Our Mission
The Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association (HFLA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting justice, fostering professional excellence, and advocating for the Filipino community across the Hawaiian Islands. Our core purposes are to:
Promote participation and increase the visibility of Filipino lawyers within Hawaii's legal community and the judiciary.
Represent and advocate for the interests and civil rights of Filipino lawyers and their communities.
Foster the exchange of ideas and information among HFLA members, the judiciary, and the broader legal community.
Encourage and promote the professional growth and career development of our membership, including law students and aspiring legal professionals.
Facilitate client referrals and broaden professional opportunities for Filipino lawyers and law students.
Our History
The HFLA was created to form a unified voice and support network for Filipino legal professionals in Hawaii. We became an official affiliate of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) in 2016, connecting our local efforts to a national movement for Filipino American justice and representation.
Our work is built upon a rich history of Filipino advocacy in Hawaii. Filipinos are the second-largest ethnic group in the state, with our roots stretching back to the early 20th-century plantation era. The HFLA carries on the legacy of early activists and pioneers, working to ensure that the legal needs of this vibrant community are met and that Filipino voices are heard in all facets of the legal system.
Our Work in the Community
We are actively involved in serving both our members and the broader community through various initiatives:
Advocacy for Representation: We are committed to increasing diverse representation on the bench and in leadership roles within the legal profession.
Networking and Events: We host regular meetings, dinners, and collaborative events with partners like the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu and the William S. Richardson School of Law Filipino Law Students Association to strengthen our network.
Legal Resources and Education: Our members participate in community outreach and educational talks, providing expertise on essential legal topics such as landlord/tenant law, domestic violence, immigration, and estate planning.
Mentorship and Scholarships: We support the next generation of legal professionals by offering scholarships and mentorship opportunities to law students and high school students, often working closely with the Filipino Law Students Association at the William S. Richardson School of Law.
Join Us
HFLA welcomes attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students across the State of Hawaii. We are dedicated to the principles of unity, excellence, justice, and integrity.
To learn more about membership opportunities and how to get involved, please email hifilaw808@gmail.com.