Adrian L. Lavarias

Construction Litigation

• Represented a general contractor in securing a $29 million mechanics’ and materialman’s lien against a Maui hotel, resulting in a favorable settlement out of court.
• Negotiated settlements for claims involving project delays and inadequate designs for the Hilo Judiciary project, securing damages for a general contractor.
• Defended a mechanical design contractor against defective design claims brought by a condominium homeowner’s association, achieving a favorable defense verdict in a mini trial.

Real Estate Litigation

• Successfully represented a large landowner in a dispute over ownership of dozens of acres in Laie, resulting in declaratory and monetary judgments and significant sanctions against the opposing party.
• Secured a favorable arbitration decision for a commercial lessee in a lease rent dispute, saving the client millions over the lease term.
• Settled a complex case involving affordable housing credits for a developer in litigation with a former landowner and the County.

Trusts and Estates Litigation

• Defended Trustees of the late Hawaii entertainer Don Ho’s estate, achieving a settlement that preserved the trust and released all claims.
• Represented an interested party in a conservatorship dispute, resulting in the removal of the emergency conservator and the appointment of the client as conservator.
• Successfully resolved claims between family members over trust asset sales, facilitating a favorable outcome for the Trustee/Beneficiary client.

Personal Injury Litigation

• Defended a prominent private school and a national youth group against sexual abuse claims brought under Hawaii’s extended statute of limitations, resolving the claims successfully.
• Negotiated favorable settlements for landowners and contractors in personal injury cases, including a $1 million defamation claim settlement involving a contractor.

Commercial Litigation

• Secured a permanent injunction for a multinational company against a former employee threatening workplace violence, barring the individual indefinitely from contacting employees or entering company property.
• Represented contractors and design professionals in breach of contract and payment disputes, obtaining recovery of unpaid amounts under various contracts.