Ho’oponopono (pronounced “ho-o-po-no-po-no” in Hawaiian) means to “make things right and just”. In Hawaii, ho’oponopono is a means of conflict resolution; where people come together peacefully and commit to healing through reconciliation and forgiveness.
Born and raised on the rural south side of the Big Island of Hawaii, Liann (or Li as her friends call her), implemented ho’oponopono from early on in life to resolve any kind of conflict, always seeking the best and most just results. She continues that practice to this day.
Starting the summer of her first year of law school, Li interned at the Public Defender’s Office and stayed on as an intern, post-bar clerk, and ultimately became a Deputy Public Defender, proudly serving the San Diego community for over 10 years. During that time, she assisted in the litigation of more than 10,000 cases, and personally handled her own felony caseload for the majority of her career that included being lead counsel for more than 2,000 felony cases. Specializing in the art of trial, Li has tried close to 60 cases to verdict, covering every imaginable alleged crime including murder, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, mayhem, domestic violence, sex crimes, weapons charges, drug offenses, and even thefts and DUIs.
Whether it was a serious felony that called for life without parole, or a misdemeanor that would not result in more than a fine, Li implements ho’oponopono into every single case she handles, ensuring that her clients not only receive exceptional legal representation, but also justice. Li is known in the legal community for her effective and zealous advocacy, her ability to command respect in any courtroom and negotiation she enters, and to obtain incredible results for her clients by ensuring that the prosecutors, judges and jurors see her clients as she does: human beings with deep and compelling histories deserving of reconciliation and forgiveness, not just another number and charge. Her commitment to humanizing clients with grace and humility is what makes Li a force to be reckoned with.
When she is not making her opponents work harder, Li is a devoted mother who loves to travel (far and often), see live music, try new restaurants, and is an avid reader.
AWARDS
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars Award (2025);
- National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys Top Ten (2024);
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 - Criminal Defense (2025);
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 - Criminal Defense (2025)
