Conduct jury and bench trials in Family Court involving contested divorce, local and inter-state child custody disputes, contested guardianships, criminal domestic violence, child protective services and enforcement of child support. Hawaii's first and only board-certified specialist in family law. Inaugural class, Hawaii Super Lawyers (Family Law 2008). Also represent service members, civilian employees, and defense contractors in cases involving denial or revocation of Department of Defense security clearances. Senior Counsel, Coates & Frey (Honolulu, Hawaii), 1995-2007. Lead trial counsel in Honolulu's oldest and largest family law practice. Coordinate trials among nine attorneys, establish and implement litigation policy and procedures, assist other attorneys with formulation of strategy, tactics, and case management. Deputy Attorney General, State of Hawaii, 1982-1995. General Counsel to the Department of Human Services, Department of Public Safety, and Child Support Enforcement Agency. Represented the State before all state and federal courts and administrative tribunals. Conducted investigations and prosecuted civil and criminal enforcement actions. Provided legal advice to the Governor, Legislature, and state officials. Drafted and reviewed legislation, contracts and administrative rules. Provided training to state employees on legal issues. Attorney, Gerson Steiner & Anderson (Honolulu, Hawaii), 1981-1982. General civil practice in a four-lawyer firm. Conducted jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. Wrote opinions, filed motions and conducted discovery. Gained a working knowledge of collections, real-estate, construction, subrogation and bankruptcy. Lieutenant, United States Army, 1980-1981. Student at the Army Intelligence Center & School, Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Specialized in counterintelligence, electronic warfare, aerial reconnaissance and foreign military forces. Certified Law Student, Rankin O'Neal et al. (San Jose, California), 1979-1980. Law clerk and certified law student practitioner for an insurance-defense firm. Law Tutor, University of Santa Clara. Conducted a weekly tutorial in real property for first-year law students, 1979-1980. Summer Associate, Davis Playdon & Gerson (Honolulu, Hawaii), 1979. Conducted research and assisted with trial preparation. Summer Intern, U. S. Senator Spark M. Matsunaga, 1978. Provided research on legislation, drafted correspondence, speeches and press releases, assisted with constituent case work. Co-Authored Government Attorney Compensation: A Comparative Study (HSBA 1993). 1988 Award from Health & Community Services Council for pro bono services to the elderly; HSBA Outstanding Volunteer Award (June 2000). Volunteer Attorney, Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii.
