Diane was born and raised in Ewa Beach on the island of Oahu. She attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Diane knew from an early age that she desired a career which involved helping people. After much deliberation she decided to attend law school as she believed it was a perfect means to help her achieve her personal and professional goals. In her career, Diane has represented corporations (large and small), government agencies, high level management personnel, and individuals. It has been Diane’s work with everyday people that has brought her the most personal satisfaction. She is proud to have assisted individuals fight for their legal rights against large companies trying to take advantage of them.
Having practiced for many years in the area of civil litigation, Diane understands the importance of carefully and precisely drafting legal documents. Many disputes end up in court because legal documents were not carefully drafted, did not address all reasonably anticipated situations, and/or the language in the documents did not accurately reflect the true intentions of the parties. Diane believes it is important to fully understand her client’s financial, family and health situation, as well as her client’s ultimate goals, in order to best assist her client in addressing his/her estate planning needs.
After completing her studies at the University of Hawaii, Diane attended Whittier Law School in California where she earned her Juris Doctor and graduated Magna Cum Laude. At Whittier Law School she served as a member of the Whittier Law Review, was a Fellow in the Center for Children’s Rights, received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship for each of her three years in law school, and also received an American Jurisprudence Award. As well, Diane had the honor of being chosen by one of her law school professors as his Research Assistant, and was chosen by Whittier Law School as a tutor to her fellow students.
After returning to Hawaii, Diane served as a law clerk to the Honorable Marcia J. Waldorf (Ret.) where she gained invaluable experience and knowledge about Hawaii’s court system. After her clerkship, she worked for various law firms in Honolulu practicing civil litigation, including appeals before Hawaii’s appellate courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
In conjunction with Diane’s civil litigation cases, she practiced in Probate Court assisting clients in establishing a legal structure which would allow them, or their beneficiaries, to receive the proceeds of financial settlements they obtained. As well, Diane has served as Kokua Kanawai to the Probate Court, assisting the court in its investigation of petitions to establish guardianships and conservatorships.
Diane loves nothing more than spending time with her beautiful children who keep her quite busy with their school, social and sporting events. When Diane manages to find some time to herself she enjoys hiking and simply being outdoors and in nature. She absolutely treasures the time she spends with her children and amazingly loving and supportive family and friends.
