Emerging Legal Stars 2025
Meet eight attorneys who are redefining excellence early in their careers
Joelle Yamamoto | Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP
Joelle Yamamoto
Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Law Degree: UH Mānoa
Joelle Yamamoto is a partner at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP, where she advises clients on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and trust and estate dispute resolution. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Estate Planning Council, is a Past Chair of the Hawai‘i State Bar Association Elder Law Section, and is a past presenter for the Hawai‘i State Bar Association Probate and Estate Planning Section. Joelle has provided pro bono assistance to the Hawai‘i Estate Planning Council, Hawai‘i State Bar Association Legal Lines, Volunteer Legal Services Hawai‘i, and the Access to Justice Room.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“I grew up in a family of medical professionals and initially thought I would follow the same career because I was drawn to a career where I could help people remedy their existing ailments as well as prevent future ones. While that objective never changed, over time, I recognized my skill set aligned more naturally with law than medicine. I realized I could serve others best as a lawyer, by helping people find solutions to their legal issues and prevent future problems by identifying legal risks and taking preventive measures.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions, remind myself that I’m not expected to know everything right away, and encourage myself to embrace the discomfort of challenging new experiences. I would also tell myself that every case, issue and conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, refine my approach and build on my experience.”
Lindsey Barrios | Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP
Lindsey Barrios
Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP
Undergraduate: Life Pacific University
Law Degree: Southwestern Law School
Lindsey Barrios is part of the Business Litigation practice group and concentrates on defending healthcare providers in medical liability cases.
She graduated magna cum laude from Southwestern Law School, where she participated in the Moot Court Honors Program and served as Senior Lead Articles Editor of the Southwestern Law Review. Before relocating to Hawai‘i, Lindsey worked in the litigation department of a full-service law firm in Los Angeles, handling a wide range of civil litigation matters, including insurance defense, premises and products liability, and contract disputes. After a year of practice in L.A., she moved to O‘ahu and clerked for the Honorable James H. Ashford at the First Circuit Court.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“My interest in law grew over the course of my college studies, but my parents will tell you they knew I’d be an attorney when I drew up a contract in high school allowing myself to date.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“It doesn’t get easier, so embrace being uncomfortable. View the challenges and added responsibilities as opportunities.”
Shannon Kim Hackett | Coates Frey & Hackett
Shannon Kim Hackett
Coates Frey & Hackett
Undergraduate: Graceland University
Law Degree: University of Kansas
Shannon Kim Hackett is one of the youngest named partners at a major Hawai‘i law firm. In 2023, she became Managing Partner at Coates Frey & Hackett, where she leads a team of 10 attorneys and support staff. Under her leadership, the firm increased its profitability by about 20% in her first year.
A committed community advocate, Shannon volunteers with Volunteer Legal Services Hawai‘i and Kapolei Family Court Access to Justice Room. She is also a member of the firm’s Asian Language Practice Group and uses her Korean language skills to serve Korean-speaking families across O‘ahu and the Neighbor Islands.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“There wasn’t an ‘aha’ moment. My parents didn’t speak English, so from a young age, I became their voice. Whether it was filling out school forms or translating at parent-teacher conferences, I learned early on what it meant to advocate for others.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“That you can’t help everyone. I still struggle with that, but I remind myself of it often.”
Darene K. Matsuoka | Cades Schutte
Darene K. Matsuoka
Cades Schutte
Undergraduate: UH Mānoa
Law Degree: UH Mānoa
Darene K. Matsuoka is a litigator at Cades Schutte specializing in commercial and real property disputes, land use and water rights. She is one of the few attorneys in Hawai‘i with experience before both the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Public Utilities Commission.
Her notable work includes a successful verdict in a complex land contract dispute involving 330 acres on Maui. Darene also provides pro bono assistance in various legal aid initiatives and serves on her firm’s Attorney Training and Development Committee.
At the William S. Richardson School of Law, she was Executive Editor of the UH Law Review, President of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and a research assistant to Professor Andrea Freeman. She also served as a judicial extern to Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald and Judge Karl K. Sakamoto.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“In a roundabout way. While volunteering at the Hawaiian Humane Society, I realized the system was reactive. That inspired me to pursue legal change to better protect animals.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“Remember why you’re here. I became a lawyer to help people and solve problems. Early on, that perspective can be hard to maintain. I’d also remind myself what a privilege it is to be an attorney, and that pro bono work is part of that responsibility. And finally, enjoy the people you work with.”
Janna Wehilani Ahu | Dentons
Janna Wehilani Ahu
Dentons
Undergraduate: UH Mānoa
Law Degree: UH Mānoa
Janna Wehilani Ahu is a Managing Associate at Dentons’ Honolulu office, where she handles business disputes, commercial litigation, construction and medical malpractice cases, real estate law, and civil rights.
Her civic involvement includes serving as the Patsy T. Mink Legislative Fellow for U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, where she worked on simplifying the financial aid process for students and advocating for statewide implementation of Gear Up programs.
Janna was born and raised in Hilo and is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“My grandma’s family lived in Hawai‘i’s last fishing village, Miloli‘i. I wanted to protect that legacy. Summers in Alaska exposed me to strict regulatory systems for native populations, and I saw how Native Hawaiians lacked similar protections.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“Set boundaries and stick to them. I wouldn’t call it ‘work-life balance’ – it’s about living your best life. That’s especially important to me now as a parent.”
Taylor Gray | Porter Kiokana Kopper
Taylor Gray
Porter Kiokana Kopper
Undergraduate: UH Mānoa
Law Degree: UH Mānoa
Taylor Gray became a partner at Porter Kiokana Kopper in 2024. He focuses on community association and condominium law, regularly advising clients on governing documents and rule enforcement.
He is an experienced litigator in multimillion-dollar construction defect cases and has secured favorable outcomes through mediation and arbitration.
Recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star since 2022, Taylor also serves on the board of the Hawai‘i Council of Community Associations and is a member of the Hawai‘i State Bar Association.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“In college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. But after taking a few constitutional law classes, something clicked. I was drawn to how legal arguments are built and how law influences everyday life.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“Don’t take everything personally. Law is high-pressure and full of strong personalities. Early on, it’s easy to internalize things. But most of the time, it’s not about you. Stay grounded, and don’t let the noise shake your confidence.”
Travis Kuwahara | Kobayashi Sugita & Goda
Travis Kuwahara
Kobayashi Sugita & Goda
Undergraduate: UH Hilo
Law Degree: UH Mānoa
Travis Kuwahara has been with Kobayashi Sugita & Goda since 2019, focusing on estate planning, probate, and trust and estate litigation. He previously worked at the Probate Court, giving him valuable firsthand experience in trust and estate matters.
During law school, Travis earned multiple CALI Awards and clerked for Chief Judge R. Mark Browning of the First Circuit’s Probate Court. He also earned an MBA concurrently with his JD.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“I originally intended to pursue business, but didn’t meet the managerial experience requirement for most MBA programs. UH’s joint JD/MBA program gave me a path forward – and I discovered I wanted to practice law.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“Embrace uncertainty. Working under time pressure with unfamiliar issues can be stressful, but staying calm and applying your skills will help you navigate those challenges.”
Alana Peacott-Ricardos | Finance Factors
Alana Peacott-Ricardos
Finance Factors
Undergraduate: Boston University
Law Degree: UH Mānoa
Alana Peacott-Ricardos serves as in-house General Counsel at Finance Factors, where she specializes in banking, finance, insurance and real estate law.
Her career began in commercial litigation, then expanded into public policy advocacy at a nonprofit addressing sexual violence. In 2014, she joined Goodsill, gaining experience in medical malpractice defense and health law.
Today, Alana ensures regulatory compliance across multiple sectors and serves on the boards of the Hawai‘i Women’s Legal Foundation and Volunteer Legal Services.
Was there an event or moment in your life that inspired you to a career in law?
“As the Medical-Legal Coordinator at the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, I planned to become a prosecutor. But once at Richardson, I explored new areas of law and met people with diverse goals. That curiosity led me to where I am today.”
What advice would you have for your first-year associate self?
“You won’t have all the answers – and that’s okay. Don’t let it shake your confidence. Take initiative, stay open to feedback and focus on growing. Your determination will set you apart.”
