Phonecia Nohea Keahiolalo
Paralegal
Journey to Family Law
Phonecia Nohea Keahiolalo entered the world of family law 12 years ago, starting as a receptionist for a private practice attorney. What began by chance quickly became a calling. Over the years, she has built a career grounded in compassion, thoroughness, and dedication to helping clients through some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Family law remains her favorite area of practice because it is where she has the most experience and where she feels she can make the greatest difference. Alongside family law, she has also worked on probate, estate planning, and guardianship matters, expanding her legal expertise to better support clients in all aspects of planning for and protecting their families.
Having recently gone through a divorce herself, Phonecia approaches each case with even greater empathy, understanding the stress, uncertainty, and emotional weight her clients carry. She is committed to being both an advocate and a source of steady support every step of the way.
Education
Phonecia’s legal knowledge is backed by a solid educational foundation:
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Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies – Arizona State University, 2024
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Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – Mohave Community College, 2019
She is also a proud member of the Arizona Paralegal Association.
What It’s Like to Work with Phonecia
Clients describe Phonecia as personable, approachable, and deeply committed to their cases. She is thorough in her work, compassionate in her approach, and dedicated to finding solutions that serve her clients’ best interests.
Her ability to combine professionalism with genuine empathy creates an environment where clients feel heard and supported. She knows family law is often one of the most stressful experiences a person can face, and she works tirelessly to make the process as smooth and manageable as possible.
Life Beyond the Law
When she’s not in the office, Phonecia is a proud mom to three children—ages 20, 9, and 5—who keep her life full and busy. She is a true foodie who enjoys discovering new flavors and creating delicious meals in her own kitchen.
Originally from Hawaii and a Native Hawaiian, she cherishes time spent outdoors and especially loves being on the water—whether at the river or the ocean. She returns to Hawaii as often as she can to visit family and reconnect with her roots.
Notable Career Moment
One of the most interesting cases Phonecia has worked on was Holland v. Holland, which was appealed, vacated, and remanded—a professional experience that deepened her understanding of the complexities of appellate work in family law.
