This document provides guidance on finding and selecting an attorney in Hawaii, emphasizing the importance of trust and clear communication about legal issues. It suggests various resources for obtaining attorney recommendations, as well as initial questions to ask regarding fees and practice areas. Additionally, it outlines different billing methods and highlights the value of professional legal services.

1. Finding and Choosing an Attorney
by Ryan K. Hew, Attorney At Law (@RKhewesq)
ryankhew@hawaiiesquire.com
808-944-8400
535 Ward Avenue, Suite 206
Honolulu, HI 96814

2. Disclaimer
I am a Hawaii attorney. Therefore, some
of the information is for Hawaii. In
general, none of the information presented
here should be taken as legal advice. If you
have a legal problem you should consult an
attorney. The hope is that the information
here provides some guidance in selecting an
attorney.

3. Trust is Everything
Attorneys provide professional services.
Like doctors you should TRUST your lawyer.
If you don’t, MOVE ON!
Attorneys need the whole story to help you in
your matter.
No trust --> no truth --> bad results.

4. Who am I?
I am a business attorney, with a JD/MBA, on
Oahu that provides transactional and compliance
services to Hawaii small businesses and startups.
But what that translates a lot into is describing
what I do to people who may be seeking legal
services that I do not provide.
Thus I made these slides to help you deal with
trying to find an attorney.

5. Define the Problem
Please understand that lawyers view your problems
differently than you. (i.e. “I got hurt at the store!” =
“That is a tort!”)
Putting your issue into a legal subject matter will help
you in your search or at least communicate with your
lawyer better.
Many attorneys only practice certain types of law.
Your might consider looking for attorneys that fit your
issue.

6. Make a List: You Don’t Need to Go with the
First Attorney You Know
Now that you know your problem get NAMES from
the following sources:
family, friends, co-workers, employers, neighbors,
other attorneys
Lawyer Referral & Information (HSBA)
Online resources: directories, websites, blogs
Low-moderation income? Consider: Legal Aid
Society of Hawaii and similar service providers.

7. Initial Questions: Fees, Billables,
Costs
Fees and Costs are 2 different things.
Question 1: Do you charge a fee for initial
consultation, and if so how much?
Follow-up Question(s): What is your
billable rate? What are the costs
associated with my case and what is the
extent of your representation?

8. Do I have a Legal Problem?
Explain your situation to the attorney
fully, and accurately.
Do NOT lie or exaggerate the facts.
Tell them about the opposing party. Do
they have counsel?
Even if you have a legal case, ask if there
are non-legal options.

9. Lawyer-Specific Questions
Is this your area of practice? Can you help me
with my case?
Do you routinely handle these type of cases?
If not, can you refer me to someone else who
does?
If yes, how did your other cases go? Are the
fees/costs you quoted me in line with those
cases?

10. Vocabulary Lesson:
Attorney Billing
You should get some idea of the legal fees and costs for the matter. The reason
for the fee should be fully explained and get a written agreement.
Understand What These Mean:
Retainer Fee - advance payment to the lawyer for a portion of their fee.
Fee - an agreed-upon percentage of any monies obtained through settlement,
trial or negotiation.
Hourly Rate - lawyer’s hourly rate multiplied by increments of time spent on
your case.
Fixed (or Flat) Fee - a specific amount of money for a specific service.
Cost Advance - periodic advance payment to the lawyer for on-going
expenses associated with litigation.
Mixed fee - a combination of contingency and hourly fees.

11. Some Pet Peeves of Lawyers
I understand that lawyers may be expensive, but ask yourself do you try
and get the cheapest medical services for you health?
Legal services should be viewed similarly.
Attorneys come in all different types of practices, if you do not like their
price or the way they handle matters, move on!
Do not force them to get into a bidding war with another attorney.
Do not keep trying to get free legal advice, as an attorney’s time is valuable
like yours. Would you appreciate it if people kept coming to your store for
free goods and services?
You are paying an attorney for their knowledge, experience, research
and writing, and the ability to navigate a complex body of laws to
achieve the best results for you.

12. Contact Information for Seeking
Legal Help in Hawaii
Hawaii Lawyer Referral Service: lris@hsba.org | (808) 537-9140
Residents in Hawaii please use the following numbers when accessing the
Referral Service or the hotline mentioned below:
Kauai call 240-0872; Maui 270-0872; Lanai 568-0872; Big Island 930-0872;
Molokai 660-0872; Lanai 568-0872.
Legal Line Hotline (a service put out by Young Lawyers Division of the HSBA)
Volunteer attorneys available to provide legal information and referralsWednesday
evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call (808) 537-1868. Hawaii Pacific Standard
Time. Not available on local or federal holidays.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: http://www.legalaidhawaii.org/ | OAHU (808) 536-
4302
For Other Legal Service Providers please check this website:
http://www.hawaiijustice.org/legal-service-providers

13. Mahalo!
I hope that helps you. As I stated in the
Disclaimer, this is not legal advice. This is
the hope that this bit of information
makes your search for an attorney in
your matter less intimidating and more
approachable. Sometimes it takes time to
find someone you can work with. Good
luck!