Startup Lawyers for Hawaii
Looking for a startup lawyer in Hawaii?
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Meet some of our Hawaii Startup Lawyers
August 10, 2023
Jeanilou M.
Jeanilou G.T. Maschhoff has over 20 years of comprehensive business operations, finance, and development experience in addition to being a licensed attorney in California and Hawaii. She zealously works as a Trusted Advisor, Business/Brand Consultant, and Advocate for small businesses, non-profit organizations, and personal brands. She is dedicated to helping female business owners and professionals in the entertainment, beauty, fashion, and wellness industries make their goals a reality. She uses her diversified expertise to provide a holistic approach to addressing business and legal needs. Acting as a trusted advisor and outsourced general counsel, she assists on an array of business and personal matters. Passionate about social justice and assisting underrepresented populations, Jeanilou started her legal career working in the non-profit sector working towards access to justice and gender equity. She continues to assist non-profit organizations in many capacities and actively looks to partner businesses with charitable causes, creating a synergistic effect that benefits not only the organizations involved but our society as a whole. As an early adopter of the virtual practice of law, Jeanilou has been assisting law firms and solo practitioners adjust to the remote delivery of legal services and helping businesses explore Web 3.0.
October 24, 2023
Samantha P.
Samantha earned her J.D. at the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law and has been a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association since 2020. Samantha has worked as a Family Law attorney in Hawaii since 2020, and has represented clients on a variety of family law matters including: premarital agreements, pre- and post-judgement custody, parenting time and child support issues, pre- and post-divorce issues, interstate custody, and paternity issues. Samantha is a certified E-RYT 200 yoga instructor, taught yoga classes at the Modern Hotel in Waikiki throughout law school, and continues to teach yoga classes at various yoga studios in Honolulu to this day.
October 29, 2024
Jerry C.
I have been practicing law for over twenty years. My practice includes employment/labor law, alternative dispute resolution, estate planning, business and general civil matters.
July 25, 2025
Shannon Y.
Attorney specializing in Family Law and Small Business Law. Georgetown and London School of Economics alum. Law Degree from UH Manoa Richardson School of Law. Small local business entrepreneur on Oahu for 10+ years.
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Joshua B.
Josh Bernstein has been serving real estate and corporate transactional clients since 2002. His experience is varied, and he enjoys working on and puzzling out novel and complex corporate and real estate matters. Josh’s experience includes, among other things, the following: representation of public companies in connection with SEC reporting and compliance work (proxies, 10-K’s; 10-Q’s; 8-K’s, etc.); representation of public and private company securities issuances (including private placements, and other similar offerings); assistance in structuring and drafting joint ventures, both for investors and operating partners, and including both real estate and corporate ventures; handling public and private company mergers and acquisitions; and asset sales and dispositions; assisting clients, big and small, with real estate acquisitions, sales and financings; managing large-scale and multi-state real estate portfolio acquisitions, dispositions and financings; complex condominium creation, structuring and governance work, including: commercial condominiums, use of condominiums as a land planning tool, wholesale condominium property acquisitions and dispositions, and rehabilitating failed or faulty condominium legal structures to make ready for sale; development of restrictive covenants and owners’ association documents for master-planned communities; compliance with federal statutes governing real estate sale and development (including, without limitation, the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, the Housing for Older Persons Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act); representation of real estate lenders, for both improved and unimproved property, and including numerous construction financings secured by real estate; assistance with commercial leasing; from both the landlord and tenant side, and including condominium leasing; training residential home and condominium sales staff for compliance with applicable local and federal law; and workouts of all kinds. When he’s not busy lawyering, Josh may be found watching 80’s commercials, flying a single-engine plane, playing poker, or trying to be a good dad.
"Josh has been extremely helpful sorting through issues with a tenant."
Jeff A.
Trusted legal counsel and business advisor to businesses and executive teams in the software, financial, and technology industries. Practice areas include commercial transactions, licensing, SaaS/PaaS/IaaS delivery models, software product development, regulatory compliance, new business formation, employment matters, and general corporate matters.
September 14, 2023
Rachel B.
I am a new attorney who is licensed to practice in Connecticut and Massachusetts. I am waiting for bar admission to North Carolina. I have over 20 year of experience working in both the public and private sectors. I am a fierce advocate for my clients and am committed to delivering solutions for clients with excellence.
September 15, 2023
Christopher X.
Recent law school graduate with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering degree passionate about the intersectionality of law and life sciences. Admitted to New York and New Jersey Bar. Ability to add value in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology entity and provide a unique perspective to multiple disciplines.
April 2, 2024
William B.
Presently, I am a civil rights and insurance litigation attorney with a focus on representation government entities. Prior to this, I’ve represented some of the largest financial institutions in the world in litigation.
September 17, 2023
James H.
Attorney James is an experienced Attorney, Federal Law & Tax Specialist, Corporate Counsel, Tax Lawyer and Mediator. Experienced in Contract Drafting, Corporate Formation, Corporate Governance, Federal Administrative Law, Regulatory Compliance, Tax Settlement, Tax Planning, Merger/Acquisition, Business Law, Collection, Insurance Claims, Employment Law, Immigration, Non-Profit Governance Attorney: US District Court of the District of Columbia, Washington DC Federal Bar #DE0003 US Bankruptcy Court of The District of Columbia, Washington DC Federal Bar #DE0003 Tax Advisor: IRS Registered Tax lawyer/PTIN, PTIN (over 10 years experience) US Federal Agencies, Boards and Commissions, Federal Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance Business law services: Administrative Law, Business Law, Collections, Bankruptcy, Corporate, Employment, Regulatory Compliance, Corporate Counsel, Immigration
September 19, 2023
Sahil M.
Drishti Law is devoted to assisting clients identify and protect their competitive advantage by establishing a capitalization strategy that adapts to their needs. Our expertise focuses on developing competent asset management strategies for innovators, creators, startups, and businesses. Additionally, navigating the current IP trends require a seamless experience that is personable and reflective of your goals. The principal attorney, Sahil Malhotra, founded Drishti Law because of his deep passion and ever-evolving interest in Intellectual property and Data Privacy. We take a holistic approach in balancing the risk and rewards as it relates to the development, management, and capitalization of your assets. Our ability to implement complex litigation and prosecution services permits effective execution of trademark, trade secret, copyright, and data privacy for individuals and businesses. It begins with creating a client-centric environment that develops trust through efficient decision making and instituting creative solutions.
September 22, 2023
Wilberforce A.
Wilberforce Agyekum is an attorney with 16 years of experience practicing in areas of contracts, immigration, and criminal law. Wilberforce received a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington Adventist University, and Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law.
Startup Legal Questions and Answers
Startup
LLC
Alabama
State of Texas - questions regarding an online business (Nanny Placement Agency) in the Houston area.
Seeking an attorney for advice as to what I need to start up an online business, specifically a Nanny Placement Agency. Do I need a license in the state of Texas and what do I need to protect myself against possible unforeseen lawsuits. I will be living in the Houston area soon but want to start my online business remotely (Michigan) asap. I have an LLC in Michigan already, I assume I may need one in Texas as well, is this correct?
Jimmy V.
Hello, I can help you with this project. I’m a semi-retired, long-time Texas attorney with substantial experience in business and corporate law. I counsel startups and small businesses, help them set up corporations or LLCs across the country and draft a variety of contracts and corporate documents. You should have an LLC for liability protections, whether it's in Michigan or in Texas. Actually, you would be better off organizing a Texas LLC because your Michigan LLC would have to register in Texas so you would be paying extra fees. There is no licensing requirement for nanny agencies in Texas. If you are interested, I will make you a flat fee bid to set up an LLC for you here in Texas. Thx. JV PS For more information about business entities, download a free copy of my ebook "Should Your Small Business Become a Corporation or an LLC? A Look at Liabilities, State & Federal Taxation & More!" from my website types-of-business-ownership.com
Startup
Cofounder Agreement
California
Is it necessary to have a co-founder agreement when starting a business?
I am in the process of starting a business with a co-founder, and we have discussed various aspects of our partnership such as equity distribution, roles and responsibilities, and decision-making authority. However, we are unsure if it is necessary to have a formal co-founder agreement in place to protect our interests and ensure a smooth working relationship. We want to understand the importance and potential benefits of having a legally binding agreement in order to make an informed decision.
Paul S.
It's not necessary but it can be a really good idea. You'll want to address things like the equity split, vesting schedule, each cofounder's contributions (cash, IP, time, etc.), how much time each cofounder will be expected to spend (and if someone is starting out part-time, when they are expected to go full-time), and you may want to address consequences for failing to meet the required contributions and time - for example, company can claw back shares at original price and expel the cofounder.
Startup
Convertible Note
California
Convertible note vs. equity financing?
I am an entrepreneur and I am in the process of raising capital for my startup. I am considering both convertible note and equity financing options and am trying to decide which one is best suited for my company. I need to understand the key differences between the two options to make an informed decision.
Thaddeus W.
Good question. Convertible notes (as well as SAFE's, discussed below) differ from equity in several respects. The most fundamental difference is that a convertible note is debt. A second major difference is that, although the note is debt, its terms include the noteholder's right to acquire an equity position in the future; if a certain event later occurs (defined in the note, but typically the sale of preferred stock to a future investor (e.g. a venture capital firm), but also a sale of the company can have a similar effect), this will trigger the note to convert into equity and the note is "satisfied" ... that is, the debt is extinguished when the note converts and the holder thereby becomes an equity holder (typically coming to own shares of preferred stock very similar to that issued to the future investors in that triggering event). These two differences are related to a third. A convertible note is often issued without a valuation of the company. For example, when a startup business has no operating history, it is impossible for the startup founders or the investor to decide what the company is worth. Equity cannot be issued for a fair market value (FMV), since there is no basis to determine what the FMV is. A convertible note resolves that by giving the investor (the note holder) the right to convert the note into equity later on, when another investor and the company can agree on a company valuation. In other words, the convertible note allows the company to "kick the can (of valuation) down the road" to be dealt with at another time. But, since a convertible note is debt, is has a repayment provision, and normally carries interest. This means that the note is carried on the company's balance sheet as debt, and presents the company with the future obligation to repay the note if a conversion event has not happened before the note's maturity date. So, SAFE's are often used, especially now that they have become so familiar to investors. (SAFE stands for Simple Agreement for Future Equity). Essentially, as SAFE is a convertible note without the debt features. A SAFE carries no interest and does not have to be repaid. The investor in a SAFE will normally be sophisticated and able to assess the chances the company will do well enough for a conversion event (the issuance of preferred stock, or a sale of the company) to result in the investor's SAFE converting, and thus give the investor comfort that would otherwise be lacking in an instrument that has no repayment obligation. Like a convertible note, a SAFE kicks the can of valuation down the road, where a valuation can later be determined by the company and a future investor. Founders should exercise caution in issuing convertible notes or SAFE's. Among other reasons, founders commonly do not appreciate the impact that convertible notes or SAFE's can have on the founders' own ownership. Convertible notes and SAFE's often include a feature called a "valuation cap." This can result in surprising dilution, as well as the issuance of equity to the converting note or SAFE holder at what is effectively a very low price per share, costing the company far more than the founders may have expected. Also, notes and SAFE's with very similar, but different, terms can result in a complicated capitalization table, making negotiations with venture capital firms later on more difficult, an equity transaction more complex, and thus the process more time-consuming and (therefore) more expensive.
Startup
Business Purchase Agreement
Arizona
What happens to ongoing litigation in a business purchase agreement?
I am in the process of purchasing a business and the current owners are involved in ongoing litigation. This litigation could have a significant impact on the value of the business and I want to understand how it is addressed in the purchase agreement. I am looking for advice on how to protect my interests and the potential risks related to the ongoing litigation.
Elizabeth A.
You should first decide what the hopeful outcome of the case is for you. So, if there is a favorable outcome then such and such should take effect by contract.
Startup
Founders' Agreement
Texas
Signing Founders Agreement as non-us resident?
I am from Ecuador and I am going to sign a Founder's Agreement with a person from Texas. I want to know in detail what are things I must take into consideration before signing this agreement.
Don G.
I'm assuming the Founders Agreement is an agreement establishing owners, managers and ownership percentages. You should focus on: Terms regarding when your interest in the company vests; How your shares will be valued in the case you want to leave or are terminated; It should include some type of waiver of individual liability for acts taken on behalf of the company; and Voting rights - If there is only one founder that has a large percentage of ownership (like 75%), you need to make sure the terms give your vote power. This can be accomplished by each founder having 1 equal vote. If the largest owner of the company owns less than 50% interest and there are 3 or more members, there's no real fear of one person making all of the decisions. I'm sure there are other items to consider as every such agreement is unique. Best of luck!
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