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I am incredibly proud to announce this year’s A-1 Bail Bonds "Top Gun" Award. For those new to the newsletter, this award is given to the attorney who has had the most prominent, impactful year in our legal community. |
 | Former Winners Myles Breiner and David Hayakawa |
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Selecting a winner is part science and part art. After 20+ years in this industry, working with the top legal minds on the island, I’ve narrowed the criteria down to four essential pillars: |
 | Two Time Top Gun Award Winner Thomas Otake |
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The Science: A substantial working caseload with consistent zero-jail outcomes. The Qualification: Winning at least one high-stakes, complicated, and impactful case recently. Social Impact: Charity work "The Vibes": By listening to how attorneys speak about one another, I can tell who is on a "heater" and who is simply treading water.
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The Mystery of Attorney X |
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But who is the mysterious winner? In the old Speed Racer cartoons, there was a character called Racer X. He was the "Guardian Angel" of the main character, Speed. Racer X was the fastest man on the track, but he consistently sacrificed his own position to save Speed from crashes, deferring the win and the publicity to another. |
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This year’s Top Gun is Hawaii’s Racer X. We will refer to him simply as Attorney X. |
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This attorney fulfills every requirement of greatness—winning one of the state’s biggest cases and securing "impossible" outcomes—but like Racer X, he refused the spotlight. Attorney X understands that for a client in a sensitive position, the best attorney isn't the one on the evening news; it’s the one who gets the deal done and fades into the background. |
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Threading the Needle |
Attorney X recently navigated a legal battle that had it all: a contentious divorce, allegations of sexual abuse, and a seven-figure estate battle. The defendant was a prominent individual with everything to lose. The bail journey alone was a roller coaster, starting at "No Bail" and eventually settling at a significant six-figure sum. After a multi-year war where the case was dismissed and recharged, Attorney X secured a “Not Guilty” verdict on all counts, finally ending the nightmare for his client. |
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In another matter, Attorney X stepped in as the second attorney on a case where a global plea agreement seemed impossible. The client faced consequences involving alimony, child custody, and a pension stake. A previous, highly competent attorney couldn't find a way out, but Attorney X 'threaded the needle.' He disposed of the local charges while perfectly protecting the client’s interests in a separate, simultaneous case elsewhere. |
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The Brook Hart Standard |
 | Can you guess the movie? |
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When I reached out to attorney X to congratulate him on winning A-1’s “Top Gun” award, the attorney graciously declined the publicity. |
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In 20+ years as a bail agent in Honolulu, I have only seen this level of character once before. It reminded me of the "Golden Age" of criminal defense—the era of Peter Wolff, David Schutter, Philip Lowenthal, Howard Luke, and the legendary Brook Hart. |
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Years ago, I watched Mr. Hart pull off the impossible. I wish I could give you details of the circumstances he faced and resolution he engineered, however, when I asked Brook if I could write about it years ago, he declined. He wanted to protect the privacy of a client who, in his words, 'had been through enough.’ |
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“Say No More” |
Attorney X responded in that same stately, client-first fashion. When they declined the spotlight, I found myself using a phrase the kids use nowadays: "Say no more." |
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It’s a quick way of saying: I understand the vibe. I’m on the same page. We’re good. |
To be compared to Brook Hart—regarded by many as the greatest to ever do it in the State of Hawaii—is the highest compliment I can pay. Attorney X earned this award not just through his wins in the courtroom, but through the integrity he showed outside of it. |
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From time to time, I get attorney referral requests from the features I write. If you have a complicated criminal matter that you’d like to contact A-1’s TOP GUN about, feel free to call me direct, and I’ll get you his contact info. |
Congrats again, Attorney X, you know who you are! 😉 |
-Jail Mail Nick |
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What did you think of today's issue of JAIL MAIL |
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