General Business Law
Global Guide 2024 : Bahamas
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 242 502 5200About
Provided by Higgs & Johnson
Experience
Members of the Commercial Transactions practice group have had substantial experience as advisors on all Bahamian aspects of commercial cross-border transactions, including sales, mergers and acquisitions, financings, and agreements. The group has extensive experience in the regulatory and anti-money laundering fields and are able to assist applicants for licenses or registration to operate under various financial services related regimes, satisfying the regulatory requirements relative to anti-money-laundering and counter financing of terrorism.
Legislation
Partners in the practice group have been instrumental in the drafting and implementation of several important pieces of legislation, including:
- serving as private sector advisor to the Bahamas government on the restructuring of financial services industry legislation in response to the initiative of the FSF, FATF and OECD;
- advising on the drafting of legislation to modernise the casino gaming industry in The Bahamas; and
- assisting the financial services industry in drafting Acts relating to Purpose Trusts, Foundations, Private Trust Companies and Executive Entities.
Financing Projects
The group has substantial experience as advisers on all such financing projects, including but not limited to:
- Syndicated Loan Agreement
- International Foreign Exchange Agreements
- Re-Invoicing Agreements
- Bond Issues
- Security Interests
- Credit Transactions
- Share Purchase Agreements
Chambers Review
Higgs & Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most prominent law firms in the Bahamas. It has considerable experience overseeing major commercial transactions, including M&A, financings and capital markets issuances. The firm is equally well placed to assist clients with real estate development mandates, while its dispute resolution team is regularly instructed on some of the jurisdiction's most noteworthy commercial cases. Typical clients for its lawyers include international banks and financial institutions, as well as trust companies, real estate developers and cruise operators.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team at Higgs & Johnson is exceptionally broad."
"The composition of the team and the expertise on offer allows for the appropriate assignment of legal matters to the best lawyer possible."
"The team at Higgs & Johnson is exceptionally broad."
"The composition of the team and the expertise on offer allows for the appropriate assignment of legal matters to the best lawyer possible."
Notable Practitioners
Philip Dunkley KC is a veteran lawyer who maintains his standing as one of the leading figures in the Bahamas litigation arena. He serves as a senior partner at Higgs & Johnson and has over 40 years of experience in practice.
Surinder Deal is an accomplished commercial lawyer with a notable reputation for her counsel on matters related to finance. In her tenure as a consultant at the firm, she continues to advise a diverse roster of clients on corporate transactions, business structuring and financing matters.
Christel Sands-Feaste remains one of the most sought-after finance lawyers in the Bahamas. She is regularly instructed by borrowers to advise on loan facilities, as well as securities issuances.
Tara Archer-Glasgow operates a diverse contentious practice from Nassau. She acts on matters relating to asset recovery and the enforcement of international awards. Additionally, she advises on shareholder and contractual disputes. She represents a range of domestic and international clients, including banks and leisure companies, as well as private individuals.
"Tara is well versed in our key business challenges and brings a perspective that is always helpful for us. She is a tremendous asset to our business."
Oscar Johnson KC is an esteemed litigator in the Bahamas. He offers clients a wide range of experience encompassing corporate, insurance and admiralty matters, among others. He currently holds the role of co-managing partner at Higgs & Johnson.
Based in the firm's Lyford Cay office, Stephen Jenkins Melvin is held in high regard for his advice on property development and tax, as well as land acquisition. He has notable experience in mandates relating to resort and marine development.
Zarina Fitzgerald leads the commercial transactions team at Higgs & Johnson. She offers a wealth of experience in M&A and finance, assisting clients with a range of high-value matters.
"Zarina is a tremendous asset to us and brings great value to our business."
Audley Hanna maintains a notable reputation in the Bahamian commercial litigation sphere. He regularly advises on banking disputes, having represented some of the region's leading financial institutions. He has further experience acting for governmental entities and high net worth individuals.
"His deep experience surrounding local labour laws has been invaluable."
Ranked Lawyers at
Higgs & Johnson
Bahamas
Members
Provided by Higgs & Johnson
N Leroy Smith
Paul Davis
Portia Nicholson
Stephen Melvin
Sterling Cooke
Tara Cooper Burnside
Vann Gaitor
Vivienne Gouthro
Zarina Fitzgerald
Industries
Provided by Higgs & Johnson
Utilities; Telecommunication; Aerospace; Banks; Commercial Services; Energy; Financial Services; Government; Insurance; Private Client; Real Estate