Atty. Joseph A. Ernst

Atty. Joseph A. Ernst

Joseph A. Ernst is a Director of the firm and a member of the employment law department.

Honolulu Honolulu 18 yrs experience 18 year
Call (808) 523-6000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Joseph A. Ernst at a glance

Joseph A. Ernst is a employment attorney based in Honolulu, Hawaii, practicing at Torkildson Katz, A Law Corporation. They have 18+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2008. Admitted to practice in United States, Ninth Circuit 2017, United States, District of Hawaii 2008, and Hawaii (2008). Educated at University of Pittsburgh (—, 2008) and University of Tampa (—, 2005). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Honolulu, HI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Joseph A. Ernst is a Director of the firm and a member of the employment law department
  • His practice involves counseling and defending employers in all aspects of employment law, including defense of wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, whistleblower, and retaliation claims
  • He also assists clients with employer compliance with state and federal employment and labor laws

Practice Areas

Labor and Employment, Employment Litigation, Employment Compliance, Labor Relations

Practice Areas Explained

Joseph A. Ernst's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Joseph A. Ernst handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Joseph A. Ernst is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Hawaii →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Hawaii

Practicing law in Hawaii. Legal matters in Hawaii are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Honolulu are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Hawaii state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Hawaii brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Hawaii courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Hawaii attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Honolulu or all attorneys in Hawaii.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Joseph A. Ernst

Where is Joseph A. Ernst's law office located?
Joseph A. Ernst's law practice is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The firm is Torkildson Katz, A Law Corporation. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Joseph A. Ernst handle?
Joseph A. Ernst focuses on employment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Hawaii.
How long has Joseph A. Ernst practiced law?
Joseph A. Ernst has 18+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2008.
Where did Joseph A. Ernst go to law school?
Joseph A. Ernst earned their education at (—, 2008); (—, 2005).
How can I contact Joseph A. Ernst for a consultation?
You can contact Joseph A. Ernst directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Joseph A. Ernst received?
Joseph A. Ernst's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

University of Pittsburgh
- 2008
University of Tampa
- 2005

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Hawaii Super Lawyers 2014-2017
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — HONOLULU Magazine's 2021 "Best Lawyers" List
- 2026

Bar Admissions

United States, Ninth Circuit 2017
United States, District of Hawaii 2008
Hawaii
Admitted: 2008

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