John P. Duchemin

John P. Duchemin is a litigation partner with extensive experience representing clients in real estate, intellectual property, media, insurance, commercial contracts, and Internet and privacy law. His practice includes both large institutions—such as multinational banks, media companies, insurance carriers, and international law firms—and smaller clients, including condominium owners, real estate brokers, artists, nonprofits, and small businesses. His advocacy has led to precedent-setting victories in the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, highlighting his impact on the state’s legal landscape.

John earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of Chicago Law School. He also holds an M.S. in Journalism, with honors, from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and a B.A. in Economics from Pomona College. After law school, he clerked for the Honorable Richard J. Clifton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, gaining valuable experience in appellate litigation.

John’s practice is particularly strong in real estate disputes. He advises condominium associations, landowners, title insurers, landlords, tenants, lenders, and borrowers in cases involving title, boundary disputes, adverse possession, foreclosures, and challenges under the Condominium Code. His work also extends to free speech, defamation, privacy, and access matters, often representing members of the press, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Drawing on his prior career as a reporter and editor, he brings a deep appreciation for media and First Amendment rights.

Before joining Cades Schutte LLP in 2012, John P. Duchemin practiced in Silicon Valley with one of the nation’s largest trial firms, representing leading technology companies and venture capital firms in multibillion-dollar patent, trademark, and contract disputes. Today, he combines courtroom skill with a dedication to advancing client goals, while also serving on the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cades Schutte LLP
• Former Associate, Quinn Emanuel
• Former Associate, Howard Rice
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Board of Directors, Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i
• Former Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• Hawaii
• California (Inactive)

Education

• University of Chicago Law School
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism
  Master of Science in Journalism (M.S.)
• Pomona College
  Bachelor of Arts in Economics (B.A.)

Awards & Badges