Chambers USA Ranks Carlsmith Ball Among Top Law Firms For 2015—Recognizes 15 Carlsmith Partners

HONOLULU, HAWAII—May 19, 2015—Chambers USA, the leading provider of research-based directories of the legal profession, recently published its results for 2015. Carlsmith was once again ranked in the top bands for all five practice areas and fifteen firm attorneys—a Carlsmith all-time high number—were singled out for recognition this year. Chambers' directories, published annually, are based on in-depth, objective research compiled by more than 130 full-time researchers who interview thousands of lawyers and their clients around the world. In 2015, Carlsmith ranked in Band 1 or 2 for each of the following areas: Bankruptcy/Restructuring; Corporate/Commercial and Corporate/Commercial: Tax; Labor & Employment; Litigation: General Commercial; and Real Estate.

Chambers editorial commentary and source quotes included the following:

Bankruptcy/Restructuring—"Their efficiency brings their projects successfully to completion within a justifiable budget."

Corporate/Commercial—"One of the best, if not the best firm in dealing with local bank regulators. They have the relationships, skill and credibility to get good results," and, "They were responsive and knew what they were doing. A-plus."

Labor & Employment—"[The team is known for having a] dedicated ERISA practice serving an impressive roster of corporate clients. Advises on all aspects of pension plans, executive compensation, medical plans and leaves of absence. Also has a solid reputation for representing businesses before the IRS."

Litigation—"They were responsive and kept us appraised of developments as they happened. They were frank and open with respect to our options at trial or mediation," and, "Quality, seasoned attorneys with an excellent bedside manner."

Real Estate—"Widely respected firm acting for international, mainland and local businesses on real estate acquisitions, dispositions and related financings together with environmental issues. Experienced in the hotel, governmental and agricultural sectors," and, "An experienced team with appropriate fees and good response times."

Individual partners who were recognized in 2015 are:

• Patricia Devlin—Real Estate
• Eric A. "Rick" James—Real Estate
• John C. Khil—Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits & Compensation
• Steven S. C. Lim—Real Estate
• John P. "Pete" Manaut—Litigation: General Commercial
• Mark K. Murakami—Real Estate
• Lawrence S. Okinaga—Corporate/Commercial: Finance
• Michael M. Purpura—Litigation: General Commercial
• Tom E. Roesser—Bankruptcy/Restructuring and Corporate/Commercial: Finance
• Ian L. Sandison—Real Estate: Environment
• James L. Starshak—Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits & Compensation
• Robert E. Strand—Real Estate
• Gerald A. Sumida—Corporate/Commercial
• David W. K. Wong—Corporate/Commercial: Tax

Carlsmith Chairman Karl Kobayashi said, "We continue to be honored by these recognitions and we congratulate each of our partners recognized in Chambers USA as well as our colleagues selected for inclusion this year from other firms."

Carlsmith Ball LLP is a leading law firm in the Pacific region with nearly 100 lawyers serving clients from six offices in Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Maui, and Los Angeles. For more than 150 years, Carlsmith Ball has assisted clients in achieving their objectives through effective, results-oriented representation in sophisticated commercial and financial transactions and in complex arbitration and litigation matters. For more information about the firm, please visit carlsmith.com.

###