A T T O R N E Y

Dawn has more than 25 years of legal experience in the public and private sectors. Dawn practices in Family Law, Real Estate, Conservatorship & Guardianship matters, Estate Planning, and Probate. She is available for Dispute Resolution and enjoys collaborating with individuals and families to solve their legal problems.

Dawn’s passion for helping others is demonstrated in previous positions as Managing Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i's Kona office and as Senior Trial Counsel in the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights and Civil Divisions in Washington, D.C.

Dawn first practiced on the Big Island from 1995-1996, and returned in 2005 to call Kona home. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law.

A T T O R N E Y

Terri's legal acumen and problem-solving will often result in clients avoiding litigation. If a dispute must go to court, Terri is an extraordinary, tireless, and focused litigator.

Terri cut her teeth in the Securities & Professional Liability and White Collar Defense & Investigations departments Latham & Watkins. There, she began her winning track record in complex litigation, D&O advancement and indemnification, SEC & qui tam defense, and internal investigations related to FCPA and securities. Her clients have spanned the globe. She is an experienced attorney in criminal matters, first as an award-winning Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Hawai’i County and now as a defense attorney in state and federal courts.

In law school, Terri was the Editor-in-Chief of the Southern California Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif. Upon graduating, she served as a law clerk to Chancellor William B. Chandler III and Vice Chancellor John W. Noble of the Delaware Court of Chancery, and to Honorable Ferdinand F. Fernandez of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

A T T O R N E Y

Catherine has a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College and a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Catherine interned with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda as well as the United States Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review.

After law school, Catherine served as law clerk to the Honorable Elizabeth A. Strance, Circuit Court of the Third Circuit, State of Hawaii. She then practiced in state court as Deputy Public Defender for six years, representing indigent defendants charged with crimes ranging from petty misdemeanors to class A felonies.

In 2019, Catherine went into private practice. She now primarily works on state and federal criminal cases and assists with civil matters. Catherine is fervent about honing her motions practice and trial advocacy skills toward the end of zealously representing every client.

A T T O R N E Y

Melissa focuses her practice on business and real estate law. After graduating from Northwestern University School of Law, she worked in the corporate practice groups at both Skadden Arps and Freeborn & Peters in Chicago. While there, she assisted clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to companies undertaking an IPO to small business start-ups.

After leaving Chicago, Melissa moved to the Big Island as the owner of Big Island Running Company. Her experience as an entrepreneur has given her even more appreciation for the issues and challenges that small businesses face. She uses that experience to help craft legal solutions and documentation that make practical sense for business owners.

LEGAL ASSISTANT & ADMINSTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Christine embarked on the incredible journey of motherhood at a young age, but has been blessed to have her amazing partner by her side since she was 15 years old. Christine swiftly dove into the world of parenthood, multiple jobs, and running her family's company, all in a relentless pursuit of providing a secure home and nourishment for her little ones. Christine considers herself a graduate of the esteemed School of Real Life, with experience being her greatest teacher.

Christine’s primary aim at BFL is to alleviate the stress and anxiety often associated with legal consultations, ensuring that client visits are marked by a sense of calm and assurance. Christine brings her incredible organization and interpersonal skills to BFL and endeavors to support the attorneys and clients in myriad ways throughout the day.

LEGAL ASSISTANT & NOTARY PUBLIC

Tahisha was born and raised on the Island of Hawai’i, where she developed a love for the beautiful beaches and natural landscape. After high school, she entered a criminal justice program. She found the study of law fascinating and discovered her passion for helping others navigate the legal system. Before joining BFL Law, Tahisha worked as a paralegal at Hawai’i’s largest nonprofit law firm, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i, where she honed her research and attorney support skills.

Tahisha’s paralegal career has always been balanced with her role as a mother and wife. She has five beautiful children who keep her and her husband busy. Tahisha is committed to helping people in need and using her skills to positively impact the community and build a better future for the people of Hawai’i.

LOGISTICS AND CASES ADMINISTRATOR

Carole Ann has lived a rich and diverse life, filled with experiences and challenges. From a young age she had the responsibility of marriage and motherhood, which helped her become strong and resourceful. Having only one year of college, she worked in different industries including making fine jewelry wax moulds, modeling shoes, cosmetology, and office management. While in her early fifties, she took on the responsibility of raising her grandchildren. Her love for her family has always come first.

Now that all of her children are grown and have fulfilling careers of their own, she is working at BFL Law as the Logistics and Case Manager, which she finds challenging and very satisfying.

Carole Ann brings wit, wisdom, empathy, and enthusiasm to BFL Law.

RESIDENT CANIS LUPUS FAMILIARIS

Born and raised amidst the tropical beauty of Hawaii, Riley has a spirit as vibrant as the island itself. With a broad smile, wagging tail and an infectious zest for life, Riley has become the beloved office mascot. Riley's favorite after-work activity is chasing balls, a pursuit that brings out her boundless energy, showcases her lightning-fast reflexes, and clears her mind before another day patroling the BFL hallways, checking in on the attorneys, and bringing a smile to everyone she meets.