Careers

Chun Kerr, LLP, servicing Hawaii since 1970, is seeking a Litigation Associate to join their Litigation group. The Litigation Associates and Of Counsels are members of the Chun Kerr LLP (“the Firm”) Litigation group, which consists of attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries. The Litigation attorneys provide legal counsel and representation to individuals, organizations, and businesses in all aspects of real estate, commercial, tax, and other complex civil litigation, from commencement of action through arbitration, mediation, settlement, and/or trial or appellate work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities, include but are not limited to

• Conduct or otherwise oversee the research and perform the analysis necessary to support and substantiate the litigation strategy, including evaluating the client’s case and the probable outcomes, and draw valid, reasonable, and substantiated conclusions from such analysis and present to team members and clients.

• Autonomously draft, prepare, or modify legal documents, including pleadings, discovery requests and responses, deposition notices, subpoenas, pre-trial statements, demand letters, settlement agreements and releases, trial subpoenas, jury instructions, motions in limine and other pretrial motions, trial briefs, post-trial motions, notices of appeal, appellate briefings, etc.

• Prepare for and take and defend depositions of clients, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses in coordination with Litigation Partners.

• Identify and structure complex problems and prioritize issues to develop and implement practical and creative solutions within the boundaries of the law to obtain the best outcome for the client.

• Effectively advocate for a client’s or the attorney’s own position (orally and in writing) in discussions, formal negotiations, hearings, court proceedings, and other fora.

• Supervise and provide guidance to legal assistants, legal secretaries, and paralegals in their completion of substantive assignments and in their organization and coordination of tasks and deliverables necessary to prosecute or defend the case or to otherwise meet client needs.

• Represent the client in all aspects of the engaged legal matter(s).

• Other essential duties may be assigned to meet departmental or firm needs.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Juris Doctor from an accredited university

• License: Must be licensed to practice law in Hawaii (or have HSBA admission pending)

• Work Experience: 3-5 years’ experience as civil litigation counsel (private or public/government), preferably in the area(s) of real estate, commercial and/or tax and preferably in the State of Hawaii

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and with the demonstrated ability to instill and project confidence

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and collaborative relationships with clients and with Firm members

• Organization Skills: Excellent organization and time management skills to establish and follow through on priorities and to meet deadlines

• Critical Thinking: Excellent problem solving skills with the ability to effectively gather and analyze facts and the law, and to develop and implement practical and creative solutions

• Responsibility: Client-focused team player, willing to be held accountable for individual actions

• Flexibility: Expert ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment

 

To apply please email your resume and cover letter to hr@chunkerr.com

Interested in working for one of Hawaii’s Best Places to Work?

Chun Kerr LLP is proud to be recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of the Best Places to Work for two years in a row and to be the only law firm represented amongst the list of 76 local organizations!

 

Chun Kerr LLP (the “Firm”) is a mid-sized Honolulu-based law firm, specializing in real estate and finance; business transactions and organizations; financial recovery, foreclosure, insolvency and bankruptcy; business, commercial and real estate litigation; select tax services; and complex trust and estate planning and is seeking an experienced transaction legal assistant.  Duties are as assigned, primarily supporting the transaction practice, but may also be required by other practice groups.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities, include but are not limited to

1. Clerical Support:
   • Efficiently provide clerical support using digital tools for scheduling, calendar management, and communication with attorneys, clients, and outside counsel.
   • Manage calls, emails, and reservations with a focus on efficiency and client service.
2. Digital Document Expertise:
   • Utilize document management systems to organize, scan, and maintain legal documents, ensuring quick retrieval, efficient storage, and absolute confidentiality.
   • Edit content and format legal documents (including title reports and surveys), forms, and correspondence with a keen attention to detail.
   • Demonstrate writing skills by creating shell documents for contracts, deeds, lease agreements, certificates, loan and closing documents, etc.
3. Streamlined Practice Management:
   • Navigate and maintain client, matter, and contact details using Firm systems.
   • Leverage technology to onboard prospective clients, perform background checks, resolve conflicts, and prepare engagement and closing letters.
4. Smart Case Administration and Project Management:
   • Collaborate within the team by embracing technology to enhance case record-keeping, maintain files, and keep track of relevant project deadlines.
   • Facilitate communication among key parties to meet internal and external deadlines.
   • Support the client billing process for assigned attorneys using digital platforms.
5. Filings and Recordings with Government Agencies: Oversee and coordinate filings (including e-filings) and entity registration with Federal and State courts and agencies to advance the transaction or otherwise support the client.
6. Digital Research: Research persons, entities, and recorded documents using digital resources, under attorney guidance.
7. Flexible Work Approach: Demonstrate commitment to the team’s success with occasional evening and weekend availability while also enjoying the flexibility of working remotely one day per week (for eligible employees).

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of work experience and education
2. Three years’ experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary, preferably in a commercial real estate practice in Hawaii
3. Keen eye to detail with a strong ability to proofread legal documents
4. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
5. Excellent organization and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and be resourceful
6. Positive attitude with a growth mindset; ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
7. Takes initiative; adopts the client-focused philosophy of a problem solver
8. Technologically proficient; learns quickly and readily adapts to new technologies and software to enhance efficiency and productivity
9. Proficient with MS365 products (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat
10. Familiarity with legal procedures and protocols, court rules, and filing procedures, preferably in the Hawaii legal system

 

Preferred/Desirable Education/Experience

1. Experience as a paralegal or with a paralegal certificate from ABA-approved program
2. Experience with practice management software, document management systems, and court filing systems
3. Project management experience

 

To apply please email your resume and cover letter to HR@chunkerr.com.