Allison is the resident and founding partner of the firm’s Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i office.
Over the course of her 20-year legal career, Allison has successfully resolved numerous matters, primarily in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation, foreclosure, and probate and trust litigation.
Born and raised on the Island of Kaua‘i, in 2016 Allison opened and now heads the firm’s office in Līhu‘e. She is a co-chair of the firm’s Attorney Training and Development Committee and the former (2021) president of the Kauai Bar Association. She also served as a member of the Recruiting Committee for over a decade.
Prior to joining Cades Schutte, Allison graduated as valedictorian in 2001 from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i, Allison served as a law clerk to the Honorable Alan C. Kay, Senior United States District Judge for the District of Hawai‘i.
In 2021, Allison was named one of Pacific Business News’ Women Who Mean Business honorees, an award which celebrates the voices, accomplishments, and impact of some of the most successful businesswomen in Hawai‘i.
Experience
Commercial and Real Estate Litigation
- Lead counsel in litigation to enforce contract rights (e.g. purchase contracts, leases, easements) and collection of judgments
- Lead counsel in litigation involving claims of fraud, misrepresentation, and conversion claims arising out of transfers of real property
- Lead counsel in litigation involving disputes between members of limited liability companies and between franchisor and franchisee
- Lead counsel in disputes between co-owners of property and adjoining landowners.
- Lead and local counsel for lenders sued by borrowers alleging numerous claims including TILA, RESPA, FDCPA, slander of title, fraud, and claims relating to alleged improper handling of requests for loan modifications and nonjudicial foreclosures
Foreclosure
- Lead counsel for lenders in litigation to foreclose on mortgages
Probate and Trust Litigation
- Lead and co-counsel for Trust beneficiaries in proceedings involving claims for an accounting, undue influence, lack of capacity, and removal and surcharge of the trustee
Other
- Representation of insurers and insureds in coverage disputes.
- Second-chaired two patent infringement trials in federal court resulting in multi-million dollar verdicts in favor of client
- Local counsel on copyright and trademark litigation
- Represented retailer in litigation to enforce exclusivity (non-compete) clause in lease and in CAM dispute with landlord
Awards
- Pacific Business News “Women Who Mean Business” Class of 2021
- Listed in Best Lawyers®, since 2023
- Carl K. Mirikitani Jr. Valedictory Prize, 2001
- Dean’s Scholar, 1994-1997
- NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Singles All-American, 1995, 1997
- Porter Scholar, 1999
- Sterling Scholar in Social Science, 1994
Community Involvement
- American Diabetes Association Community Leadership Board (2014-2016)
- Kiwanis Executive Club of Honolulu (Pres. Oct. 2014-Oct. 2015)
- Kaua‘i Bar Association, President (2021), Vice President (2020)
Education
- J.D. (2001), William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i, summa cum laude
- B.A. Economics-Government (Dec. 1997), Claremont McKenna College, summa cum laude
Admissions
- Hawai‘i State Bar (2001)
- United States District Court for the District of Hawai‘i
- United States Tax Court
- Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
Membership
- Kaua‘i Bar Association, President (2021), Vice President (2020)
- Hawaii State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Omicron Delta Epsilon
- William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i, Law Review Member (1999-2000) & Production Editor (2000-2001)
Clerkship
- Law clerk to the Honorable Alan C. Kay, Senior United States District Court Judge for the District of Hawaii (2001-2002)
- “Finley v. Home Insurance Co.: Hawai‘i’s Solution to the Troubling Tripartite Problem,” 22 U. Haw. L. Rev. 675 (2000) (Author)
- “Compensation for Temporary Regulatory Takings: Ad“just”ing the Damage Calculation Model,” Ka Nu Hou, Real Prop. & Fin. Serv./Hawaii State Bar Association (August 2000) (Author)
