Higgs & Johnson continues to be regarded as ‘one of the most prominent firms’ in the market according to the 2021 release of leading legal directory, Chambers Global. Ranked in the top tier category (Band 1), the Firm is said to ‘possesses considerable experience of commercial transactions, financing, refinancing and real estate development.’ The Guide noted that the Firm is ‘commonly instructed by international clients for its local law advice’ and is ‘further respected for its maritime practice’. Sources highlighted the group for its ‘quality of advice,’ and ‘speed of response,’ as well as valuing its ‘understanding of clients’ needs.’
Chambers Commentary for Ranked Attorneys
Ranked in the Senior Statespeople category, Senior Partner, Philip C. Dunkley QC is a veteran practitioner who maintains his standing as a “great litigator”, and has over 40 years of experience in practice. (General Business Law – Dispute Resolution)
Chair of the firm’s private client and wealth management practice, Earl A. Cash, Ph.D. is “a well-known name in the market,” according to sources. He has a deep well of experience assisting trust companies in the Bahamas for almost 40 years. (General Business Law)
Interviewees speak highly of Co-Managing Partner, Oscar N. Johnson Jr., stating: “He gives detailed answers, is very responsive, drafts well and always has good ideas.” He is a respected litigator, with experience covering commercial, insurance, employment and admiralty disputes.” (General Business Law – Dispute Resolution)
Partner and Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group, Stephen J. Melvin, is held in high regard for his advice on property development, land acquisition and property-related tax. He has notable experience on mandates relating to resort and marine development. Clients note: “Stephen is brilliant and no-nonsense.” (General Business Law: Real Estate)
Tara Archer-Glasgow, Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Practice Group, is noted for operating a diverse contentious practice which sees her act on asset recovery disputes and the enforcement of international awards, in addition to shareholder and contractual disputes. She represents a myriad of domestic and international clients, including banks, leisure companies and private individuals. (General Business Law: Dispute Resolution)
Partner and Chair of the Financial Services & Securities Practice Groups, Christel Sands-Feaste, is one of the most sought-after finance lawyers in the Bahamas, and is regularly instructed for her advice on loan facilities, as well as securities. One commentator lauded her as a “first-class commercial lawyer,” adding: “She is very comfortable on high-end transactions.” (General Business Law)
Insolvency partner, Tara Cooper Burnside, attracts praise from her peers as “a very good all-round commercial lawyer.” She handles a broad range of shareholder and contractual disputes, with further expertise in contentious employment and insolvency matters. (General Business Law: Dispute Resolution)
Surinder Deal, Of Counsel with the Firm, is an accomplished commercial lawyer with a particularly distinguished reputation for her counsel on financial matters. She provides advice to a diverse roster of clients on corporate transactions, business structuring, financing and securities. (General Business Law)
