Judy Y. Lee

Judy Y. Lee is a leading estate planning attorney and partner at Goodsill, where she advises clients on trusts, probate, guardianship, and estate controversies. Known for her precision in crafting wills, managing trust estates, and resolving complex disputes, she provides personalized legal solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families.

Judy earned her J.D. summa cum laude from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1989 and completed an M.B.A. from the same institution that year. She holds a B.B.A. with honors from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her academic achievements laid a strong foundation for her legal career, which has spanned over three decades.

Judy focuses her practice on trust and estate law, representing both individual and corporate trustees in all aspects of trust administration and trust litigation. She designs tailored estate plans that may include revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and asset transfer strategies to help clients protect and pass on their wealth. Judy also manages probate for both local and out-of-state estates and has extensive experience handling complex guardianship and conservatorship matters.

Recognized as a Band 1 attorney by Chambers & Partners and listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2006, Judy is also AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. She currently serves as the Hawai‘i State Chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), demonstrating her leadership within the estate planning community.

Beyond her client work, Judy Y. Lee is a dedicated educator and speaker. She has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Hawai‘i School of Law, teaching trusts and federal tax law. She frequently presents at legal seminars, including the Hawai‘i Tax Institute. Her professional involvement includes roles with the Hawaii Estate Planning Council, the ABA, and various philanthropic and legal organizations.

Judy’s commitment to excellence, education, and client advocacy has made her one of Hawai‘i’s most respected authorities in estate planning and trust law. Her comprehensive approach and professional accolades reflect a career defined by expertise and service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Goodsill
• State Chair, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Chair, Hawaii Baptist Foundation
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

Education

• University of Missouri School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Santa Clara University
  Master  of Business Administration (MBA)
• University of Hawaii at Manoa
  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Awards & Badges