Adrian Lavarias joined the firm as an associate in 2006. Mr. Lavarias' areas of practice include construction litigation, personal injury litigation, real estate litigation, trusts and estates litigation, and commercial litigation.
Mr. Lavarias graduated summa cum laude from the William S. Richardson School of Law. During law school, he worked as a summer associate with the firm. He also worked as an extern to the Honorable Susan Oki Mollway of the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, the Honorable Michael D. Wilson of the First Circuit Court, State of Hawaii, and the University of Hawaii General Counsel's office. Mr. Lavarias has also served as a member and casenotes editor of the University of Hawaii's Law Review and a member of the Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity.
Mr. Lavarias is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Business Administration, where he obtained a degree in Finance. During his undergraduate studies, Mr. Lavarias worked as a student assistant to the Athletics Director at the University of Hawaii.
Construction Litigation
- Represented subcontractor in mechanics' lien action involving the recovery of $3 million. A lien was successfully attached and proceedings to recover the amounts have commenced.
- Represented general contractor in recovery of damages from State of Hawaii stemming from project delays and inadequate project designs. Case settled out of Court.
- Represented mechanical design contractor against defective design claims brought by homeowner's association. Case was settled following a mini trial in the first Circuit Court. Mini trial jury returned defense verdict in favor of mechanical contractor.
- Represented Engineer in professional negligence claims on Maui. Case was settled out of court prior to trial.
- Represented contractors in various administrative proceedings before the State's Regulated Industries Complaints Office.
Personal Injury Litigation
- Represented landowner against claims brought by minor and family of minor for injuries allegedly sustained when minor was assaulted by third party on landowner's property. Case settled out of court favorably for landowner.
- Represented general contractor in claims brought against homeowners for defamation and injury to business reputation. Homeowner's insurance company paid $1 million to settle case.
- Represented employer against defamation claims brought by former employee in connection with employee's termination. Case was settled before trial favorably for employer.
Real Estate Litigation
- Represented prominent Hawaii Church against claims brought by Native Hawaiian activist for alleged violation of Hawaii's environmental protection laws, Hawaii's Native Hawaiian burial laws (HRS Chapter 6E). Successfully defended Church against preliminary injunction filed by activist to halt construction of the project.
- Represented commercial lessee in lease rent arbitration against property owner. Arbitration results in favorable decision for lessee, saving lessee several million dollars over term of the lease period.
- Represented developer in litigation against former landowner and County over affordable housing credits. Case settled out of court prior to trial.
Trusts and Estates Litigation
- Represented Trustees of the estate of a late Hawaii celebrity against claims brought by beneficiaries to set aside trust and for recovery of damages from Trustees. Case settled out of court resulting in preservation of trust and release of all claims against Trustees.
- Represented Trustee in dispute with family members of settlor. Family members sought to set aside trust and recover damages from Trustee. Case settled out of court.
- Represented Trustees in arbitration against beneficiaries for breach of settlement agreement resulting from beneficiaries' failure to perform under agreement. Arbitration resulted in complete enforcement of agreement and award of damages in favor of Trustees.
Commercial Litigation
- Represented condominium owner against AOAO in action involving the recovery of damages sustained due to water intrusion into owner's penthouse condominium. Matter settled out of court favorably for owner.
- Represented various contractors and design professionals in breach of contract and payment claims seeking recovery of unpaid amounts under various contracts.
