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Nathaniel Higa, Business Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii

Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation

Honolulu, HI

Practicing business in Honolulu since 2008.

18+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Nathaniel Higa is an attorney based in Honolulu, HAWAII. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation. Nathaniel has over 18 years of legal experience.

Based in
Honolulu, HAWAII
Experience
over 18 years
Known for
Business · Construction · Estate Litigation
  • Handles Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation matters from Honolulu, HAWAII.
  • Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About Nathaniel Higa: Nathaniel Higa is an attorney based in Honolulu, HAWAII. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation. Nathaniel has over 18 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Nathaniel's practice areas in Honolulu

Nathaniel concentrates on business, construction, estate litigation, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Nathaniel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Nathaniel 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 Nathaniel agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Nathaniel 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 Nathaniel agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Nathaniel takes estate 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 Nathaniel agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Nathaniel 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 Nathaniel agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Honolulu, Hawaii

Nathaniel 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 Nathaniel agrees to represent you.

Biography

Nathaniel Higa, business attorney serving Honolulu

Nathaniel Higa is an attorney based in Honolulu, HAWAII. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation. Nathaniel has over 18 years of legal experience. Nathaniel works from Honolulu, Hawaii and takes on business matters across the region.

Mr. Higa focuses on commercial litigation, construction disputes, and tax controversies. He has experience handling various types of business, real estate, construction, tort, bankruptcy and tax matters in Hawaii State and Federal Courts, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Higa’s experience includes favorable settlements and decisions for his clients in mediation and arbitration, on dispositive motions in court, on appeal, and through trial, including a jury verdict in excess of a million dollars for his client in a commercial real estate matter. In Hawaii State Tax Appeal Court, Mr. Higa has also obtained relief for his clients through judgments against State and local governments for constitutional violations. Mr. Higa currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and as the firm’s Managing Partner.

Nathaniel's approach to business cases

Mr. Higa focuses on commercial litigation, construction disputes, and tax controversies. He has experience handling various types of business, real estate, construction, tort, bankruptcy and tax matters in Hawaii State and Federal Courts, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Higa’s experience includes favorable settlements and decisions for his clients in mediation and arbitration,…

The kind of cases Nathaniel takes

Nathaniel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and estate litigation matters in Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Nathaniel studied and practices

  • Pepperdine University

    J.D. · 2008

  • Pepperdine University

    B.A. · 2003

Jurisdictions

Nathaniel's state bar admissions

  • Hawaii, Hawaii State

    2008 · ACTIVE

Nathaniel studied at J.D. in Pepperdine University and B.A. in Pepperdine University.

Law school and academic background

Nathaniel completed J.D. in Pepperdine University and B.A. in Pepperdine University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Nathaniel runs in Hawaii is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Nathaniel's legal honors and published work

Nathaniel has received 12 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — in America

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — from 2021-2024 for work in:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation - 2024

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax - 2024

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation - 2023

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax - 2023

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation - 2022

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation - 2021

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2026). Best Lawyers in America — in America (2026). Best Lawyers in America — from 2021-2024 for work in: (2026).

Locations

Nathaniel Higa's office in Honolulu

Nathaniel's primary office is at 999 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-4443. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

999 Bishop Street

Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-4443

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Nathaniel Higa

Nathaniel has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Nathaniel Higa — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Nathaniel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nathaniel'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; Nathaniel 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 Nathaniel

Nathaniel 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. Nathaniel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Nathaniel'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 Nathaniel Higa

  • How much does it cost to hire Nathaniel for a business case?

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

  • Does Nathaniel offer a free consultation?

    Nathaniel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nathaniel's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Nathaniel'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. Nathaniel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Nathaniel take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?

    Nathaniel 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 — Nathaniel 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 Nathaniel?

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

  • Is Nathaniel accepting new business clients right now?

    Nathaniel'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

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

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If Nathaniel'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.