John Schum has defended clients charged with the most serious crimes in Federal, State and Military Courts for the last 30 years. He started his professional life as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps. After serving five years as an infantry officer, John was selected for the Funded Law Education Program in 1989 and the military sent him to California Western School of Law in San Diego, California, to bring his tenacity and leadership into the courtroom. When he returned to active duty, he served as a prosecutor, senior defense counsel, regional defense counsel and military judge in California, North Carolina and Hawai`i. Following his retirement in 2006, John opened his own private practice in Honolulu, Hawai'i where he has dedicated his career to representing those facing the most daunting charges.
John understands the tremendous stress a person and their family experiences when facing lengthy incarceration in prison. He brings his caring nature and compassion to the attorney client relationship and works tirelessly for the best outcome. When necessary, John is willing to stand in front of a jury and zealously try the case to verdict which he has done over 200 times.
John received his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and his Masters of Law from The Judge Advocate General School of the Army at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is licensed in California, Hawaii, the United States District Court, District of Hawaii, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.