The New Guard: Elite Private Attorneys to Watch in 2026

Reflections from 20+ Years in the Hawaii Legal Industry

In over two decades within this industry, I’ve seen some of the greatest to ever do it in Hawaii. I entered the scene when names like Michael Jay Green, Howard Luke, David Schutter, Philip Lowenthal Sr., Reginald Minn, and Brook Hart were the dominant fixtures of our judiciary.

While legends, for example Myles Breiner, are still winning big cases today, for this issue of Jail Mail, I’d like to highlight the new wave of criminal defense attorneys setting themselves up to make a memorable mark in their respective specializations.

Craig Nagamine + Ben Lowenthal

Success in the private sector is rarely an "overnight splash." It is the result of a decade-long grind—the "dark work" done as law students, the grueling prep for the bar exam, and the high-pressure years spent in the Public Defender’s or Prosecutor’s offices. Rarely do people recognize the decade of preparation required to finally become a "newcomer" making waves on the scene.

As we look toward 2026, these are the attorneys who have transitioned from public service to private practice with elite-level competence and a commitment to favorable client outcomes.

1. Craig Nagamine

Craig has always been a top Public Defender—quick on his toes and never shy about expressing aggressive, principled arguments on behalf of his clients. Now that he has moved into private practice, his skills have only sharpened.

The Edge: Craig has a masterful grasp of the bail system. I’ve personally witnessed his ability to get bail set or lowered in the face of aggressive prosecution.
Case Study: He recently navigated a highly complex matter involving a local Honolulu case complicated by a "no-bail" extradition hold from a mainland jurisdiction. His coordination ensured the local matter was resolved before the mainland authorities even moved, showing a sophisticated understanding of cross-jurisdictional logistics.

2. Ben Lowenthal

Coming from a family of legal giants, it’s easy to get lost in the Lowenthal name, but Ben Lowenthal is the one truly making waves in this new guard.

The Edge: A former top Public Defender specializing in appeals, he is finely attuned to the technical precision required for high-level legal writing and arguments.
The Reach: While his father was Maui’s first Public Defender, Ben has expanded the legacy across the islands. He is now a constant presence on Oahu, bringing a sharp, appellate-trained mind to every case he touches.

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3. Christian Enright

With close to 20 years of experience, Christian is a veteran whose reputation is finally catching up to his immense talent. Much of his best work happened out of the spotlight at the PD’s office, but in private practice, his brilliance is apparent to everyone.

The Edge: He possesses a keen understanding of the nuanced differences between the First Circuit (Honolulu) and the neighboring circuits like Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island where he has consistently secured favorable outcomes.
The Future: Christian is a "do-it-all" attorney. Whether it’s civil litigation or complex criminal defense across jurisdictions, he never shies away from a complicated case.

4. Ti Ta’ase

In my opinion, when Ti was at the Public Defender’s office, he was at the very top of the list. Being assigned to him was every bit as good as spending thousands of dollars on a well-established private attorney. Now that he is a private attorney, the word is out among bail agents.

The Edge: Ti is particularly talented in resolving Family Court matters, which are some of the most emotionally charged cases in the law. However, he also understands Surety Law—a distinct area that even some of the smartest attorneys struggle to grasp.

Sidebar: The Reality of Bail Forfeiture

There is a persistent myth that bail agents have "reinsurance" to save our skin when a client runs. This is 100% wrong. Ti Ta’ase is one of the few who understands that bail forfeiture money is real money. If a bail agent loses a client on a $200,000 bond, that agent pays that $200,000 out of their own pocket. Ti recognizes that a bail agent’s license and financial livelihood are on the line, and he treats the matter with the gravity it deserves.

Looking Ahead

The legal landscape is shifting. While we honor the giants whose shoulders we stand on, the rise of Nagamine, Lowenthal, Enright, and Ta’ase represents a new standard of private defense in Hawaii. I am pumped to see the work they will do in 2026.