Higgs & Johnson

Co-Managing Partners: Oscar N Johnson, Jr and Sterling H. Cooke
Number of partners worldwide: 17
Number of other lawyers worldwide: 21
Languages: Bahasa Malaysia, English, French, Spanish

Firm Overview:
Higgs & Johnson is one of the largest full-service corporate and commercial law firms in the Bahamas with an international reputation for sound legal advice that spans over 70 years. The firm’s highly qualified attorneys are among the best in their respective fields as providers of superior, results-oriented legal advice and exceptional personalised service.

Main Areas of Practice: 

Litigation:
Higgs & Johnson is engaged in a broad spectrum of international litigation, and accustomed to working with lawyers from other jurisdictions in co-ordinating cross border litigation strategies for client success. In the past decade the group has been involved in some of the most notable international cases, acting as counsel in matters involving substantial sums of money.

Real Estate & Development:
The firm has experience in a variety of real property transactions and has acted in the sale and purchase of an oil refinery, hotels, the establishment of commercial time-share complexes and other substantial commercial properties. A steady stream of individuals in the sale and purchase of residences and private islands are served.

Securities & Investment Funds:
The group offers a wide range of services in relation to investment funds, derivatives, capital markets, collective investment schemes and financial products.

Financial Services, Insurance & Regulation:
The group has extensive experience in the regulatory and anti-money laundering fields and is well versed in the laws and regulations governing the financial services industry of the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, currently advising a substantial number of local and international banks, trust companies and securities firms.

Private Client & Wealth Management:
Several of the firm’s attorneys are members of STEP, an international organisation of trust practitioners. The firm is accustomed to liaising and working with offshore legal advisors to ensure efficient tax structures, and is an industry leader in Asset Protection Trusts, Private Trust Companies (PTCs), Purpose Trusts, Foundations and Executive Entities.

Insolvency & Corporate Restructuring:
The firm’s comprehensive insolvency group regularly advises on matters concerning the rights of creditors, the best solutions for recovery of creditors’ debts in insolvency matters, and the powers and duties of liquidators and receivers.

Maritime & Aviation:
The Maritime & Aviation practice group provides timely, efficient and cost-effective service to ship-owners, ship mortgagees, aircraft owners and major international airlines with onshore and offshore requirements.

Intellectual Property:
This group focuses on the regulation of rights regarding ideas, trademarks, patents and copyrights. Attorneys are able to advise on the rights to transfer these ideas, and compensation for transaction through licensing fees.

Commercial Transactions:
The Bahamas and Cayman Islands are premier International Financial Centres, having a real connection with many large international financing projects. The firm has substantial experience as advisers on all aspects of financing projects.

Tax:
The Tax practice group provides clientele with expert, sound and knowledgeable legal advice in a wide range of tax related activity. They represent clients in all of their tax needs and at every stage, from structuring to dispute resolution.

Government & Regulatory Affairs:
Successful businesses need a partner to manage government relations that could directly impact the start-up, daily operations and long-range outlook of their operations. The Government and Regulatory Affairs practice group is that partner. Attorneys within this practice area have the knowledge, experience and relationships to guide clients through the local legislative and regulatory regime successfully and efficiently.

Company Formation & Management:
H&J Corporate Services Ltd. is a premier provider of corporate administrative services both to local and international clients. H&J Management Services Ltd. provide company formation and property management services. H&J Fiduciary Services Ltd. provides registered representative services for PTCs in The Bahamas. Visit www.hjcorporate.com

Clients:
The firm’s clients are local and international banks, global law and accountancy firms, trust companies, investment firms, multimillion dollar touristic developments, multinational companies, and high networth individuals.

International Work:
Coupled with strong connections with leading firms in New York, London, Zurich, Geneva, Hong Kong, São Paulo and other commercial centres, Higgs & Johnson has a talented and knowledgeable team of experienced attorneys, with additional administrative, financial and technical support to deliver timely, accurate and relevant service to clients around the world.