How much does it cost to hire Michael for a construction case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do construction cases in Hawaii typically take?

Simple construction 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?

Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new construction clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael D. Tom, Construction Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii

Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, General, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Managing MemberatTom Petrus & Miller, LLLC

Honolulu, HI

Practicing construction in Honolulu since 1975.

51+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Construction General Insurance Litigation Personal Injury Product Liability +3 more →

Are you Michael D. Tom?

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.

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Quick answer

Michael D. Tom is a managing member based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. Michael has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tom Petrus & Miller, LLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Honolulu, HI
Experience: over 51 years
Known for: Construction · General · Insurance

Handles Construction, General, and Insurance matters from Honolulu, HI.
Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on construction, general, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Construction cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Michael takes construction 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Michael takes insurance 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Michael takes personal injury 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michael D. Tom — construction lawyer in Honolulu

Michael D. Tom is a lawyer practicing construction law, products liability law, professional liability defense and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from Stanford University in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. Michael practices at Tom Petrus & Miller, LLLC in Honolulu, HI.

How Michael handles construction matters

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and insurance matters in Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Hastings College of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1975
Stanford University
M.S.C.E. · 1968

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Hawaii
1975 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and M.S.C.E. in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and M.S.C.E. in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Hawaii is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Hawaii State and American (Member, Forum on the Construction Industry) Bar Associations Litigation Counsel of America Global Law Experts
membership

Locations

Michael D. Tom's office in Honolulu

Michael's primary office is at Finance Factors Center, 1164 Bishop St., Ste. 650, Honolulu, HI, 96813-2860. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Tom Petrus & Miller, LLLC

Finance Factors Center, 1164 Bishop St., Ste. 650

Honolulu, HI 96813-2860

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael D. Tom — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction 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 Michael D. Tom claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael D. Tom — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a construction attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii

A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every construction 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael D. Tom

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Hawaii typically take?
Simple construction 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new construction clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Construction attorneys serving Honolulu, Wailuku and Hilo in Hawaii

Michael handles construction matters throughout Hawaii. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Honolulu handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.