Higgs & Johnson is widely hailed as one of the most prominent law firms in the Bahamas according to the 2022 release of leading legal directory, Chambers Global. Ranked in the top tier category (Band 1) in both General Business Law and Dispute Resolution, the Firm is noted for its considerable experience overseeing major commercial transactions with its dispute resolution team representing some of the jurisdiction’s most significant commercial cases. The Guide further stated that the Firm is equally well versed at assisting with real estate development mandates.
Sources applauded Higgs & Johnson as ‘a top-class law firm providing truly solid and commercially focused legal advice,’ with one interviewee going so far as to call it ‘a one-stop shop for all my legal needs.’ The Firm was further praised for its ‘insightfulness and in-depth knowledge of Bahamian law, responsiveness, attention to detail and depth of resources.’
The increase in the number of ranked attorneys in the 2022 Guide and the continued recognition of attorneys in all Practice Groups reflects the depth of experience of the entire Higgs & Johnson team.
Chambers’ Review of Notable Practitioners
Senior Partner, Philip C. Dunkley, QC, is a veteran lawyer who maintains his standing as one of the leading figures in the Bahamas’ litigation arena and is noted by clients as a very able attorney. (General Business Law: Dispute Resolution)
Lauded as one of most respected litigators in the Bahamas, Co-Managing Partner, Oscar N. Johnson, Jr QC, is praised for his ‘immense knowledge of the law and providing solid, reliable advice.’ ‘The respect for his judgement throughout the legal community is also evident.’ (General Business Law: Dispute Resolution)
Zarina M. Fitzgerald, Partner and Chair of the Commercial Transactions practice group, offers clients a wealth of experience in M&A and finance and is noted by clients for being ‘extremely responsive, always knowledgeable and creative in working towards a solution that’s acceptable to all parties.’ (General Business Law)
Partner and Real Estate Chair, Stephen J. Melvin, is held in high regard for his advice on property and resort development, complex land acquisitions, structuring and resort and property-related tax matters and clients are impressed by his ‘top legal expertise, commercial approach and willingness to assist.’ (General Business Law: Real Estate)
Partner and Chair of the Litigation practice group, Tara Archer-Glasgow, operates a diverse practice which sees her act on asset recovery disputes and the enforcement of international awards, in addition to shareholder and contractual disputes. Clients praise her ability to ‘explain the law in layman’s terms and intelligently answer all questions timely. Clients further describe Tara as ‘articulate and friendly, with a welcoming demeanour.’ (General Business Law: Dispute Resolution)
Partner and Chair of the Financial Services and Securities practice groups, Christel Sands-Feaste, remains one of the most sought-after finance lawyers in the Bahamas. Recognized by clients for ‘producing good-quality work and giving sound advice’ she is also described as an ‘excellent, affable commercial lawyer who is concerned about meeting and managing client expectations.’ (General Business Law)
Recognized as a ‘strong litigation attorney’, Litigation Partner, Audley D. Hanna, Jr., has a growing reputation in the commercial litigation sphere. Clients state that he is ‘knowledgeable and responsive and will exert every effort to secure the desired result.’ (General Business Law: Dispute Resolution)
Surinder Deal, Of Counsel, is an accomplished commercial lawyer with a particularly distinguished reputation for her counsel on financial matters. She continues to advise a diverse roster of clients on corporate transactions, business structuring, financing and securities. (General Business Law)
