William N. Ota

William N. Ota is a highly experienced trial attorney with more than two decades in private practice. His work spans employment law, commercial disputes, medical malpractice, civil litigation, and catastrophic personal injury. William has represented a broad range of clients, from individuals to multinational corporations, as well as county, state, and federal entities. He is known for providing thoughtful legal guidance and achieving successful outcomes across Hawaii’s courts and administrative bodies.

William earned his J.D. from the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law and holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from Illinois College. This strong academic foundation prepared him for a career dedicated to navigating complex disputes and protecting clients’ rights in both litigation and negotiation. His legal training, paired with decades of practice, enables him to serve clients effectively in high-stakes matters.

William’s career highlights include favorable results in Hawaii’s Circuit Courts, the Supreme Court of Hawaii, the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He has also obtained positive resolutions through mediation, arbitration, and proceedings before the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other administrative forums. His versatility and courtroom skill have earned him a trusted reputation among clients and peers alike.

Recognized for his contributions to the legal field, William N. Ota has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America from 2013 to 2021 and was named the 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Employment Law – Individuals for Honolulu. His professional memberships include the American Bar Association and the Hawaii State Bar Association, reflecting his ongoing commitment to excellence in advocacy and client service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Ota & Hara, LLLC
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges