Jonathan W.Y. Lai

After joining Watanabe Ing LLP in 1995, Jonathan Lai became a partner in 2003. He became the firm’s Managing Partner in 2020. Jonathan also manages the Creditors’ Rights practice area and co-manages the Business Law and Governance practice area. His legal practice focuses on creditors’ rights, business law, foreclosure, bankruptcy, collections and loan workouts. Jonathan also practices in the area of real estate and commercial litigation. Through his leadership, the Creditors’ Rights practice area has represented the seven largest banks in Hawaii, eleven of the twenty largest Oahu-based federal credit unions and a number of other financial institutions throughout the country. His diverse client base also includes non-profit organizations and businesses ranging from single member LLCs to foreign corporations. Jonathan represented an international syndicate of lenders in the $300+ million foreclosure of the former Ritz Carlton Residences at Kapalua Bay. He has also represented other lenders in shopping center, commercial and hotel foreclosures and bankruptcies throughout the state.

Pro tip: Golfs right-handed and left-handed