In the sixth grade, Chenise Kanemoto was given a research assignment to present herself as an expert on an issue and then discuss and debate that topic with her fellow classmates.  Finding the assignment an exhilarating and rewarding experience, she set her heart and mind on becoming a lawyer.  Her father, a dentist, was her role model in developing her deep sense of compassion and professional approach to the combination of life and career.  Though pursuing different professions, the standards of integrity, dedication and service were common guideposts for both father and daughter.

Somewhat intimidated by the prospect of writing an essay on professionalism in the practice of law, her heritage and passion for the subject gave her the motivation she needed.  Her article, Bushido in the Courtroom: A Case for Virtue-Oriented Lawyering is an inspiring and motivational work that will hopefully become a guidepost by which others will chart their professional courses.

Ms. Kanemoto obtained her B.A. from the University of Washington in 2001.  She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai’i, where she was a symposium editor and member of the University of Hawai’i Law Review and the treasurer of the Student Bar Association.

After receiving her law degree in 2004, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Corinne K.A. Watanabe at the Intermediate Court of Appeals, State of Hawai’i.  Ms. Kanemoto is currently an associate at Lyle S. Hosoda & Associates, a business and commercial litigation law firm in Honolulu, Hawai’i.

Ms. Kanemoto is a member of the American Bar Association, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Women Lawyers’ Association.  She is also active in the community, serving on the Board of Governors of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i.

Shown above: Donald G. Kempf, Esquire, left, vice president of the American Inns of Court Foundation, presented the Warren E. Burger Prize at the Celebration of Excellence to Chenise S. Kanemoto, Esquire, right, of Honolulu, Hawai'i for her article, "Bushido in the Courtroom: A Case for Virtue-Oriented Lawyering." Ms. Kanemoto received a cash prize and her essay will be published in the South Carolina Law Review.