Clifford K. Higa, Business Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Energy, and General · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatKobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP, Attorneys at Law
Honolulu, HI
Practicing business in Honolulu since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Clifford K. Higa?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Clifford K. Higa is an of counsel based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and General. Clifford has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP, Attorneys at Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Honolulu, HI
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Business · Energy · General
- Handles Business, Energy, and General matters from Honolulu, HI.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Clifford K. Higa: Clifford K. Higa is an of counsel based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and General. Clifford has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP, Attorneys at Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Clifford's practice areas in Honolulu
Clifford concentrates on business, energy, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Clifford handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Energy
View other Energy attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Business cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Clifford takes business matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Clifford agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Clifford takes energy matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Clifford agrees to represent you.
General cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Clifford takes general matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Clifford agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Clifford takes litigation matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Clifford agrees to represent you.
Biography
Clifford K. Higa, business attorney serving Honolulu
Clifford K. Higa is an of counsel based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and General. Clifford has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP, Attorneys at Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review. Clifford works from Honolulu, Hawaii and takes on business matters across the region.
Clifford K. Higa concentrates is practice in banking and insurance regulation, insurance insolvencies, public utilities representation, commercial litigation and legislative lobbying.
Education
Mr. Higa received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii- at Manoa. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law of the University of Hawaii.
Prior Employment
Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Higa served as a law clerk to Justice Frank D. Padgett in the State Supreme Court and the Intermediate Court of Appeals.
In 1982, Mr. Higa served as a Deputy Attorney General where he was primarily involved in litigation in the areas of insurance, corporations, securities, and professional and vocational licenses. He assumed the responsibility of a Supervising Deputy Attorney General in 1985.
In 1987, Mr. Higa was appointed Commissioner of Financial Institutions for the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. As the State's Banking Commissioner, he was responsible for the regulation of state-chartered banks, savings, and loans, trusts companies, credit unions, finance companies, foreign banks and foreign lenders. During his tenure as Banking Commissioner, Mr. Higa was instrumental in leading the State's effort to recodify laws relating to the regulation of financial institutions. The resulting Code of Financial Institutions, now set forth as Chapter 412 of the Hawaii Revised Statues, is a formercomprehensive revision of banking and related laws that were first enacted in the 1930's. During his tenure, Mr. Higa also successfully secured national accreditation for State Bank Examiners from the National Conference of State Bank Supervisors.
In 1993, Mr. Higa was appointed the Director of the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. The Department is the State's primary regulator of industries such as banking, insurance, securities, cable television, corporations, partnerships, contractors, realtors, and other professional licensing boards. As director of this State Department, Mr. Higa was responsible for overseeing the functions of fourteen divisions and over 450 employees.
Working with Clifford on a business matter
Clifford K. Higa concentrates is practice in banking and insurance regulation, insurance insolvencies, public utilities representation, commercial litigation and legislative lobbying. Education Mr. Higa received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii- at Manoa. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law of the University of Hawaii. Prior Employment…
Who Clifford represents
Clifford reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, energy, and general matters in Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Clifford studied and practices
William S. Richardson School of Law of the University of Hawaii Juris Doctor degree
—
University of Hawaii- at Manoa Bachelor's degree
—
Jurisdictions
Clifford's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1986 · ACTIVE
Hawaii
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Clifford studied at — in William S. Richardson School of Law of the University of Hawaii Juris Doctor degree and — in University of Hawaii- at Manoa Bachelor's degree.
Law school and academic background
Clifford completed — in William S. Richardson School of Law of the University of Hawaii Juris Doctor degree and — in University of Hawaii- at Manoa Bachelor's degree. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Clifford runs in Hawaii is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Clifford's legal honors and published work
Clifford has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Clifford's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Associations and Licenses Mr
membership
Higa is a member of the American and Hawaii State Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Clifford K. Higa's office in Honolulu
Clifford's primary office is at 999 Bishop Street, Suite 2600, Honolulu, HI, 96813. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda LLP, Attorneys at Law
999 Bishop Street, Suite 2600
Honolulu, HI 96813
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Clifford K. Higa — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Clifford. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Honolulu.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Clifford K. Higa claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Clifford K. Higa — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Clifford usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Clifford charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Clifford's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Clifford will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Clifford
Clifford discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Clifford confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Clifford's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Clifford K. Higa
How much does it cost to hire Clifford for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Clifford walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Clifford offer a free consultation?
Clifford charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Clifford's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Clifford's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Hawaii typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Clifford gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Clifford take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?
Clifford is licensed in Hawaii. Matters governed by Hawaii law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Clifford will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Clifford?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Clifford will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Clifford accepting new business clients right now?
Clifford's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Honolulu, Wailuku and Hilo in Hawaii
Clifford handles business matters throughout Hawaii. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Hawaii
If Clifford's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Honolulu handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
