Joseph M. Hallahan

Founder & Principal Attorney
Hallahan Law, LLC

Joseph M. Hallahan is the founder and principal attorney of Hallahan Law, LLC, a Saipan-based law firm serving clients throughout the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). His practice focuses on business law, trusts and estates, appellate work, land and investment transactions, and other complex private matters in the CNMI.

Known for his thoroughness, integrity, and work ethic, Mr. Hallahan brings over a decade of legal experience across all three branches of CNMI government. He provides clear, dependable counsel to public agencies, legislators, investors, landowners, and businesses navigating the legal, regulatory, and policy challenges of operating in the Marianas.

Mr. Hallahan began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable John A. Manglona of the CNMI Supreme Court, where he developed expertise in appellate and constitutional law.

Mr. Hallahan has previously served as Legal Counsel to the House of Representatives in the 23rd and 24th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, where he advised on legislation and regulatory matters across a wide range of sectors. He served as counsel to the Standing Committees on Cannabis, Commerce, Federal and Foreign Affairs, Judiciary and Governmental Operations, and Natural Resources, and was responsible for drafting major bills, amendments, and regulatory frameworks with long-term impact.

Mr. Hallahan has also previously served as Staff Attorney for the Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA), where he advised on airport and seaport regulations, lease agreements, procurement, and federal law and grant assurance compliance.

Before that, he worked in the Civil Division of the Office of the Attorney General, where he provided legal support to agencies such as the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority, with a focus on regulatory compliance, government procurement, and contract drafting and review. Mr. Hallahan’s experience includes commercial and administrative litigation, with a focus on infrastructure-related disputes, contract enforcement, public procurement challenges, and regulatory matters. He has also assisted clients in resolving complex claims through negotiation, mediation, and settlement.

Mr. Hallahan holds a Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with distinction, from Purdue University, where he earned a merit scholarship and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Mr. Hallahan is admitted to practice law in the CNMI and the State of Indiana. With a reputation for rigorous analysis, responsive service, and deep institutional knowledge, Mr. Hallahan is a trusted legal advisor to clients seeking clarity and confidence in their legal affairs.