Congratulations to litigation partner Jeffrey S. Portnoy, who was recognized on the inaugural Pacific Business News (PBN) Most Admired Leaders list. The Most Admired Leaders Award recognizes exceptional executives who have made significant contributions in their companies and their communities.
Jeff was recognized for demonstrating remarkable leadership within Cades Schutte LLP, where he has spent his entire legal career spanning 50 years, as well as within the legal community of Hawai‘i, where he is respected as one of the state’s top litigators and First Amendment rights lawyers. Throughout his tenure, Jeff has taken on various roles within the firm, including serving on the Management Committee and chairing the Litigation Department. His legal career has been marked by numerous notable cases, including arguments before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has made significant contributions to media law, championing issues such as defamation, privacy, and public access to courts and government records.
Most recently, Jeff has been serving as a member of the Shield Law Steering Committee, which spearheaded the effort to codify the shield law in Hawai‘I, legislation to protect reporters from being required to disclose confidential information and sources in state court, which passed in the last legislative session. His accomplishments have been recognized by publications including Chambers and Partners and Best Lawyers.
He has also dedicated much of his time to serving the community: he currently is serving as Vice President for the Ninth Circuit Historical Society and an elected member of Hawai‘i’s Judicial Selection Commission. He previously served as President of the Hawaii State Bar Association and as Hawai‘i Chapter President of the Federal Bar Association. Outside the legal field, Jeff has served as the President of the Board of Directors for Manoa Valley Theatre for over 25 years.
Jeff will be honored at PBN’s awards ceremony on November 9, 2023, at the Alohilani Resort.
