Atty. Michael D. Formby
Michael D. Formby is a lawyer practicing admiralty/maritime, commercial litigation, government relations and 2 other areas of law.
Admiralty & Maritime & More Attorney · Serving Honolulu, HI · 36+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael D. Formby at a Glance
Michael D. Formby is a contracts, business, litigation, government, and maritime attorney based in Honolulu, Hawaii. They have 36+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1990. Admitted to practice in Hawaii (1990), U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii (1990), U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1993), and U.S. Supreme Court (1998). Educated at South Texas College of Law (J.D., 1983) and Texas A & M University (B.S., 1980). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Proctor in Admiralty 1987, Hawaii State, American and Federal Bar Associations Maritime Law Association of the United States. Serves clients in Honolulu, HI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael D. Formby
- Michael D. Formby is a lawyer practicing admiralty/maritime, commercial litigation, government relations and 2 other areas of law
- Michael received a B.S. degree from Texas A & M University in 1980, and has been licensed for 36 years
- Michael practices in Honolulu, HI
Practice Areas Explained
Michael D. Formby's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael D. Formby handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Honolulu.
Contracts in Honolulu
Michael D. Formby is one of 76,101 contracts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse contracts attorneys in Hawaii →
Business & Corporate Law in Honolulu
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael D. Formby is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Hawaii →
Civil Litigation in Honolulu
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael D. Formby is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Hawaii →
Government & Administrative Law in Honolulu
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
Michael D. Formby is one of 131,162 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in Hawaii →
Maritime & Admiralty Law in Honolulu
Maritime attorneys for Jones Act claims, longshore injury, cruise ship cases, and offshore matters.
Michael D. Formby is one of 11,459 maritime attorneys indexed nationally. Browse maritime attorneys in Hawaii →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Honolulu
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 venue, 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.
Honolulu Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Honolulu-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Hawaii attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Honolulu or all attorneys in Hawaii.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Honolulu Choose Michael D. Formby
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael D. Formby's practice in the field of contracts, business, litigation, government, and maritime.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael D. Formby brings 36+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Hawaii, U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, Michael D. Formby can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering contracts, business, and litigation, Michael D. Formby can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Honolulu
A Honolulu-based practice means Michael D. Formby attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael D. Formby Handles in Honolulu
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael D. Formby has experience with under Hawaii law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael D. Formby directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael D. Formby Online
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Michael D. Formby's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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