Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Honolulu Legal Partner for Litigation & Estate Planning
Founded in 1992, our firm has established itself as a leading legal practice in Honolulu, specializing in trust and estate litigation, family and closely held company litigation, and maritime law. Our team of attorneys brings over 30 years of collective experience in Hawaii's legal landscape, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in federal and state courts. We prioritize personalized service, tailoring our approach to each client's unique circumstances while leveraging advanced technology to handle complex cases efficiently.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of dedicating top-tier legal minds to every case, ensuring clients receive strategic, results-driven representation. With a focus on integrity and client-centric solutions, we serve individuals, local businesses, and mainland corporations with interests in Hawaii.
Services
Trust & Estate Litigation
Estate Planning
Family Litigation
Maritime Law
Commercial Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized experience in Hawaii's trust and estate litigation.
- Our team invests advanced technology to handle complex legal cases efficiently.
- We provide personalized representation tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
- Our attorneys have extensive trial experience in both federal and state courts.
- We serve a diverse client base from individuals to large mainland corporations.
Services
Trust & Estate Litigation
Our firm specializes in resolving complex trust and estate disputes through strategic litigation. We represent clients in contested wills, fiduciary breaches, and inheritance fraud cases. Our attorneys combine deep knowledge of Hawaii's unique probate laws with decades of courtroom experience to protect client interests in both federal and state courts.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans addressing wills, trusts, and asset protection strategies. Our approach considers each client's family dynamics and financial goals while ensuring compliance with Hawaii's specific legal requirements. We guide clients through creating comprehensive plans that minimize future disputes and preserve wealth for future generations.
Family Litigation
Our family litigation practice handles complex disputes involving closely held businesses and intergenerational assets. We represent clients in cases involving elder financial abuse, contested guardianships, and business succession conflicts. Our attorneys understand the emotional and financial stakes involved in family-related legal matters and work to achieve practical solutions.
Maritime Law
We provide legal representation for maritime and admiralty law matters in Hawaii's jurisdiction. Our experience covers shipping disputes, vessel liens, and coastal commerce issues. With deep understanding of both federal maritime law and Hawaii-specific regulations, we protect clients' interests in complex maritime litigation.
Commercial Litigation
Our commercial litigation practice serves local businesses and mainland companies operating in Hawaii. We handle contract disputes, business torts, and corporate governance conflicts. Our attorneys leverage extensive trial experience and familiarity with Hawaii's business environment to deliver effective resolutions for complex commercial disputes.
People
Michael D. Rudy
Founding Partner
Founded the firm in 1992 and specializes in trust and estate litigation with 30+ years of Hawaii courtroom experience.
Ralph J. O'Neill
Partner
Experienced litigator focusing on complex trust disputes and family business conflicts with extensive Hawaii legal expertise.
Robert M. Yamauchi
Partner
Handles maritime law cases and commercial litigation matters with deep knowledge of Hawaii's federal and state court systems.
Paul A. C. Higa
Partner
Specializes in insurance law and complex probate cases, providing strategic legal solutions for diverse clients.
Cheryl R. Ng
Associate
Supports litigation matters with focus on estate planning and contested guardianship cases across Honolulu.
Questions
What areas of law does MacDonald Rudy specialize in?
We specialize in trust and estate litigation, family and closely held company disputes, maritime law, and commercial litigation across Hawaii.
How does the firm handle complex trust disputes?
Our attorneys use strategic case budgeting and evidence collection to efficiently resolve 95% of cases before trial through settlement or mediation.
What makes your estate planning approach unique?
We provide personalized service by understanding clients' family dynamics and financial priorities to create tailored wealth preservation strategies.
Do you represent out-of-state clients?
Yes, we represent mainland companies and individuals with legal matters in Hawaii's federal and state courts.
How can I prepare for an initial consultation?
Bring case timelines, supporting documents, and key participant information to help us evaluate your legal matter effectively.
What technology tools do you use?
We utilize Westlaw, litigation databases, and ESI applications to manage complex cases and streamline legal processes.
