Pacific Business News (PBN) once again ranked Cades Schutte LLP first in its annual list of Top 50 Hawai‘i Law Firms. As part of its annual survey, PBN also interviewed Cades Schutte Management Committee member Amanda M. Jones regarding trends, technology, and the year ahead. Her responses to PBN’s report, which can be found here, are below.
How is your firm’s 2025 outlook? Do you plan to hire additional attorneys or expand your Hawai‘i operations?
Cades Schutte is optimistic about 2025, continuing its trajectory of steady growth driven by Hawai‘i’s resilient economy and increasing demand for specialized legal services. We are currently expanding our team, particularly in key practice areas like litigation, real estate, land use, construction, and corporate law, to better serve our clients statewide.
Our robust Summer Associate program is also an excellent opportunity for current law students to apply for permanent positions with our firm. Our growth strategy aligns with our commitment to fostering local talent and addressing the evolving needs of Hawai‘i’s legal and business communities.
How are law firms dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) programs, both as a tool and as a legal issue?
Cades Schutte LLP recognizes the dual role, as both a tool and a legal issue, of AI in modern legal practice. Like the technology itself, the rules and regulations governing AI in the legal field are constantly evolving, with the American Bar Association releasing an opinion this year on AI and its ethical concerns. Cades Schutte partners Martin E. Hsia and Christopher T. Harrison have been our points of contact and are closely monitoring these legal issues.
What type of pro-bono work does your firm conduct?
Our efforts include assisting nonprofit organizations, offering legal services to underserved populations, and providing guidance to pro-bono clients on critical issues like immigration and estate planning. Two of our partners were recently recognized for such work at the Hawai‘i Access to Justice Commission’s Annual Pro Bono Celebration.
