Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo

Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo is a prominent American law firm headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Founded in the mid-20th century, the firm has established itself as a leading legal practice in the Pacific Rim, advising a diverse clientele on complex matters in corporate law, litigation, and real estate. With a deep-rooted history in the Hawaiian business community, it is recognized for its role in significant regional transactions and landmark cases.

History

The firm's origins trace back to the post-war economic expansion in Hawaii, initially forming through the merger of several local legal practices. It grew alongside the state's transformation, advising on the development of major tourism infrastructure and the evolution of its agricultural economy into a diversified business hub. The firm played a role in legal matters following statehood and expanded its reach throughout the Asia-Pacific region during the economic booms of the late 20th century. Its longevity is attributed to adapting to the legal needs of multinational corporations, financial institutions, and major real estate development projects across the Pacific.

Notable cases

The firm has been counsel in several precedent-setting litigations and transactions within Hawaii and the Ninth Circuit. It has represented clients in major land use disputes involving Native Hawaiian rights and environmental law, including cases that reached the Supreme Court of the United States. The firm's attorneys have handled complex commercial litigation for entities like Bank of Hawaii and Matson, Inc., and have been involved in significant mergers and acquisitions, such as those in the banking and health care sectors. Its work on secured transactions and appellate practice has shaped local jurisprudence in areas critical to the island economy.

Practice areas

The firm's core services encompass a broad range of sophisticated legal disciplines. Its corporate law group advises on mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and venture capital financing. The litigation department handles complex commercial disputes, intellectual property litigation, and professional liability defense. A strong real estate practice covers commercial property development, land use zoning, and hospitality law for major resorts. Additional specialized groups focus on trusts and estates, employment law, and environmental law, serving clients from individuals to large conglomerates with interests in the Pacific Rim.

Partners and key personnel

The firm has been led by a succession of influential attorneys who have also played roles in Hawaii's civic and business circles. Past and present partners have held leadership positions in the Hawaii State Bar Association and have served as advisors to the Governor of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Legislature. Several attorneys have been appointed as special masters in federal court and have served on the boards of major local institutions like the Bishop Museum and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The firm's structure typically includes a managing partner overseeing practice groups staffed by attorneys with backgrounds from leading law schools such as the William S. Richardson School of Law and Harvard Law School.

Recognition and rankings

Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo is consistently ranked in the top tiers for Hawaii law firms by publications like Chambers and Partners and Best Lawyers in America. It receives high marks for its corporate law, litigation, and real estate practices. Attorneys at the firm are frequently listed as "Lawyers of the Year" in their respective fields by U.S. News & World Report and are recognized by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell for peer-reviewed excellence. The firm's reputation is built on its deep integration into the Hawaiian market and its recognized expertise in navigating the unique legal landscape of the Pacific Islands.

Category:Law firms of the United States Category:Companies based in Honolulu Category:Law firms established in the 20th century