Terence J. O’Toole

Terence J. O’Toole is a highly respected Hawaii litigation attorney with over 50 years of experience in complex commercial and business disputes. As a Director at Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher, he manages the firm’s litigation department and is known for handling high-value cases for major local, national, and international clients. Mr. O’Toole focuses on real estate litigation, construction claims, lender liability, hospitality industry disputes, corporate governance, and complex commercial matters. He is recognized for his practical, no-nonsense approach and his outstanding trial skills in both jury and non-jury cases.

Mr. O’Toole earned his B.A. in English Literature from the University of Santa Clara in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law in 1971. He served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Martin Pence, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. He has shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor at the University of Hawaii Law School and School of Architecture and is a frequent panelist at seminars on complex litigation and construction claims.

Throughout his career, Mr. O’Toole has represented banks, hotel owners and operators, real estate developers, construction firms, and large corporations in high-stakes disputes. His trial experience includes real estate, lender liability, construction defect and delay claims, corporate shareholder issues, and class actions. Clients value his deep understanding of each case and his ability to see both the big picture and fine details.

Terence J. O’Toole is consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America®, Chambers USA, Hawaii Super Lawyers®, and Benchmark Litigation. He has held leadership roles with the Federal Bar Association and Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. He is licensed in Hawaii and inactive in California and the District of Columbia.

Law Office Affiliations

• Director, Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher
• Former President, Federal Bar Association, Hawaii Chapter
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Santa Clara
  BA in English Literature

Awards & Badges