dispute Resolution: Draft dispositive motions, manage complex discovery, and conduct/defend depositions for single-plaintiff and class action matters.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Licensure: Active member of the Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA) in good standing.
2. Experience: 2–6 years of legal experience. Prior experience in internal investigations, administrative law, or management-side litigation is strongly preferred.
3. Competencies: Exceptional judgment, the ability to maintain strict confidentiality, and the neutrality required for credible attorney-led investigations.
4. Education: Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.

WHY TORKILDSON KATZ?

1. Prestige: Join a firm ranked as Tier 1 by U.S. News - Best Law Firms® in Honolulu for Employment Law – Management.
2. Mentorship: Work directly with the state’s most respected L&E practitioners and Top-Rated Hawaii Super Lawyers®.
3. Total Rewards: Competitive salary, 401(k), and comprehensive health/dental benefits in a collaborative firm culture.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief legal or investigative writing sample to the CAO, Karen M. Senn, which will be shared with the firm’s Management Committee.

Or

Karen M. Senn, CAO

700 Bishop Street, 15th Floor

Honolulu, HI 96813

Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is a leading law firm in Hawaii specializing in real estate law, commercial transactions, and complex commercial litigation. The firm is recognized globally for its commitment to client service, strong negotiation skills, and innovative legal solutions. With senior partners who collectively bring decades of extensive legal experience, the firm has a proven track record of achieving outstanding results for clients. Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is highly acclaimed, with numerous accolades such as Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent rating, "Top 25" Hawaii Super Lawyers listings, and consecutive "Hawaii Litigation Firm of the Year" awards. Based in Honolulu, the firm prides itself on maintaining high standards of professional ethics and legal excellence.

We are seeking a Litigation Legal Assistant for a full-time, on-site role located in Honolulu, HI. The Legal Assistant will be responsible for providing support to attorneys in litigation matters. Daily tasks include preparing, reviewing, and filing legal documents, managing calendars, tracking deadlines, and performing general administrative duties. Additionally, the Legal Assistant will assist in maintaining case files, corresponding with clients, and ensuring compliance with court procedures.

• Demonstrated knowledge of legal processes, legal document preparation, and litigation procedures.
• Proficiency in providing administrative assistance, including managing schedules and maintaining organized documentation.
• Experience with calendaring and tracking critical deadlines in a legal setting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Proficiency in legal software and Microsoft Office tools is preferred.
• Associate degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred. Previous experience as a litigation assistant or paralegal is highly desirable.

Hawaiian Electric Companies
  Provide electricity and services to 95 % of the state’s 1.4 million residents. 
  Committed to quality service, clean local energy, and community support.

Hiring Range: $138,600 – $153,200 (based on skills and qualifications). 

  Location: Honolulu – Oahu.

Job Overview: Provide in‑house legal services for Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries with an emphasis on complex commercial transactions. Monitor work assigned to outside counsel.

• 
  
• Deliver legal services to Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light, assessing risk and evaluating complex legal issues across business, corporate, federal contract, public utility regulation, labor, environmental, real property, construction, securities, finance, intellectual property, information technology, telecommunications, privacy, and data protection law.
  
• Develop and implement preventative law programs and training for operational managers and staff.
  
• Provide work direction for outside attorneys, monitor and manage outside counsel costs, including invoice reviews. Guide and monitor work of Legal Department assistants.
  
• Act as legal adviser on task forces, committees, and special projects; communicate with senior management on legal issues and risks; prepare and deliver presentations.
  
• Assist in developing company policies, procedures, and strategies; implement systems for provision and monitoring of legal services.
  
• Handle routine matters in court or before governmental administrative agencies.
  
• Participate as member of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and/or Hawaii Electric Light Incident Management Teams or provide support as needed.
  
• Perform additional duties as attorney’s expertise, education, and experience allow.
  
• Participate in company emergency response activities as assigned.
  

• 
  
• Law degree, membership in the Hawaii State Bar Association, and license to practice law in Hawaii (admission pending). 
  
    Minimum of 4 years of legal experience required.
  
• Thorough knowledge of commercial and business law, particularly contract law, and familiarity with the legal areas listed above. 
  
    Specialized knowledge in one or more areas is an asset.
  
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, maintain high attention to detail, meet deadlines, and deliver high‑quality work.
  
• Strong analytical, organizational, and conceptual skills to manage multiple projects and programs.
  
• Excellent communication skills—clear, persuasive, logical, and succinct (both verbally and in writing).
  
• Commitment to the company’s core values (Safety, Aloha, Integrity, and Excellence).
  
• Strong customer orientation and ability to generate high internal client satisfaction.
  
• Creative problem‑solving ability and flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
  
• Ability to make quick decisions on multiple topics and prioritize work demands on a routine basis.
  

EEO Statement: Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at (808) 543‑4848.

Interested individuals should apply online. The application must clearly indicate the demonstrated experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that specifically qualify the candidate for the position.