Vladimir P. Devens

Professional career

• Vladimir Paul Devens is the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, sworn in on May 5, 2026 to replace Mark E. Recktenwald, who retired in September 2025
• Associate Justice: Joined the Hawaii Supreme Court on January 12, 2024, appointed by Governor Josh Green to replace Paula A. Nakayama
• Founding partner / attorney, Law Office of Vladimir P. Devens; from 2013
• Associate; later partner, Meheula & Devens LLP; from 1995
• Graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and a 1987 graduate of the University of California Berkeley School of Law (fka Boalt Hall), where he served as an Associate Editor of the Industrial Relations Law Journal.
• As Chief Justice, Devens is the administrative head of the Hawaii State Judiciary
• Predecessor: Sabrina S. McKenna (acting Chief Justice)
• Chief judge service: Chief Justice
• Early career: Honolulu Police Department officer (6 years) Private practice for over 30 years, specializing in civil litigation Partner at Meheula, Devens & Winer; principal at Law Offices of Vladimir P. Devens, LLC

Education

Additional information

• Partner since 1997.
• Born 1962.
• Civil litigator, Private practice
• More than 30 years in private practice.
• overseeing court operations statewide
• Prior to his appointment, Justice Devens worked in private practice for over 30 years where he concentrated his practice in civil litigation in various areas of the law.