The Hawaii Supreme Court has granted attorney Nancy Ribaudo's petition to resign from the practice of law in the state. This decision allows her to retain her law license as a keepsake. The ruling was issued on July 1, 2026, and affects Ribaudo's standing as an attorney in Hawaii.
Ribaudo's petition was reviewed by the court, which concluded that she met the necessary requirements to resign under the state's legal rules. The court's decision not only marks the end of Ribaudo's legal career but also highlights the procedures attorneys must follow when resigning from practice.
Background
Nancy Ribaudo, an attorney in Hawaii, filed a petition to resign from the practice of law. The petition was submitted according to Rule 1.10 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaiʻi. This rule outlines the process for attorneys wishing to resign in good standing. Ribaudo's request included declarations supporting her petition.
The case reached the Hawaii Supreme Court as part of its original jurisdiction. The court's role was to evaluate whether Ribaudo had fulfilled the requirements set forth in the applicable legal rules for resignation. The court's review included a consideration of Ribaudo's compliance with the necessary procedural steps.
The Ruling
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in favor of Ribaudo's petition, granting her request to resign from the practice of law. The court stated, "Petitioner has complied with the requirements of RSCH Rule 1.10." This ruling allows Ribaudo to retain her paper license as a memento, which is permitted under RSCH Rule 1.10(b).
Additionally, the court ordered that Ribaudo must comply with further requirements outlined in RSCH Rule 2.16, which includes notice, declaration, and record-keeping obligations. The ruling was issued by Chief Justice Vladimir P. Devens and Associate Justices Sabrina S. McKenna, Todd W. Eddins, Lisa M. Ginoza, and Chief Judge Karen T. Nakasone, who was assigned to the case due to a vacancy.
Impact
This ruling has implications for other attorneys in Hawaii who may wish to resign in the future. It clarifies the process and requirements for resignation, ensuring that attorneys understand the steps they must take to leave the profession while maintaining good standing. By allowing Ribaudo to keep her license as a memento, the court acknowledges the personal significance such items can hold for legal professionals.
Furthermore, the decision reinforces the importance of adhering to procedural rules when resigning. It serves as a reminder that attorneys must follow established guidelines to ensure a smooth transition out of the legal profession. This ruling does not appear to set a new precedent but rather reaffirms existing procedures for resigning attorneys.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Ribaudo plans to appeal this decision or if there are any related cases pending. However, it is common for attorneys to formally resign without further legal disputes once they have completed the necessary steps.