Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Professional Membership
Timeline
Generic

Kathleen Watanabe

Kapaa

Summary

Accomplished judge with a strong focus on legal analysis, opinion writing, and conflict resolution. Proven ability to mediate disputes and preside over diverse court proceedings.

Overview

47
47
years of professional experience

Work History

Judge, Circuit Court

Judiciary, State of Hawaii
Lihue
08.2005 - 08.2025
  • Presided over courtroom proceedings and ensured fair administration of justice.
  • Interpreted laws and statutes to guide legal decision-making processes.
  • Reviewed case files and evidence to prepare for hearings and trials.
  • Managed court schedules to facilitate timely hearings and resolutions.
  • Provided clear rulings and instructions to juries during deliberations.
  • Mediated disputes between parties to promote settlement outside of trial.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to clarify legal arguments and procedures.
  • Maintained courtroom decorum and enforced rules of conduct during sessions.
  • Presided over criminal and civil trials, hearings, and other court proceedings.
  • Drafted opinions, memoranda, orders, judgments, decrees, and findings of fact.
  • Evaluated evidence, heard witness testimony, and applied laws to the facts of each case.
  • Made rulings on post-judgment motions filed by either party seeking relief from original decision.
  • Conducted settlement conferences between disputing parties to resolve differences without a trial.
  • Read and analyzed legal documents to inform decisions on pre-trial issues, motions and final rulings.
  • Issued injunctions or restraining orders requested by litigants in appropriate circumstances.

Director of the Department of Human Resources

State of Hawaii
Honolulu
01.2003 - 08.2005
  • Oversaw program implementations to ensure compliance with state regulations and goals.
  • Facilitated training sessions for staff on new operational procedures and best practices.
  • Reviewed reports to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to gather feedback on public service programs and initiatives.
  • Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
  • Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
  • Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve collaboration.
  • Negotiated agreements with external partners such as contractors or consultants.

Supervising Deputy Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General, State of Hawaii
Honolulu
09.1998 - 12.2002
  • Drafted legal documents for various cases and administrative proceedings.
  • Researched case law and legal precedents to support litigation strategies.
  • Collaborated with attorneys to prepare for court hearings and trials.
  • Reviewed evidence and witness statements for relevance and accuracy.
  • Participated in training sessions for new legal staff on procedures and protocols.
  • Supervised staff attorneys assigned to various divisions within the office.
  • Presented oral arguments before appellate courts concerning appeals filed by defendants.
  • Researched and drafted pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, opinions and other documents as necessary.
  • Provided legal advice and guidance to the Attorney General's office on a variety of matters.

Attorney at Law

Law Office of Kathleen N. Aqui Watanabe
Kapaa
02.1995 - 08.1998
  • Communicated with clients to gather information and provide legal guidance.
  • Researched case law to support litigation strategies and client arguments.
  • Reviewed evidence related to client cases to determine an appropriate course of action.
  • Maintained accurate records of client information including case notes and billing information.
  • Counseled individuals on estate planning matters such as wills and trusts.
  • Assisted in drafting and negotiating commercial leases, real estate agreements, and facilitating property transactions with attention to legal and financial details.
  • Handled labor and employment law issues, advising on compliance, dispute resolution, and representing clients in related litigation.

Per Diem Judge

Judiciary, State of Hawaii
Lihue
01.1995 - 08.1998
  • Presided over court hearings and ensured adherence to legal procedures.
  • Evaluated evidence and made rulings based on case law and statutes.
  • Collaborated with court personnel to streamline case management processes.
  • Presided over criminal and civil trials, hearings, and other court proceedings.
  • Conducted settlement conferences between disputing parties to resolve differences without a trial.

Hearings Officer

Hawaiian Homelands Commission
Lihue
01.1995 - 08.1998
  • Conducted hearings to evaluate disputes and gather relevant information.
  • Reviewed case documents and prepared comprehensive reports for decision-making.
  • Provided clear explanations of findings and decisions to involved parties.
  • Heard testimony from witnesses and evaluated their credibility.
  • Made rulings based on evidence presented at hearings.
  • Ensured that all parties had an opportunity to present their arguments fully.
  • Conducted hearings to make decisions on claims and cases.

County Attorney

County of Kauai
Lihue
12.1990 - 11.1994
  • Advised county officials on legal compliance and regulatory issues.
  • Reviewed contracts and agreements for potential legal risks.
  • Conducted training sessions on legal procedures for county staff.
  • Drafted ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other documents as needed.
  • Applied strong communication and negotiation skills to establish connections and redirect questions.
  • Represented the county in administrative hearings and litigation before state and federal courts.
  • Reviewed proposed legislation from state or federal governments for potential impacts on the county's operations.
  • Assisted with the negotiation of labor agreements between the county and its employee unions.
  • Investigated allegations of misconduct by county employees or elected officials.
  • Developed training materials for staff members on topics such as ethics, open meeting laws, public records requests.
  • Attended meetings of various boards and committees to provide guidance on legal issues.

Deputy County Attorney

County of Kauai
Lihue
04.1983 - 11.1990
  • Examined legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits.
  • Used in-depth knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcomes of cases.
  • Negotiated and drafted settlement agreements to resolve litigated cases.
  • Interviewed clients and witnesses to acquire additional insight into case details.
  • Advised clients regarding legal matters, business transactions and claim liability.
  • Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, briefs, motions, and settlement agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Liaised with government agencies, other attorneys, and parties involved in legal proceedings, maintaining professional relationships to facilitate case progress.

Law Clerk

Hawaii State House of Representatives
Honolulu
01.1982 - 04.1982
  • Researched legislative proposals to support decision-making processes.
  • Attended legislative sessions to document proceedings and discussions.
  • Reviewed case files to summarize information for legislators.

Law Clerk

Law Office of Clayton Ikei
Honolulu
09.1981 - 12.1981
  • Provided research and writing assistance to private attorney specializing in civil rights litigation and services to Queen Liliuokalani Trust beneficiaries
  • Assisted attorneys in preparing for hearings and meetings.
  • Conducted research on relevant statutes, case law, regulations, and legal articles.
  • Attended hearings in order to observe proceedings and document results.
  • Drafted memoranda of law and other legal documents for attorneys' review.

Guidance Counselor

Ko'Apopo Ohana (funded by Kamehameha Schools)
Kapaa
06.1979 - 08.1979
  • Guided students in academic planning and career exploration activities.
  • Developed personalized counseling strategies for diverse student needs.
  • Evaluated students' academic and career plans to assist in setting realistic goals.

Social Worker

Department of Health, State of Hawaii
Lihue
04.1978 - 04.1979
  • Provided recreational therapy to developmentally challenged adults
  • Provided counseling to individuals and families facing mental health challenges.
  • Coordinated care plans with healthcare professionals and community resources.

Education

J.D. - Law

William S. Richardson School of Law
Honolulu
05-1982

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Psychology

University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA
12-1977

High School Diploma -

Kapaa High School
Kapaa, HI
06-1974

Skills

  • Legal analysis
  • Case management
  • Opinion writing
  • Public speaking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Team leadership
  • Negotiation strategies
  • Attention to detail
  • Effective communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Decision making

Accomplishments

  • 1992 Honorable Mention Award from the American Bar Association for Outstanding Legal Performance as County Attorney in response to Hurricane Iniki
  • 2000 Manager of the Year, Department of the Attorney General, State of Hawaii
  • 2001 Outstanding Team Award to the Employment Law Division, Office of the Attorney General, State of Hawaii

Professional Membership

  • State of Hawaii Deferred Compensation Plan, Chairperson, 2003
  • Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, Vice Chairperson, 2003
  • State Department of Education Interagency Work Group, Member 2004
  • Center for Alternative Dispute Resolutions Board of Advisors, 2004
  • Public Health Facilities Management Advisory Committee, Member 2004
  • Governor Lingle's Inaugural International Women's Conference, Member 2004
  • Hawaii State Judiciary's Court-Annexed Arbitration Commission, Member 2005 - present
  • Hawaii State Judiciary's Jury Upgrade Project Sponsor Judge, 2024 - present
  • Hawaii State Judiciary's Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Member 2024 - present

Timeline

Judge, Circuit Court

Judiciary, State of Hawaii
08.2005 - 08.2025

Director of the Department of Human Resources

State of Hawaii
01.2003 - 08.2005

Supervising Deputy Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General, State of Hawaii
09.1998 - 12.2002

Attorney at Law

Law Office of Kathleen N. Aqui Watanabe
02.1995 - 08.1998

Per Diem Judge

Judiciary, State of Hawaii
01.1995 - 08.1998

Hearings Officer

Hawaiian Homelands Commission
01.1995 - 08.1998

County Attorney

County of Kauai
12.1990 - 11.1994

Deputy County Attorney

County of Kauai
04.1983 - 11.1990

Law Clerk

Hawaii State House of Representatives
01.1982 - 04.1982

Law Clerk

Law Office of Clayton Ikei
09.1981 - 12.1981

Guidance Counselor

Ko'Apopo Ohana (funded by Kamehameha Schools)
06.1979 - 08.1979

Social Worker

Department of Health, State of Hawaii
04.1978 - 04.1979

J.D. - Law

William S. Richardson School of Law

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Psychology

University of Puget Sound

High School Diploma -

Kapaa High School

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