Governor Josh Green today announced the nomination of Vladimir Devens 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.

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.

Justice Devens received his undergraduate degree in economics, graduating magna cum laude and earning Phi Beta Kappa honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (formerly Boalt Hall), where he served as an Associate Editor of the Industrial Relations Law Journal.

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. He also served on the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association (HSBA) board of directors and with various HSBA committees.

If confirmed by the Hawaiʻi State Senate, Justice 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.

 

Photo credit: Office of Governor Josh Green