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
Are you Nathaniel Higa?
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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
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Construction
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Estate Litigation
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Tax Litigation
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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.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Nathaniel Higa
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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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