Overview
Ivana P. Tran is an associate in the firm’s litigation department, where she focuses on business, construction, real estate, condominium, and complex commercial litigation. A graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Ms. Tran brings a well-rounded perspective to her practice, combining her legal expertise with prior experience in public utilities and government finance research.
During law school, Ms. Tran earned the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for achieving the highest grade in Restorative Justice. She was also a member of the Native American Moot Court team, where she gained valuable experience in advocacy and legal research. She served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Sabrina S. McKenna at the Hawai‘i Supreme Court and the Honorable James C. McWhinnie, temporarily appointed to the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawai‘i.
Following her graduation, Ms. Tran completed a clerkship with the Honorable John M. Tonaki at the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawai‘i, further honing her litigation skills.
Ms. Tran’s dedication to her clients and nuanced understanding of complex legal issues make her a valuable advocate in a wide range of litigation matters.
Experience
- Successfully represented major developers in defending against multiple construction defect and product liability lawsuits involving tract housing and luxury condominium developments.
- Successfully represented association and company board of directors in defending against direct, class action and derivative lawsuits alleging civil conspiracy, undue influence, mismanagement, and breach of fiduciary duty.
- Successfully represented news media organizations and journalists by obtaining early summary judgment in multiple defamation and libel actions, and in quashing subpoenas seeking privileged newsgathering materials.
- Successfully represented the member of a major seafood distributor in a breach of contract action to enforce the sale of a membership interest.
- Successfully represented a major construction management company in negotiations involving breach of contract claims arising from several large affordable housing developments.
- Successfully represented a major construction company in defending against claims of employment discrimination and retaliation.
Honors
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Restorative Justice
Affiliations
- Hawaii State Bar Association, Member
- Native American Moot Court Team, Member
- Hon. Sabrina S. McKenna, Hawaii Supreme Court, Judicial Extern
- Hon. James C. McWhinnie, First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii, Judicial Extern