The Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman law firm has an outstanding reputation as one of the top personal injury law firms in Hawai‘i. We are nationally known for our tenacity and the high quality of our legal work. Our attorneys have earned the respect of our colleagues and our adversaries alike.
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Passionate Advocacy
Our firm is well known for our passion and tenacity. Our attorneys are always prepared, and we investigate every aspect of our cases to help our clients recover the maximum amount possible. When other lawyers have to face our firm, they know that we believe in our clients, and we are always willing to go the extra mile.
“Attorneys at the Galiher law firm are among the most persistent and thorough lawyers that I know. They investigate every aspect of their cases for the benefit of their clients. The firm’s reputation as a passionate advocate for clients is well deserved. They are true believers who believe in what they do.”
~Defense lawyer with over 20 years’ experience
Proven Track Record in the Court Room
We have a proven track record as trial lawyers. Our opponents know that our attorneys are not afraid to go to trial. They know that we have extensive trial experience with over 250 jury verdicts, and we have obtained many multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients. Because of our proven track record, we are able to obtain the maximum compensation for our clients.
“Gary Galiher was one of the first attorneys in the country to investigate and try large groups of asbestos cases against asbestos companies. When his firm went to trial in his first case, Gary Galiher was virtually the only lawyer representing his clients against the lawyers from large law firms all trying to defeat Gary. But Gary embraced his “David vs. Goliath” role. Gary not only won his first case, but Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman went on to have the same success in future trials. They are terrific trial lawyers.”
~Defense lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in asbestos litigation
Honesty and Integrity
We pride ourselves in developing and maintaining our reputation for honesty and integrity. Judges respect our commitment to our clients and our resourcefulness and determination in the courtroom. Even our adversaries acknowledge our professionalism and commitment. Judges and other lawyers know that they can rely on our word about any aspect of our cases.
“The Galiher law firm has an excellent reputation among all lawyers and it is well-deserved. When attorneys from Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman give their word or make any representation, it can be relied upon. Other lawyers know it– and so do judges.”
~Defense lawyer who has faced the Galiher law firm at trial
Outstanding Results
Our firm is also known for our outstanding results. When we take a case to trial, we obtain multi-million dollar verdicts. When we settle a case out of court, we are able to get top dollar. Often, our settlements are so high that the defendants insist that the total dollar amount must be confidential, because they do not want the amount to be known publicly.
“As the national coordinating counsel for a defendant in asbestos litigation, I negotiate regularly with plaintiff lawyers from around the country. Without a doubt, attorneys from the Galiher law firm are among the most prepared and most tenacious attorneys with whom I have ever dealt. They know their clients’ cases intimately. The settlements that they negotiate for clients are among the highest in the country.”
~National Counsel for a defendant in asbestos litigation
L. Richard DeRobertis
Partner & Lead Appellate Lawyer
L. Richard DeRobertis joined the firm in 1983 and serves as the lead appellate lawyer in the firm. Rick has helped to preserve and expand the legal rights of Hawai’i workers, mesothelioma victims and consumers, and represents them in court appeals against manufacturers and large corporations.
Meet Rick
Ilana Waxman
Managing Partner
Born and raised in Hawai'i, Ilana Waxman joined the Galiher team in 2007 and focuses her practice on clients with mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. She also represents the families of children born with birth defects due to chemical exposures, Hawai'i residents suffering from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma as a result of Roundup exposure, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and other catastrophic injury cases.
Meet Ilana
Allison Aoki
Partner
Born and raised in Hawaii, Allison Aoki attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and Keio University in Tokyo before returning to attend the University of Hawaii for law school. Her practice focuses on representing victims of asbestos disease, pesticide exposure, and other catastrophic injuries. She approaches every case with sensitivity and determination as she works to help local families seek justice.
Meet Allison
Alyssa R. Segawa
Partner
A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Alyssa Segawa’s practice concentrates on asbestos litigation, personal injury, product liability, Roundup litigation, appellate and federal practice matters. She has a particular interest in helping victims of mesothelioma seek justice through the legal system as her grandfather passed away from mesothelioma when she was 16.
Meet Alyssa
Peter A. Kraus
Partner
Partner Peter Kraus focuses on toxic torts, whistleblower qui tam cases and pharmaceutical litigation. He has tried numerous asbestos, benzene exposure, and pharmaceutical cases including many multimillion-dollar verdicts and is an ardent supporter of consumer and victims’ rights.
Meet Peter
Christopher L. Johnson
Partner
Chris Johnson represents plaintiffs involved in toxic tort and complex civil matters. He focuses on helping victims achieve justice after suffering catastrophic injuries from dangerous products and toxic substances. This includes people dealing with mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure.
Meet Christopher
Victoria M. Chang
Attorney
Victoria M. Chang, a seasoned trial lawyer, is a dedicated advocate for individuals affected by harmful products and negligent practices. Before joining Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman, she served as a prosecutor for 10 years, specializing in seeking justice for victims of sexual assault, both minors and adults. With a career focused on litigating on behalf of those affected by others' wrongdoing, Victoria brings extensive experience to her role.
Meet Victoria
Elizabeth Nardi
Attorney
Elizabeth is an experienced litigator specializing in Maui fires impact, asbestos, Roundup cases, and advocating for child sexual abuse victims. As a former deputy prosecutor, Elizabeth served over 10 years handling diverse criminal jury trials. Elizabeth earned her law degree from California Western School of Law and her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Meet Elizabeth
About Our Founder
Gary O. Galiher
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Our Core Values
We take your case personally and put your needs first. That means you will receive individual attention from our attorneys who work as a team. We leverage our vast experience and resources to ensure you get the best possible results, even if that means going to court. No kou pono drives our resolve — everything we do is on your behalf. And at the end of the day, nothing is more important to us than honesty and integrity.
Our Results
We fearlessly take on large companies on behalf of locals and win. With over $1 billion in recoveries our track record speaks for itself. For decades, we’ve negotiated substantial settlements, obtained successful verdicts at trial and have been successful at appeal.
No Recovery, No Fee
If there’s no recovery in your case, you will not
have to pay a fee. We handle everything on a
contingency basis.
5 Most Common Ways People Are Exposed to Asbestos
Until about four decades ago, most structures in Hawaii were built with material containing asbestos, including the state’s military bases, state buildings, homes and even schools. While the health risks from these materials are well-known today, the use of asbestos – while highly regulated in Hawaii – is still allowed in certain products, creating serious risk for anyone who comes in contact with them. Asbestos is composed of six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into extremely fine threads for commercial and industrial uses. The fibers are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and do not conduct electricity.
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Lawsuit: San Diego Catholic Diocese Hid Assets from Sex Abuse Victims
A new lawsuit claims the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego attempted to hide real estate holdings valued at more than $450 million to avoid paying out legal settlements to hundreds of victims of childhood sexual abuse. The lawsuit follows a February announcement from the diocese that “staggering” legal costs from hundreds of new sex abuse lawsuits could force it to file for bankruptcy. Cardinal Robert McElroy wrote in a letter to parishioners that most of the assets were “depleted” due to settling earlier abuse claims. Facing new lawsuit filings, the diocese may consider bankruptcy to compensate victims, he wrote.
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Attorney Alyssa Segawa Selected to AAJ Leadership Role
Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman is proud to announce that firm partner Alyssa Segawa has been selected to represent trial lawyers in Hawai’i on the Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice (AAJ). The appointment to a national leadership role within the largest association of trial lawyers reflects a career-long commitment by Segawa to promoting professionalism and the highest standards within the legal profession. What is the American Association for Justice? Formed in 1946 and based in Washington, D.C., the AAJ’s mission is to promote justice and fairness for injured individuals and safeguard the constitutional right to a trial by jury. Organization members in each state are represented by two members of the Board of Governors. Segawa represents Hawai’i, while Johnston represents Texas. The selection was announced at the AAJ’s winter meeting in Austin, Texas, in February. About Alyssa Segawa Segawa is a partner in Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman’s Honolulu office. Her practice focuses on asbestos litigation, personal injury, product liability, Roundup litigation, appellate and federal practice matters. She has a particular interest in helping victims of mesothelioma seek justice through the legal system. She has held numerous leadership positions in the AAJ, as well as in the organization’s...
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Law Firm Earns 1 of the Top 50 Largest Injury Settlements of 2022
A multi-million dollar litigation settlement secured by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman trial lawyers is recognized among the Top 50 in the nation for 2022. The case underscores the Hawai’i-based firm’s ability to handle some of the most challenging types of injury litigation, which include asbestos exposure and sex assault. The case involved a $5.63 million settlement on behalf of a Hawai’i student who was sexually assaulted by a teacher, according to an analysis of state and federal records by researchers at TopVerdict.com. “Sexual assault litigation is extremely difficult. The victims often feel like the legal system is uncaring and victimizes them all over again. It’s extremely gratifying to represent these individuals and help them obtain justice,” said Galliher DeRobertis & Waxman lawyers Ilana Waxman and Chris Johnson, who played leadership roles in the case. “We were able to win a significant settlement that avoided having the victim testify in trial. Recognition like this is just another indication that our passion for clients and their causes can make a difference.”
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Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman Elevates Alyssa Segawa, Allison Aoki to Partner
Growing Hawai’i-based law firm represents victims of mesothelioma, Maui fires, toxic exposure, and childhood sex abuse HONOLULU, Hawaii — Hawai’i-based personal injury firm Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman is proud to announce the elevation of veteran lawyers Alyssa Segawa and Allison Aoki to partner.
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We Can Help
We provide free initial consultations. If you believe you or a loved one has a claim or a potential lawsuit, we are willing to meet with you to evaluate your claim with no obligation on your part. To learn more about your legal rights and options, please contact us to receive a free initial consultation.