C. Michael Heihre

C. Michael Heihre is a partner in the Litigation Department at Cades Schutte LLP and one of Hawai‘i’s most respected trial lawyers. For nearly five decades, he has served as lead counsel in some of the state’s most notable civil litigation matters, earning recognition for his skill in handling complex, high-stakes disputes. His practice covers antitrust, commercial, construction, contract, financial, insurance, intellectual property, product liability, and real estate matters. In addition to his trial work, he is widely experienced as an arbitrator, mediator, and construction adjudicator, bringing a well-rounded perspective to dispute resolution.

Michael earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A., with highest honors, from the University of Hawai‘i. He holds a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has completed advanced mediation and dispute resolution training at Pepperdine University School of Law’s Straus Institute. He also received specialized training in construction adjudication and sports arbitration from the Asian International Arbitration Centre.

Throughout his career, C. Michael Heihre has earned a reputation for exceptional trial and arbitration advocacy, known for his determination, meticulous craftsmanship, and strategic insight in high-stakes disputes. Clients and peers frequently describe him as “in the first rank of any trial lawyer in the country,” reflecting his standing among top litigation attorneys. His practice was grounded early on in impactful pro bono work involving land use, zoning, evictions, and Native Hawaiian rights, shaping a deep commitment to the cultural and social dimensions of legal advocacy.

Michael is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of Hawai‘i, the Ninth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He serves on panels of arbitrators and adjudicators worldwide, furthering his dedication to fair and effective dispute resolution.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cades Schutte LLP
• Panelist, American Arbitration Association
• Panelist, International Centre for Dispute Resolution
• Panelist, Dispute Prevention & Resolution, Inc. (Honolulu)
• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
• Fellow, Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators
• Fellow, Malaysian Society of Adjudicators
• Member, Society of Construction Lawyers (Malaysia)
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, Asian International Arbitration Centre (Panels of Arbitrators, Adjudicators, & Mediators)

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• University of Hawaii
  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Awards & Badges