According to Chambers Global (2020), Higgs & Johnson continues to be one of the most prominent firms in the market. Ranked again in the top tier (Band 1), the firm is praised for maintaining ‘a culture of collaboration and excellence’. Sources state that they have been ‘very well served by the team who are responsive and smart’ with commentators noting that the firm has ‘experts in many disciplines.’
Ranked in the area of Real Estate in the Cayman Islands, clients express their appreciation for the ‘first-class turnaround time’. Lauded as being ‘extremely dependable’ the real estate team is also highlighted for ‘always protecting their clients and paying stellar attention to fine detail.’
Chambers Commentary for Ranked Attorneys
− Philip C. Dunkley, QC is an exceptionally accomplished and ‘stellar’ disputes practitioner, with decades of experience in commercial litigation. He is highly esteemed in the market, with one source proclaiming: ‘If you have a problem you’ve never faced before, he has the solution.’
− Praised as a noted senior practitioner, Dr. Earl A. Cash, who is Chair of the firm’s private client and wealth management practice, has ‘earned a good reputation in trusts’ over the course of his 35 years in the industry.
− Global Managing Director, Oscar N. Johnson, Jr. has a wide-ranging disputes practice and sources noted that ‘his in-depth analysis and strategic recommendations are outstanding.’ Commentators praised his combination of ‘experience, level-headedness, and ability to explain exactly what is happening.’
− Sources laud Co-Managing Partner, Surinder Deal as ‘a genius at dealing with financial matters’ and a ‘very competent, meticulous and thorough’ attorney. She is said to possess an in-depth understanding of refinancing issues.
− Noted for her ‘really invaluable and readily available expertise’, Cayman Islands Country Managing Partner, Gina M. Berry is highly experienced in the areas of conveyancing, commercial real estate and immigration. Sources stated that her ‘knowledge and approach to clients is perfect’.
− Stephen J. Melvin’s practice covers the full gamut of real estate issues, including property development, land acquisitions and property-related taxation. He is also adept at handling cross-jurisdictional financing, acting for foreign investors as well as Bahamian real estate developers.
− Respected litigator Tara Archer-Glasgow has wide-ranging experience advising on bankruptcies, asset tracing and breach-of-contract disputes. One source also highlighted her particular strength in landlord and tenant disputes, stating: ‘She is our go-to person. She is invaluable.’ In addition to the Chambers ranking Tara also received, this month, the 2020 Client Choice Award from Lexology.
− Commentators regard Christel Sands-Feaste as a ‘very strong player’ and remains a popular choice of counsel for banks in regard to bond issuances, syndicated loans and other financing issues. Interviewees note that she is ‘very intelligent and has a good reputation.’
− Tara Cooper Burnside is well versed in commercial disputes, with her practice covering contentious shareholder and employment matters, among others. Clients note that she is very diligent in communicating case updates and developments.
− John Harris, one of the firm’s insolvency specialists in the Cayman Islands, was also cited by Chambers as a Recognised Practitioner.
