Rock 4 Justice, The Fixer, and Associate Chief Justice Update

In previous years, Rock 4 Justice was simply an event I loved attending. It was a chance to kick back with defense attorneys, deputy AGs, prosecutors, and court staff outside the formal pressure cooker of the courtroom. At R4J, it was instead a relaxed room where we could listen to live music, grab a cold beer, and connect like human beings.

This year, the Advocates for Public Interest Law (APIL) asked me to serve as their fundraising chair. Taking on a role I’ve never done in any capacity, I wanted to share the wonderful experiences I’ve had making quick elevator pitches for contributions.

Classic Heavy Hitters: Mr. Green, Mystery Attorney, and "The Fixer"

My very first approach was attorney Michael J. Green. I ran into Mr. Green at Circuit Court, where we briefly connected on a mutual client's bail status. Once we wrapped the bail logistics, I told him I had taken on the role of fundraising chair for R4J.

He didn't even let me finish my pitch. He stopped me mid-sentence and said:

That's typical of Mr. Green. He didn't waste time with extra details and directly said he could assist. My kind of contributor.

Our second major contributor needs little introduction, though we can play a quick game without naming names directly. He is widely regarded as the premier criminal defense trial attorney of his generation. He challenged and fundamentally transformed how the State charges felony offenses with his Hawaiʻi Supreme Court win, and he mentored and employed the exact attorney I see inheriting his current mantle of “Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Hawaii.” Hmmmm, I wonder who it could be???

I received a text from him confirming he not only wanted to make the maximum contribution, but he also wanted to sponsor a special student hospitality so that every law student in attendance feels genuinely welcomed, celebrated, and supported by the legal community. Seeing that generous, community-minded side of someone known purely for relentless courtroom warfare is what this event is all about. I guess the “God of War,” is in fact a benevolent ruler.

Which leads me to mention: want to buy a college kid a slice of pizza or help subsidize the merch we're making? We have headline sponsorships available for both pizza and merch. Reply directly to this email if you'd like to participate.

Then came a coincidence right as I sat down to write this issue: out of nowhere, Christian "The Fixer" Enright called me up and said he wanted to contribute to R4J. The funny thing? I hadn't even talked to him about it. He had simply heard through the coconut wireless that I was raising funds and proactively stepped forward to back the cause. Much like Mr. Green, I really appreciate how easy he made it.

Other notable attorneys that made it easy for me to collect a donations include Craig Nagamine, Ryan Ha, Addison Bonner, and Rick Sing.

Where the Money Goes: 

Donation are collected to funds stipends for students at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law. These student do vital public-interest outreach work and deserve some extra support while they serve.

The Spicy Reality: Money Talks

Sometimes support surfaces in the most unexpected places. My own insurance company, United States Fire Insurance Company, with a simple email decided to step up and contribute a Rock Legend level donation.

Like Being Rejected as a Prom Date:

I’ve also had a few notable flameouts in my fundraising efforts. To be fair, pitching people on money brings plenty of past baggage from people who simply weren't having it, but tried their best to be graceful. I had one contact burn my ear off, aggrieved about something from years ago that I had absolutely nothing to do with. I had another contact quickly want to get off the phone the moment I got into my elevator pitch. And, of course, I’ve had a few: "Yeah, let me get back to you on that"—which we all know means they're not getting back to me on that.

No shade. If it's not for you, I’m not twisting anybody's arm. But if you would like to buy a college kid a slice of pizza, or even help subsidize a summer stipend, feel free to write a check for the upcoming event or anytime thereafter.

Event Details

• Event: Rock for Justice VIII
• Date: Friday, November 6
• Time: Doors open at 4:30 PM | Live Music from 5:00 PM ’til late
• Location: Artistry in Kaka‘ako, 461 Cooke Street, Honolulu, HI
• Features: Live Music, Free Pizza, Raffle, RFJ Hall of Fame Inductees, and Community Spirit!
• Admission: Free admission; all donations collected at the door help fund APIL Summer Stipends for law students

Sponsorship Tiers

Help sustain this vital mission and empower students to gain hands-on experience in public-interest legal services through our sponsorship levels:

• $5,000 — Rock & Roll Royalty
• $2,500 — Hall of Fame
• $1,000 — Rock Legend
• $500 — Headliner
• $250 — Backstage Pass 

Sponsors at the $1,000 level and higher receive a VIP Reserved Table, prominent event signage, and live shoutouts from the stage throughout the evening.

Special Event Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Pizza Booth Sponsor: Prominent branded signage featured directly at the complimentary pizza buffet station.
• Merchandise Sponsor: Sponsor or co-brand official event merchandise and apparel.

(Contact me directly if you wish to be the headline sponsor for either of the aforementioned opportunities.)

How to Make Your Contribution

• To Donate by Mail:

  Please make checks payable to Advocates for Public Interest Law and mail to:

  APIL C/O Nicholas Lindblad

  1750 Kalākaua Ave, Apt 2703

  Honolulu, HI 96826

• At the Door:

  We will be taking donations at the door, which is a free event. 

• Tax Deduction Strategy:

  A lawyer advised me to tell you to consult with your CPA to determine the exact eligibility of any tax-deductible contribution. That said, contributions should qualify as charitable donations to a non-profit organization (Federal Tax ID No. 99-0085260, UH Foundation). Make sure to talk with your CPA to dial in your tax deduction strategy before year-end.

Oh, and one more thing:

Associate Justice Eddins will be inducted into the R4J Hall of Fame!

Stay generous, my friends.

— Jail Mail Nick