Across the spectrum of finance sector matters, Higgs & Johnson is a go-to destination in the Bahamas and maintains a leading offering across corporate law too. Real estate backed financing involving US entities is an area in which the financial services group excels, and consolidation has been the trend in the region, as worldwide. Christel Sands-Feaste is the key contact in financial services, excelling in significant transactional matters and securities work. Zarina Fitzgerald chairs the commercial transactions group and draws on three decades of experience, having acted on numerous high-profile domestic and cross-border deals. Vivienne Gouthro is experienced in commercial finance and has specific strengths in the maritime and aviation spaces, while Stephen Melvin, the firm’s real estate and development practice head, is another key partner in this area. Alexandra Hall and Lori Nelson are further names to note in regulatory and real estate, respectively.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team at H&J that deals with corporate matters for us is very qualified to do so. By reason of our complex financing agreements, we have been fortunate to still retain H&J as they were our counsel when we entered these agreements, so the continuity of services has been very beneficial.’

  • ‘Zarina Fitzgerald is lead partner on all of our financing matters and has been zealous in her review of our matters, engagement and communication with our lenders. She is very ably assisted by Andre Hill. They are both well-versed in local and international financing laws and successfully guided us through a waiver of restrictive financing covenants during the pandemic, as an example of quality client service. Zarina's history with our financing and refinancing is a tremendous benefit.’

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Zarina Fitzgerald, Vivienne Gouthro, Christel Sands-Feaste

Other key lawyers

Sterling H. Cooke