Reece Y. Tanaka

Reece Y. Tanaka is an associate at Kobayashi Sugita & Goda, LLP who joined the firm in 2023. His practice includes Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, and Public Utilities. He works on disputes involving business relationships, construction projects, and regulated utility matters, where legal strategy may require analysis of contracts, project records, regulatory requirements, and procedural rules.

Tanaka earned a law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2023 and a B.A. in Economics from Boston University magna cum laude. He was a National Merit Scholar and gained judicial experience as an extern for U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson in Hawaii. This background supports his ability to analyze legal and factual issues carefully, communicate options clearly, and approach client matters with practical judgment.

Tanaka had a federal judicial externship that provided exposure to court procedure, legal briefing, and the evaluation of arguments in active litigation. That training complements his current work on commercial and construction disputes and public-utility matters, which can involve both detailed factual records and legal questions shaped by regulation and contract terms. Across these matters, he focuses on understanding the record, identifying the legal issues that matter most, and helping clients move through the relevant legal process with a clear strategy.

Reece Y. Tanaka represents clients in commercial, construction, and public-utility matters through KSG. His economics background, legal education, and judicial externship support careful analysis of business issues, litigation strategy, and the procedural requirements that affect complex disputes. The practice reflects a practical approach to legal service, with attention to the facts, applicable law, and the decisions clients must make as a matter progresses.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Kobayashi Sugita & Goda, LLP
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, Hawai‘i State Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of Southern California Gould School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges