Snapshot of the Legal Job Landscape in Honolulu
Honolulu’s legal job market is continuously evolving with the growing needs of its business sectors. The city, a cultural and economic hub of the Pacific, aims to harness technology and innovation while preserving its unique identity. Honolulu’s legal landscape has seen steady growth, driven by the diverse industries present, including tourism, real estate, healthcare, and international trade.
The current demand for legal professionals in Honolulu reflects the city state’s robust economy and an increasing number of regulatory and compliance requirements. With an expanding market, there is a strong demand for corporate lawyers who can assist with commercial transactions, intellectual property issues, and the incorporation of new businesses. Family law and estate planning are also areas experiencing growth in terms of both clientele and complex legal issues that require attention.
The legal sector in Honolulu is characterized by a mix of traditional law practices and a burgeoning community of solo practitioners and boutique law firms . This dynamic environment encourages legal professionals to think creatively and provide tailored legal solutions to meet challenges faced by clients in various industries.
In addition to corporate and transactional law, there is also a notable need for attorneys in areas such as real estate, litigation, and intellectual property. The legal industry also offers opportunities for those interested in alternative careers, such as compliance and risk management and legal technology.
The city state supports its legal market through various professional organizations and events aimed at fostering a strong bar community. The Hawaii State Bar Association, for example, advocates for the qualification of new lawyers and the enhancement of attorneys’ professional skill sets.
Overall, the legal job market in Honolulu presents numerous opportunities for legal professionals at all stages of their careers. Those willing to adapt to technological advancements and embrace flexible work arrangements find the benefits of both traditional and innovative work cultures in this vibrant city.
Key Employers in Honolulu’s Legal Sector
When it comes to pursuing a career in law, choosing the right employer can be just as important as choosing the right type of law. This is especially true for attorneys hoping to work in what many consider the pinnacle of paradise: Honolulu, Hawaii. Understanding which employers may offer them the highest salaries and best opportunities for career advancement is critical to securing a lucrative legal position in this tropical oasis.
The Honolulu bench and bar comprise many of the most prestigious legal employers on the island of Oahu. Prominent employers include top law firms such as Ashford & Wriston, Case Lombardi & Chock and Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel. Some of these firms hire as few as four attorneys while others have dozens of employees and numerous practice areas. Most also place a premium on diversity in hiring and employment, which makes them even more attractive to many applicants. Salaries range from about $50,000 to $175,000 according to the Hawaiian Islands’ average annual salaries for lawyers.
Corporate legal departments are another category of top employers for attorneys in Honolulu. The largest employers in this category include Hawaiian Airlines, Alexander & Baldwin and Kamehameha Schools. These employers rank among the state’s top 20 corporations in revenue and include a number of subsidiaries. Salaries are slightly higher than those for law firms, topping out at over $200,000 for positions at Kamehameha and Hawaiian Airlines. The majority, however, start at around $65,000 and move up from there.
Attorneys seeking corporate positions may find that working for large government agencies offers better pay and benefits than law firms or private corporations. There are three major state-funded agencies, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Land & Natural Resources. Dozens of other agencies also employ lawyers but on a smaller scale. Starting salaries for state attorneys tend to be lower, particularly when the attorney lacks specialty licenses or prior experience. However, some of the most lucrative opportunities involve roles unique to the islands, such as an attorney for the Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation.
Sought-after Legal Roles
In-Demand Legal Positions in Honolulu
Lucrative legal positions are not just for the mainland. There are a plethora of in-demand, high-paying legal jobs in Honolulu. Lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, compliance officers, human resources specialists, legal researchers, and law office administrators are just a few examples of high-paying legal positions available in Hawaii. In fact, lawyers historically enjoy some of the highest paying salaries in Honolulu. While the Aloha State boasts several highly coveted law firms, large companies, and government facilities, there is a growing demand for qualified legal professionals for government agencies as well. Legal professionals seeking employment opportunities with government agencies should consider specializing in relatively lesser known fields. Some uncommon legal specialties to consider in Hawaii include immigration law, maritime law, employment law, securities law, healthcare law, environmental law, and land use. The growth of these legal fields is not necessarily because of a demand for lawyers, but because of a demand for more attorneys that are skilled in these niche areas of law. Although there are a fair amount of immigration and maritime lawyers, the talent pool remains thin in the other aforementioned legal fields. Foreign investors, medical professionals, and corporations seeking to opening new facilities in Hawaii have created a demand for attorneys specializing in immigration law. Likewise, the boom in the pharmaceutical market has led to an increased need for lawyers with expertise in healthcare law. Securities law and environmental law are two more growing legal fields that offer many lucrative career opportunities in Hawaii. Financial institutions, including banks, insurance agencies, and securities firms need lawyers who understand securities regulations. In addition, there is a growing need for attorneys with a strong background in environmental law to work with chemical companies and utilities. Other legal professions also enjoy lucrative employment opportunities in the environmental sector. Land use law is another growing field in Hawaii, as commercial and residential developers are in constant need of attorneys with extensive knowledge about land acquisition, zoning restrictions, and construction. Although it is not necessary to practice law or have formal legal training in order to work in the legal field, several of the niche areas of law in demand in Hawaii require advanced degrees or additional training.
Skills and Credentials Required
When it comes to legal jobs in Honolulu, there are certain qualifications and skills that are highly sought after by recruiters and employers. Most legal positions require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. This is the first step toward becoming a lawyer in the United States, and is essential for those looking to practice law in Honolulu or anywhere else in the country.
In addition to a J.D., many legal employers in Honolulu prefer applicants who have passed the Hawaii State Bar Examination. The exam tests an individual’s knowledge of Hawaii law as well as their general legal analysis and problem-solving skills. Passing the bar examination is a prerequisite for individuals seeking to practice law in Hawaii, and is a requirement for becoming a licensed attorney in the state.
For some legal positions, additional education may be required. For example, some attorneys who wish to practice highly specialized forms of law, such as tax or international law, may pursue an additional Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. These degrees , along with specialized certifications offered by professional legal organizations, can help an attorney stand out among the competition.
Outside of educational qualifications, recruiters and hiring managers will look for other key skills and traits when evaluating candidates for legal jobs in Honolulu. Strong research skills are a must for all lawyers, as this is the primary method through which they gather information and develop cases. Critical thinking skills are also essential — lawyers must be able to analyze and organize large amounts of complex information and abstract concepts.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are vital as well. Attorneys spend a large portion of their time writing briefs, motions and legal opinions, as well as providing sound counsel to clients on important matters.
Finally, negotiation is another key ability that can make or break a potential candidate. As they move through a case, attorneys must be able to negotiate with other parties to secure a favorable outcome for their client. This requires strong interpersonal skills as well.
Networking and Opportunities for Job Search
Once you are ready to search the market for a new job, networking and personal connections can quickly lead to several fantastic opportunities. Here are some ideas on how to find those opportunities: Join Legal Associations – Several prestigious legal associations have local Honolulu branches. The local branches are great opportunities to meet various members of the association who can help you find additional opportunities to network and search for jobs as well. Membership in a local branch is free for those who live in the area. Utilize LinkedIn – LinkedIn continues to be great for several reasons. First, it creates a profile for you that will remain up even if you have a lapse in job searching. Second, it helps aligns you with other recruiters and members of the legal community. This is a great way to learn of future openings and allows you to write a profile to show what makes you unique. Attend local legal events and seminars – Several organizations in Honolulu sponsor local seminars and networking events. These are great opportunities to meet other attorneys and establish relationships that can help with future job openings. Meeting attorneys at these events can also provide insight into their firms and who to reach out to regarding future openings.
Compensation in the Legal Field
The salary expectations for legal professionals in Honolulu can vary widely depending on a number of factors including experience, type of legal specialization, and the employer industry as well as the overall demand for various specialties. According to a local salary survey conducted by Salary.com, the median starting salary for attorneys in Honolulu is around $72,000 with a general range between $55,000 and $98,000 for average experience and education levels.
Several factors can influence salary expectations including the personal perception as well as the data collection methodology used to estimate these expectations. While the salary surveys compiled by Salary.com are based on anonymous employee salary submissions, an August 2016 CareerBuilder report estimated that salaries would double by the time of the 2026 job market with projected increases mainly concentrated among "highly skilled" positions . Based on the survey, the average salary expectations for legal professionals over the next ten years are as follows:
One of the most common variables influencing salary expectations is specializations. A survey published by Legal Recruiter Jobplex.com and law firm marketing agency Greentarget revealed that while the salary of all general counsels averaged about $250,000 annually, averages for those with specializations such as mergers and acquisitions are higher — generally by about $500,000. In addition to specializations, the type of employer can also impact salary expectations with a general counsel for a private corporation or public company averaging $298,000, compared to $255,000 for those working in the university system. While the average salary for those employed by international law firms is about $226,000, the average salary for those employees at smaller, midsized firms is just $118,000.