
James N. Duca, Bankruptcy Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatLyons, Brandt, Cook & Hiramatsu
Honolulu, HI
Practicing bankruptcy in Honolulu since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James N. Duca?
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
James N. Duca is an of counsel based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lyons, Brandt, Cook & Hiramatsu. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Honolulu, HI
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Honolulu, HI.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James N. Duca: James N. Duca is an of counsel based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lyons, Brandt, Cook & Hiramatsu. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James N. Duca
James concentrates on bankruptcy, business, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
View other Bankruptcy attorneys
Business
View other Business attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
Bankruptcy cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes bankruptcy 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 James agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James 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 James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes litigation 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 James agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes real estate 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James N. Duca — Over 55 years of Hawaii bankruptcy experience
James N. Duca is an of counsel based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lyons, Brandt, Cook & Hiramatsu. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Phi Beta Kappa. Author: "The Interaction Between Mechanics Lien Law and the Bankruptcy Code," 53 The Business Lawyer 1283 (1998); "The Interplay Between Hawaii's Mechanics Lien Law and the Bankruptcy Code," Bankruptcy Law for the General Practitioner (Hawaii Institute for Continuing Legal Education 1997); "The Role of Res Judicata in Bankruptcy Claim Allowance Proceedings," 17 Univ. of Hawaii L.Rev. 1 (1995); "Fraudulent Transfer Under Hawaii Law," National Business Institute (1990); "Federal and Hawaii Regulation of Attorney Debt Collectors," National Business Institute (1990).
Working with James on a bankruptcy matter
Phi Beta Kappa. Author: "The Interaction Between Mechanics Lien Law and the Bankruptcy Code," 53 The Business Lawyer 1283 (1998); "The Interplay Between Hawaii's Mechanics Lien Law and the Bankruptcy Code," Bankruptcy Law for the General Practitioner (Hawaii Institute for Continuing Legal Education 1997); "The Role of Res Judicata in Bankruptcy Claim Allowance Proceedings," 17 Univ. of Hawaii…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area.
Credentials
James N. Duca's legal education and bar admissions
Harvard University
J.D. · 1969
Fordham University
B.A. · 1966
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1971 · ACTIVE
Hawaii
1971 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. in Fordham University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. in Fordham University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Hawaii is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James N. Duca
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Hawaii State and American Bar Associations Bankruptcy Roundtable
membership
Locations
James N. Duca's office in Honolulu
James's primary office is at Pioneer Plaza, 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1700, Honolulu, HI, 96813. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Lyons, Brandt, Cook & Hiramatsu
Pioneer Plaza, 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1700
Honolulu, HI 96813
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James N. Duca — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Honolulu.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James N. Duca claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James N. Duca — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James N. Duca
How much does it cost to hire James for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Hawaii typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Honolulu, Wailuku and Hilo in Hawaii
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout Hawaii. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Hawaii
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Honolulu handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





