I am an attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii, with over 30 years of experience defending the rights of the under-represented. I specialize in civil rights and appeals.
I have won major cases of discrimination and harassment against the US Department of Homeland Security, the University of Hawaii System, and many private corporations. I have also suceeded in overturning cases on appeal and in the Hawaii Supreme Court.
Outside of my legal practice, I am the author, editor, or contributor of several books on justice and African-Americans.
Work Experience
- Private practice in general law, including discrimination, civil rights, family law, adoption, personal injury, criminal law and appeals, 2001 to present
- US EEOC Trial Attorney, Honolulu Local Office, 1998 - 2001
- Civil Rights Commissioner, State of Hawaii, 1989 - 2001
- Deputy Public Defender, State of Hawaii, 1980s
Professional Awards and Recognition
- Recipient of The National Black Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers award, 2023
- Interviewed by The History Makers, December 13, 2019
- Civil Rights Attorney of the Year Award, Sisters Empowering Hawaii, 2016
- Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Honolulu Chapter, 2014
Education
- Certificate in International Law, Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands, 1983
- JD, University of Washington School of Law, 1979
- BA in philosophy, University of Wisconsin at Madison, 1975