
Gerald A. Sumida, Business Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Contracts, and Energy · 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Partner
Honolulu, HI
Practicing business in Honolulu since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Gerald A. Sumida?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Gerald A. Sumida is a partner based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Energy. Gerald has over 56 years of legal experience. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Honolulu, HI
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Business · Contracts · Energy
- Handles Business, Contracts, and Energy matters from Honolulu, HI.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Gerald A. Sumida: Gerald A. Sumida is a partner based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Energy. Gerald has over 56 years of legal experience. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Gerald A. Sumida
Gerald concentrates on business, contracts, energy, formation, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gerald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Contracts
View other Contracts attorneys
Energy
View other Energy attorneys
Formation
View other Formation attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Government
View other Government attorneys
M&A
View other M&A attorneys
Securities
View other Securities attorneys
Consumer
View other Consumer attorneys
Business cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Gerald takes business matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Gerald takes contracts matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Gerald takes energy matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Formation cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Gerald takes formation matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
General cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Gerald takes general matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Gerald A. Sumida — Over 56 years of Hawaii business experience
Gerald A. Sumida is a partner based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Energy. Gerald has over 56 years of legal experience. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Gerald A. Sumida is a lawyer practicing administrative & regulatory, antitrust & trade regulation, contracts & leasing and 10 other areas of law. Gerald received a B.A. degree from Princeton University, and has been licensed for 56 years. Gerald practices at Carlsmith Ball LLP in Honolulu, HI.
Working with Gerald on a business matter
Gerald A. Sumida is a lawyer practicing administrative & regulatory, antitrust & trade regulation, contracts & leasing and 10 other areas of law. Gerald received a B.A. degree from Princeton University, and has been licensed for 56 years. Gerald practices at Carlsmith Ball LLP in Honolulu, HI.
Clients Gerald works with
Gerald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, contracts, and energy matters in Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area.
Credentials
Gerald A. Sumida's legal education and bar admissions
Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut
J.D. · 1969
Princeton University B.A. summa cum laude Princeton University B.A. Phi Beta Kappa
—
Jurisdictions
Gerald's state bar admissions
Hawaii
1970 · ACTIVE
Gerald studied at J.D. in Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut and — in Princeton University B.A. summa cum laude Princeton University B.A. Phi Beta Kappa.
Law school and academic background
Gerald completed J.D. in Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut and — in Princeton University B.A. summa cum laude Princeton University B.A. Phi Beta Kappa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gerald runs in Hawaii is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Gerald A. Sumida
Gerald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Gerald's professional memberships and bar associations
Affiliations •Hawaii State Bar Association •Inter-Pacific Bar Association - Secretary General
2009-2011) •Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative - Chair, Chair Emeritus (2011-2013) •Foundation for the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies - Founder (with others), Director, President (2004 - present) •University of Hawaii Foundation (2004-2009) •America · membership
Locations
Gerald A. Sumida's office in Honolulu
Gerald's primary office is at ASB Tower, 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 2200, Honolulu, HI, 96813. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Gerald A. Sumida — 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Gerald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Honolulu.
4.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Gerald A. Sumida claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Gerald A. Sumida — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gerald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gerald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gerald's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Gerald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Gerald
Gerald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Gerald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gerald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Gerald A. Sumida
How much does it cost to hire Gerald for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gerald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gerald offer a free consultation?
Gerald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gerald's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Gerald's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Hawaii typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Gerald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gerald take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?
Gerald is licensed in Hawaii. Matters governed by Hawaii law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Gerald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Gerald?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Gerald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gerald accepting new business clients right now?
Gerald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Honolulu, Wailuku and Hilo in Hawaii
Gerald handles business matters throughout Hawaii. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Hawaii
If Gerald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Honolulu handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





