James H. Ashford at a glance
- Current role
- Deputy Chief / Administrative Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Hawaii · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends April 23, 2028
James H. Ashford
Deputy Chief / Administrative Judge · Hawaii Circuit Court, First Circuit
Biography
Professional career
- As of 2026, he also serves as Deputy Chief Judge (Civil) of the First Circuit Court, and has been considered for further judicial appointments
- Sworn in as a First Circuit Court Judge on April 24, 2018, after previously serving on the Oʻahu First Circuit District Court — 2013–2018
- Initially appointed to the District Court by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald in July 2013 and confirmed by the Hawaii Senate in August 2013
- Joined the Circuit Court by Governor David Ige, replacing retiring Judge Rhonda A. Nishimura
- Before joining the bench, Ashford was a partner at the law firm Cades Schutte LLP, where he gained extensive experience in civil and commercial law
Education
- a law degree — Loyola Law School 1988
- Claremont McKenna College — B.A. (1984)
Additional information
- His initial appointment to the First Circuit District Court was September 30, 2013
- Chief judge service: Deputy Chief Judge
- His professional background includes significant contributions to Hawaii’s legal community, both as a practicing attorney and as a judge
- His education laid the foundation for a career in both private practice and the judiciary
- Considered for higher judicial appointments, reflecting his recognized expertise and leadership in Hawaii’s judiciary Judge Ashford’s career demonstrates a trajectory from private legal practice to significant judicial responsibilities, highlighting his role in shaping civil and criminal jurisprudence in Hawaii
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
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Camera Microphone Placement
Statewide
Hawaii leaves courtroom camera and microphone placement to the judge and cautions that judges may differ on placement rules.
The judge will decide where cameras and microphones can be placed in the courtroom. Judges differ on this - so please ask.Cameras and Audio Equipment ↗
Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 6, 2026.
Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster ↗Cameras and Audio Equipment
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Cameras and Audio Equipment ↗Remote Court Hearings via Zoom
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
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