Described as “savvy, well respected, and the best in the business”, Higgs & Johnson continues to be rated as a top-tier law firm in the latest edition of Legal 500 Caribbean. Maintaining its Band 1 ranking in corporate law, dispute resolution, and real estate and with clients recommending “without hesitation”, the Firm was noted for its “very international outlook and active embrace of connections around the world.”
“Across the spectrum of finance sector matters, Higgs & Johnson is a go-to destination” according to the Guide, with the commercial team recognized as “very qualified.” Commended as “one of the top litigation firms in The Bahamas routinely engaged in some of the jurisdiction’s standout cases at all court levels” the litigation team was also lauded for their “unrivaled dedication to research, analysis, and client satisfaction” and regarded as “well versed in cross-border work.” Noted for its “wide range of team members with varying expertise in-house to meet all needs”, the Real Estate and Development team “works well together” with the Guide stating that “developers of a host of high-end properties” look to them for advice.
Rankings & Recommendations
Ranked as a leading partner in dispute resolution, Co-Managing Partner, Oscar N. Johnson, Jr., K.C. is lauded as a “standout senior figure” and has 40 years of experience specializing in complex commercial and civil litigation, admiralty law, insurance, and employment law.
A recommended attorney in the area of real estate and corporate law, Co-Managing Partner, Sterling H. Cooke, is described as a ‘transactional lawyer to note” and has over 30 years of extensive legal expertise representing local and international real estate investors and lenders.
“Experienced in commercial finance with specific strengths in the maritime space”, Partner and Chair of the Maritime & Aviation practice, Vivienne M. Gouthro, is ranked as a leading partner in corporate law possessing 30 years of experience in international finance and real estate and development.
Ranked as a leading partner in corporate law, Zarina M. Fitzgerald, Partner and Chair of the Commercial Transactions practice, is praised by clients for her “zealous review of matters, engagement, and communication with lenders” and noted to be “well-versed in local and international financing laws.”
Partner and Real Estate & Development Chair, Stephen J. Melvin, is regarded as a leading partner in real estate and development while also being recommended in corporate law. He is recognized as the “counsel of choice to numerous international and Bahamian property developers.”
Described as a “confident, powerful and accomplished advocate that has a real team approach”, Partner and Chair of the Litigation practice, Tara Archer-Glasgow is ranked as a leading partner and noted as one of the strongest partners in dispute resolution with clients commending her “energy, skill and charm” and noting that she is at the “forefront of developments in cross border insolvency and crypto work.”
One of the “strongest partners” in his field, Partner and Private Client Chair, N. Leroy Smith, is ranked as a leading partner in dispute resolution and is “especially noted for private client litigation.” He possesses over 20 years of experience in trust and estates, complex commercial disputes, and employment law.
Noted as “the key contact in financial services”, Christel Sands-Feaste, Chair of the Financial Services and Securities, Investment Funds & Fintech practices, is ranked as a leading partner in corporate law (including banking, finance and M&A) and is praised for “excelling in significant transactional matters and securities work.”
Ranked as a leading partner in corporate law, Portia J. Nicholson is a commercial lawyer with over 30 years of experience in cross-border commercial transactions including Mergers and Acquisitions, high-value structured finance transactions, Initial Public Offerings, Private Placements of Securities, and more recently tax.
Commended for being “highly responsive and knowledgeable”, Litigation Partner and Deputy Chair of the Insolvency practice, Tara Cooper Burnside, K.C. is recommended in dispute resolution and is a seasoned practitioner in the areas of litigation, insolvency law, and financial services.
Recommended in dispute resolution, Karen S. Brown, Partner and Deputy Chair of the Litigation Practice, is recognized for her excellence in employment law. She also specializes in Commercial and Civil Litigation, Admiralty Law, Industrial Relations, and Real Estate law.
“Respected and trusted by clients”, Litigation Partner, Audley D. Hanna, Jr., is a recommended attorney in dispute resolution who is said to have “a notably broad presence across various contentious matters” and is “a pleasure to work with…calm and measured, backed up with immense legal knowledge.”
Ranked as a next generation partner in corporate law and recognized as a “name to note in regulatory”, Alexandra T. Hall is Chair of the Government & Regulatory Affairs practice with noteworthy experience in local tax law, legal and regulatory issues relating to resort development and operations, gaming law and Government affairs.
“A key figure in real estate”, Sandra J. Lightbourn, is ranked as a next generation partner. She has over 17 years of experience in real estate development and conveyancing transactions, probate and estate matters.
Real Estate partner, Lori C. Nelson, is ranked as a next generation partner in Real Estate with “significant recognition from clients and peers in the market” and “holds key roles on multiple matters.” She represents clients in the purchase, sale, and financing of hotels, marinas, resort and mixed-use developments, and residential and commercial property.
Operating a “broad practice across the real estate space”, Partner and Deputy Chair of Real Estate, Ja’Ann M. Major, is a recommended attorney in real estate specializing in residential and commercial property acquisitions and sales and mortgages as well as immigration law, probate and estate matters, commercial law, and maritime and shipping law.
Andre W. Hill, Senior Associate and Deputy Chair of the Government & Regulatory Affairs practice is ranked as a leading associate in corporate law and is said to be “well-versed in local and international financing laws.” His practice centers on finance, banking, commercial and maritime law.
Referenced as one that “stands out from the deep pool of more junior lawyers”, Deputy Chair of the Maritime & Aviation practice, Keith O. Major, Jr., is a Senior Associate in the litigation practice and is ranked as a leading associate in dispute resolution.
Senior Litigation Associate, Rhyan Elliott, is a recommended attorney in dispute resolution and he practices extensively in civil and commercial litigation and arbitration focusing on complex disputes with a cross-border element, including high-value asset recovery, insolvency and enforcement, financial services, and employment and property law.
Trevor J. Lightbourn, Senior Associate, is a recommended attorney in dispute resolution and is immersed in civil and commercial litigation specializing in asset recovery, employment law, and cross-border disputes.
Senior Associate, Kimberleigh Peterson Turnquest, is a recommended attorney in dispute resolution with significant experience in commercial and trust litigation. She also advises on financial services law and regulatory requirements, corporate restructuring and insolvency matters, and wills and estate planning.
“One of the top young lawyers in the market”, Real Estate Associate, Renai B. Martin, is ranked as a leading associate in real estate and is experienced in representing clients in residential and commercial property acquisitions and sales, and domestic mortgages. She regularly assists with resort development matters with varied condominium, residential, and amenity components.
“We are immensely proud of our prestigious Tier 1 ranking awarded to the Firm by Legal 500 Caribbean,” remarked Co-Managing Partner, Oscar N. Johnson, Jr., K.C. “The recognition of so many of our attorneys highlights our Firm’s expertise in banking, finance, securities, corporate law, litigation, dispute resolution, and real estate and development, emphasizing our dedication to delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
