Joelle B. Yamamoto
Joelle B. Yamamoto
  • Partner

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Biography

Joelle concentrates her practice in estate planning, probate, conservatorships and guardianships, and trust and estate administration, including will and trust disputes.

Examples of her work include:

  • Trust Administration: Represented individual and corporate trustees in administering and terminating trust estates, including advising on fiduciary duties, notice and reporting requirements, compliance with and interpretation of trust terms, and filing petition with the court for approval of trust accountings, instructions, and modification or termination of the trust for tax and/or administrative reasons.
  • Probate Administration: Represented individual and corporate personal representatives of both Hawaii and non-Hawaii resident decedents in appointment and subsequent administration and termination of estates.
  • Trust and Estate Litigation: Represented fiduciaries in disputes relating to trusts and estates.
  • Estate Planning: Represented individuals with estate planning, including preparation of revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance health-care directives, digital asset authorizations, gifting and transfer instruments, and estate and gift tax planning.
  • Conservatorship/Guardianship: Represented clients to establish and administer conservatorships and guardianships of minors and incapacitated adults, including court approval of accountings and special expenditures.
  • Real Estate Conveyancing: Represented Hawaii and non-Hawaii residents and fiduciaries with conveying real property to and from trusts and entities, including preparation of inter vivos and transfer on death deeds, Land Court petitions, affidavits, lease and CCD assignments, deeds in satisfaction of and assignments of agreements of sale, and petitions for vesting orders; and advising on conveyance and estate tax implications of such transfers.

Prior to joining Goodsill, Joelle clerked for the Honorable Derrick H. M. Chan during his term as Chief Judge and Probate Judge of the First Circuit Court, where she advised the court on estate, probate, conservatorship, guardianship, and trust matters. She also clerked for Judge Chan during his subsequent term as Associate Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

Education

  • University of Hawai’i, William S. Richardson School of Law, Honolulu, Hawai’i
    • J.D. – 2015
    • Honors: Phi Delta Phi, Vice President
    • Law Journal: Asian – Pacific Law & Policy Journal, Executive Publications Editor
  • University of Washington
    • B.S. – 2012
    • Major: Biology

Bar Admissions

  • Hawaii
  • U.S. District Court District of Hawaii

Professional Associations

  • Hawai‘i State Bar Association
  • Hawai‘i State Bar Association Elder Law Section (Past Chair)
  • Hawai‘i State Bar Association Probate and Estate Planning Section
  • Hawai‘i Estate Planning Council Board of Directors (2023 Director, 2024 Director, 2025 Secretary)

Practice Areas:

  • Trust and Estate Litigation and Controversy
  • Trust and Estates

Honors

  • Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2021-2026
  • Hawai‘i Business Magazine Emerging Legal Stars 2025