Law Practice of Jackie Kong

The Law Practice of Jackie Kong represents a unique blend of legal expertise, psychological insight, and genuine commitment to helping families navigate the emotional and legal complexities of divorce. Established in 1999, this respected practice has served Hawaii families for nearly 25 years, guided by attorney Jackie Kong's distinctive philosophy: help families understand and resolve their legal matters with wisdom, compassion, and respect for the human dimensions of family dissolution.

Jackie Kong brings an unusual and powerful educational foundation to her family law practice. She is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii's most prestigious and selective educational institution. Her undergraduate education took her to Indiana University, Bloomington, where she earned her degree in Business Economics and Public Policy—a curriculum that provided sophisticated understanding of economic principles, public policy analysis, and financial considerations essential for divorce representation. Remarkably, she continued at the same institution for her law degree, earning her Juris Doctor from Indiana University's Law School. This dual-program approach at a respected Midwestern law school gave her broad perspective on American legal principles while also demonstrating her exceptional academic credentials and commitment to excellence.

What truly distinguishes Jackie Kong, however, is her integration of psychological insight with legal expertise. In 2004, she received the distinguished Daniel K. Inouye Award from the Hawaii Psychological Association in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to psychology and mental health. This award—given in honor of the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who was a champion of mental health advocacy—recognizes that Kong understands family law practice extends far beyond legal technicalities. She grasps that divorce involves profound psychological and emotional dimensions that affect every party involved, especially children. Children experience disruption and loss. Parents navigate guilt, anger, grief, and uncertainty. Finances feel threatened. Identities built around marriage must be reimagined. Kong's psychological insight helps her understand and address these human dimensions, making her legal advocacy more effective and her client counsel more wise and compassionate.

Kong's early career path reflected her commitment to understanding family law from multiple angles and perspectives. She began as a law clerk to Betty Vitousek, a senior family court judge, providing her insider understanding of judicial reasoning and how judges approach family law disputes from the bench. This foundational experience was invaluable in developing her perspective on family law practice. She then joined the Law Office of Nell T. Nakamura as an associate attorney, gaining practical experience handling family law matters and learning from an established practitioner with deep Hawaii roots and expertise.

Beyond her formal law practice, Kong has consistently engaged in community work that reflects her commitment to helping families navigate divorce effectively. She has made presentations at National Business Institute seminars, educating other attorneys and professionals about family law and its psychological dimensions. She has taught classes through the People's Law School, sponsored by the Hawaii Association of Trial Lawyers, making legal information accessible to ordinary families rather than keeping it the exclusive domain of paying clients. Perhaps most importantly, she has facilitated children's groups for The Kids First Program—a mandatory divorce education program designed to help children understand and process their parents' separation. This direct work with children experiencing parental divorce has given Kong profound empathy and practical insight into the actual impact divorce has on young people and families.

Additionally, Kong has mediated divorce cases through the Mediation Center of the Pacific (formerly the Neighborhood Justice Center of Honolulu). This mediation work reflects her belief that not all divorces require adversarial litigation. When couples can communicate effectively and negotiate in good faith, mediated settlements often produce superior outcomes—reducing costs, preserving co-parenting relationships, and allowing families to move forward with dignity and respect.

Kong's prominent role in the Hawaii State Bar Association's Family Law Section further demonstrates her standing in Hawaii's legal community. She has served as Past President of this important section and continues to serve as a board member. In this leadership capacity, she has influenced the direction of family law practice throughout Hawaii, promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and continuing legal education among family law attorneys.

The Law Practice of Jackie Kong operates with a distinctive philosophy synthesized from all these experiences: help families understand their legal situation, explore realistic options, and make informed decisions about their futures. Kong practices what she calls "educate, not litigate"—an approach that prioritizes client education and informed decision-making over unnecessary litigation. When litigation becomes necessary, she advocates aggressively; but she encourages families to consider whether adversarial battle truly serves their interests, especially when children are involved.

For Hawaii families seeking family law representation from an attorney who understands both the legal dimensions and the human realities of divorce, the Law Practice of Jackie Kong offers unmatched combination of expertise, compassion, and genuine commitment to helping families move forward. Contact Jackie Kong at 808-533-4444 today to schedule your confidential consultation.