Ryan K. Hew, Attorney At Law
621 Coolidge Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
Map
Phone: (808) 944-8400 | Fax: (808) 930-5098
http://www.hawaiiesquire.wordpress.com
Hawaii lawyer that serves local, small business owners.
Legal Topic
Business Law
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Hawaii
Firm Focus
My firm is primarily focused on helping small business owners with their transactional and compliance needs. Therefore, it consists of contract drafting for transactions among private parties, form filing with government entities, and consultation for management and human resource practices.
Firm History
My practice was established in 2010, but I have been working and practicing in the law for the past 3 years. It was born out of my desire to help fellow startups and small business owners due to my educational and work background. I have a JD/MBA and have worked and volunteered at the Legislature, Judiciary, and for-profit and non-profit companies.
Activities and Awards
Hawaii State Bar Association’s (HSBA) Young Lawyers Division Oahu Director, HSBA 2011 Leadership Institute Fellow, HSBA Technology Committee Member, Hawaii Access to Justice Commission Initiatives Committee Member, Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer, Pro Bono Attorney for Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Example Cases
As a business attorney I do not handle cases, but I am more project based with that being said I do help in administrative hearing type settings, generally for the employer or the company. 1. I recently helped a small business owner with their bar amend restrictions placed on him by the local Liquor Commission. 2. I have helped business owners prepare, documentation and consultation wise, for administrative hearing cases against current and former employees.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it is good that clients want to educate themselves and understand aspects of the law, but it needs to be based in a desire to understand rather than to avoid legal fees, or trying to justify their position without fully grasping their place in the legal system.
Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes, but it depends on the situation.
Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Yes, but it depends. If I feel what a client is asking me to do would hurt the case or project due to the separation I will state so, and recommend otherwise or refer them to another attorney.
What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
I handle all the work myself, but that being said I am willing to send part of the work (with the client’s approval) to another attorney if it is a large project to meet time-based requirements. In addition, I believe breaking up larger projects and having the client use multiple attorneys, utilizing their specialties, achieves economic efficiency for the client.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
I have a contact at the Mediation Center of the Pacific, and so if I feel a client or even someone asking questions needs to go to mediation I send them there. As to alternative dispute resolution in general I am open to it.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
Yes.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
I am definitely small business-oriented. I went through a JD/MBA program, so I understand the mindset of business owners, especially that of owner-operators who feel like they have to do everything and no resources. My law firm is affordable and provides objective-based services to help them accomplish their goals. In addition, unlike most local attorneys I have embraced social media as a platform to disseminate information and bring resources together for clients and the public in general.
Office Manager/Assistant
No.
Fax
(808) 930-5098
Office Hours
My office hours are Monday through Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Yes, conversational Japanese, Spanish, and Chinese (Cantonese).
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes. In general, I tend to work with clients, as they are small business owners, on a flat fee basis to help control their costs. In addition, I would consider a discount for Nolo-referred clients.
Hourly Rates
Most of my services are set at a flat rate, for instance business entity formation. For any litigation or trial-related work, which is not my primary focus, I charge $180 an hour. My hourly rate for all other work and if not set at a flat rate is $175 an hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, which is limited to one-hour.
Typical Retainer
No.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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