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Advisor Highlight: Rosemarie S.J. Sam, Esq.
The Gift of Giving Back
While many attorneys focus on solving problems, Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s (HCF’s) 2025 Outstanding Professional Advisor honoree Rosemarie “Rose” Sam finds joy in helping her clients leave a lasting legacy in the community.
Born and raised in East Honolulu, Rose is a partner at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, where for 19 years she has specialized in estate planning, trust and probate administration, and trust litigation. As past president of the Hawai‘i Estate Planning Council, Treasurer of the Hawai‘i State Bar Foundation, board member of Bishop Museum, and a current member for the Hawai‘i Tax Institute’s Advisory Committee and the Judiciary’s Committee on Uniform Probate Code, Rose views herself as a product of community.
For Rose, the motivation is simple: gratitude.
“I feel like there’s a lot that I would like to give back, because I have received so much,” she reflects. Her profession affords her an incredible opportunity to do so, by helping clients achieve their goals while strengthening Hawai‘i’s communities.
A Unique Privilege
 Rose especially appreciates the aspects of estate planning that separate it from other areas of law practice. “When most people see a lawyer, they’re not so happy about it, right?” she asks with a laugh. “Usually, they see a lawyer because they got hurt, they got sued, they’re getting a divorce. But when people see an estate planner, it’s different, because they want to see you.”
Estate planning allows Rose to engage with people at meaningful moments in their lives by talking through their values, finances, family dynamics, and the legacies they wish to leave behind.
“It’s a very unique relationship that you have, and most of the people are very thankful for the work that you do. I feel super lucky and super blessed that I get to do this.”
One of the most inspiring aspects of her work is helping clients who have the resources and determination to build strong, resilient communities. Rose recalls one client who owned an apartment building, deliberately charging below-market rent to help people with housing insecurity. Living modestly himself, he directed most of his estate to address homelessness and food insecurity.
“Everyone has something to give. It could be words of encouragement, gratitude, acts of kindness, service to others. But financial support can make a huge, tremendous difference,” she says. “Getting to work with people who are fortunate enough that they can make these kinds of donations and support the community is very fulfilling.”
— Rose Sam, HCF 2025 Outstanding Professional Advisor in Philanthropy
Even More to Be Grateful For
Rose’s sense of gratitude deepened over the past year when she was diagnosed with cancer. Through her recovery, she experienced firsthand the power of community through the unwavering support of family and friends, the compassion of her colleagues at Goodsill, and the extraordinary care she received from the healthcare professionals at Kaiser Permanente and the Cancer Center of Hawai‘i.
“That experience has strengthened my commitment to giving back because I know what a difference it makes when people come together to support one another,” she reflects. “HCF has been an amazing resource," providing education and guidance for clients and nonprofits, she says, adding that HCF helps to "turn intention into action by creating real, lasting benefit for those in need.”
Making the Most of the Opportunity
Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Rose shares three key insights for professional advisors supporting clients in their philanthropic goals.
- Let philanthropy arise naturally. As a part of the estate planning conversation, Rose asks clients if they have charitable goals. Some already know what causes matter most to them. Others haven’t thought about it and the question opens meaningful conversations. Above all, Rose emphasizes tailoring solutions to each client’s unique circumstances. “Get the best result for their situation and needs. They’re going to have different families, different interests, different goals, and financial backgrounds. It’s really about what’s best for their particular circumstance.”
- Use HCF as a resource. Rose encourages advisors to collaborate with HCF, especially when clients don’t have a clear goal, want to leave a lasting legacy, support multiple cause areas, or have substantial assets requiring expert stewardship, particularly high-net-worth clients. “HCF is fantastic because they have the knowledge and resources so they can best utilize the funds so that they reach the places that need them most.”
- Stay current on trends and techniques. Rose recommends professional development opportunities like the Hawai‘i Tax Institute conference, where practitioners can learn about the latest laws and techniques in a field where regulations change frequently. “It’s great for our community because normally you have to go to the mainland to see all these professionals speaking at national events, but they’re coming here.”
Rooted in Gratitude and Giving
Rose embodies the true spirit of philanthropy rooted in grace, gratitude, and generosity. Her dedication to her clients, her profession, and her community continues to inspire others to give back in meaningful ways.
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