Former HSTA attorney Vladimir Devens nominated as chief justice of Hawaiʻi Supreme Court

Gov. Josh Green has nominated Associate Supreme Court Justice Vladimir Devens, who served as the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s labor attorney for eight years, to serve as chief justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.

The chief justice is responsible for the administration of the statewide court system, including oversight of court operations, judicial assignments, and efforts to improve efficiency and access to justice.

Devens, who has served as an associate justice since 2024, brings more than three decades of legal experience to the role, including extensive work in civil litigation and public service.

Green said that Devens “brings something that is essential in this moment — real-world experience, a deep understanding of working people and a grounded, salt-of-the-earth perspective that reflects the values of our communities.”

“At a time when families are focused on affordability, housing and stability, we need continuity and steady leadership in our courts. Justice Devens is the right person to lead with fairness, independence and a clear understanding of how decisions impact everyday people,” Green added.

In a letter to Green strongly supporting Devens’ nomination, HSTA Executive Director Andrea Eshleman said the union “worked closely with Justice Devens beginning in 2016, when he served as HSTA’s labor attorney. During that time, he consistently demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism, earning the trust of our Association and its leadership.”

“Justice Devens is widely respected for his work in collective bargaining and employment law. His legal advice reflected a deep command of Hawaiʻi statutes and case law, an ability to quickly identify core issues, and a thoughtful approach to strategy grounded in real-world consequences. HSTA always felt confident in his representation before the courts and the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board,” Eshelman added.

“On the Supreme Court, Justice Devens has continued to demonstrate these same qualities. His opinions are clear, well-reasoned, and grounded in thorough consideration of the law. His judicial temperament reflects fairness and wisdom, remaining calm, respectful, and deliberate,” Eshelman said.

Prior to his appointment, Devens worked in private practice for over 30 years, concentrating his practice on civil litigation across various areas of the law. He also served on the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association (HSBA) board of directors and on various HSBA committees.

If confirmed by the Hawaiʻi State Senate, Devens will serve as the state’s highest-ranking judicial officer, overseeing the administration of the judiciary and guiding the work of the Supreme Court.

“I am deeply honored by Gov. Green’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Devens. “Throughout my career, I have worked alongside individuals and families navigating real challenges, and I carry those experiences with me. If confirmed, I will focus on ensuring our courts remain fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all communities, while upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust.”

Devins, who has also served as a Honolulu Police officer and on the Hawaiʻi Land Use Commission, was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate to the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court in 2023.

A graduate of Kalani High School, Devens earned a bachelor’s degree in economics cum laude University of California, Berkeley, (formerly Boalt Hall) where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He earned his law degree from the UC Berkeley School of Law, where he served as an associate editor of the Industrial Relations Law Journal.