Kelly G. LaPorte has emerged as a prominent figure in Hawaii’s legal landscape, particularly in the realm of education law. As a partner at Cades Schutte LLP, one of the state’s most respected law firms, LaPorte has carved out a reputation for deep legal expertise, tactical litigation skills, and a steadfast commitment to protecting and guiding educational institutions.
A Powerful Legal Mind with a Military Edge
Before entering law, Kelly G. LaPorte graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served as an Airborne Ranger with the 25th Infantry Division. That same discipline and clarity now fuel his legal strategy. He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994 and quickly established himself as a litigation force in Hawaii.
Expertise in Education Law
As Chair of Cades Schutte’s Educational Institutions Law Practice Group, LaPorte represents a wide variety of clients, including:
- Public and private K–12 schools
- Colleges and universities
- Charter schools
- Nonprofit education organizations
His practice covers everything from compliance with FERPA, ADA, and IDEA, to student discipline, faculty employment disputes, and board governance. Whether drafting handbooks or representing schools in high-stakes litigation, LaPorte provides comprehensive legal services tailored for educational institutions.
Litigation and Advocacy Success
LaPorte also leads the firm’s Litigation Department, with a focus on:
- Civil rights and discrimination claims
- Contractual and employment disputes
- Intellectual property and data privacy issues
- Appellate advocacy in both state and federal courts
In a notable case, he successfully represented the Education Institute of Hawaii in an open-records lawsuit, winning nearly $100,000 in legal fees from the state Department of Education—an example of his powerful advocacy for transparency and fairness in education.
Recognition and Peer Respect
Kelly G. LaPorte’s excellence has not gone unnoticed:
- Chambers & Partners USA ranks him among Hawaii’s leading commercial litigators.
- Benchmark Litigation and Super Lawyers regularly recognize him for his legal prowess.
- He holds a perfect AV Preeminent (5.0/5.0) rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest standards of ethics and ability.
Community Involvement and Leadership
Outside the courtroom, LaPorte remains engaged in Hawaii’s civic and legal communities. He is active in:
- The Hawaii State Bar Association
- The American Bar Association
- The West Point Society of Hawaii
- The Navy SEAL Foundation, among others
His work reflects a deep commitment to service—mirroring his military past with a strong sense of civic duty and educational empowerment.
Why Educational Institutions Trust Kelly G. LaPorte
Schools and educational leaders turn to LaPorte for several key reasons:
- Unmatched Knowledge of Education Law – He understands the legal ecosystem surrounding schools and students.
- Strong Litigation Results – Proven success in defending institutions in high-profile cases.
- Preventive Legal Strategy – Helps schools avoid legal issues through sound policy guidance.
- Professional Integrity – Trusted by peers, clients, and judges alike.
Conclusion: A Trusted Legal Partner in Hawaii’s Educational Landscape
In a field as sensitive and evolving as education law, Kelly G. LaPorte stands out not just for his legal victories, but for his unwavering commitment to the values of fairness, compliance, and institutional growth. With a rare blend of military leadership, legal acumen, and community service, he has become a cornerstone for Hawaii’s educational institutions navigating legal challenges.
Whether facing litigation, updating policies, or building proactive legal strategies, schools in Hawaii can depend on Kelly G. LaPorte for expert, ethical, and effective counsel.
