Russell A. Ota, Estate Planning Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General · 4.7/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
MemberatRussell A. Ota
Honolulu, HI
Practicing estate planning in Honolulu since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Russell A. Ota?
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Quick answer
Russell A. Ota is a member based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Russell has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Russell A. Ota. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Honolulu, HI
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Estate Tax · General
- Handles Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General matters from Honolulu, HI.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Russell A. Ota: Russell A. Ota is a member based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Russell has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Russell A. Ota. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Russell takes on
Russell concentrates on estate planning, estate tax, general, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Russell handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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General
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Probate
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Trusts
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Wills
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Estate Planning cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Russell takes estate planning 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 Russell agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Russell takes estate tax 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 Russell agrees to represent you.
General cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Russell 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 Russell agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Russell takes probate 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 Russell agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
Russell takes trusts 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 Russell agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Russell A. Ota — estate planning lawyer in Honolulu
Russell A. Ota is a member based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Russell has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Russell A. Ota. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Russell A. Ota is a lawyer practicing estate planning, wills, trusts and 3 other areas of law. Russell received a B.S.B.A. degree from University of Denver in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Russell practices at Russell A. Ota in Honolulu, HI.
Russell's approach to estate planning cases
Russell A. Ota is a lawyer practicing estate planning, wills, trusts and 3 other areas of law. Russell received a B.S.B.A. degree from University of Denver in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Russell practices at Russell A. Ota in Honolulu, HI.
The kind of cases Russell takes
Russell reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, estate tax, and general matters in Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Creighton University School of Law
J.D. · 1979
University of Denver
B.S.B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Russell's state bar admissions
Hawaii
1979 · ACTIVE
Russell studied at J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S.B.A. in University of Denver.
Law school and academic background
Russell completed J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S.B.A. in University of Denver. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Russell runs in Hawaii is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Russell has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Russell's professional memberships and bar associations
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
bar_fellowship
Locations
Russell A. Ota's office in Honolulu
Russell's primary office is at Pioneer Plz., 900 Fort Street Mall, Ste. 1602, Honolulu, HI, 96813. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Russell A. Ota
Pioneer Plz., 900 Fort Street Mall, Ste. 1602
Honolulu, HI 96813
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Russell A. Ota — 4.7/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Russell. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Honolulu.
4.7
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Russell A. Ota claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Russell A. Ota — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Russell usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Russell charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Russell'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; Russell will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Russell
Russell discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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. Russell confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Russell's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Russell A. Ota
How much does it cost to hire Russell for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Russell walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Russell offer a free consultation?
Russell charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Russell's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Russell's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Hawaii typically take?
Simple estate planning 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. Russell gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Russell take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?
Russell 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 — Russell 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 Russell?
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. Russell will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Russell accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Russell's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Honolulu, Wailuku and Hilo in Hawaii
Russell handles estate planning matters throughout Hawaii. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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