Maile M. Hirota

Maile M. Hirota is a highly accomplished immigration lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over 30 years of legal experience, she has built a career dedicated exclusively to U.S. immigration and nationality law. She founded Hirota & Associates, LLLC, a firm recognized for its expertise in business immigration, family-based immigration, citizenship, and removal defense. The firm is ranked in the First Tier of “Best Law Firms” in Hawaii for Immigration Law by U.S. News & World Report since 2017.

Ms. Hirota holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and earned her Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington. She began her legal career in Ohio as an associate at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, focusing on immigration law. After two years, she returned to Hawaii, joining Lynch & Farmer in 1997. In 2002, she became a partner at Lynch Ichida Thompson Kim & Hirota before establishing her firm in 2009.

Throughout her career, Ms. Hirota has been firmly committed to advocating for immigrant rights and improving immigration policies. She has served in numerous leadership roles within the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), including as Hawaii Chapter Chair and on national committees. She also contributed to the American Immigration Council as a Legal Action Center Advisory Committee member.

Her peers have consistently recognized Ms. Hirota. She has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Immigration Law annually since 2008. She was named Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year” for Honolulu Immigration Law in 2024, 2018, and 2015. Her expertise has also led her to represent clients in complex cases, including securing a rare immigration-related Presidential pardon.

Known for her in-depth knowledge and dedication, Ms. Hirota has helped businesses, families, and individuals navigate complex immigration matters. Her work emphasizes justice, fairness, and ethical practices, making her a trusted advocate. She frequently speaks on immigration topics and mentors other attorneys, demonstrating her commitment to her profession.

Law Office Affiliations

• Member, Hirota & Associates, LLLC
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, Hawaii Women Lawyers
• Member, Japan-America Society of Hawaii

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington
  Juris Doctor (J.D)
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  Bachelor of Arts (A.B)

Awards & Badges