Mr Stephen Melvin > Higgs & Johnson > Lyford, Bahamas > Lawyer Profile

Developers of a host of the high-end properties in Bahamas look to Higgs & Johnson for advice on drafting and coordinating documentation for land transformation and the completion of their projects. The firm’s real estate department is well versed in negotiations with the Bahamian government and government ministries and authorities with regarding acquisitions, commercial activities, tax, licencing and all related regulatory matters. Heading the team are Stephen Melvin, who focuses on foreign direct investment and is counsel of choice to a number of numerous international and Bahamian property developers; and more junior partner Ja’Ann Major, who has a broad practice across the real estate space. Sterling Cooke is a transactional lawyer to note, with Lori Nelson and Sandra Lightbourn being additional key figures. Renai Martin stands out as one of the top young lawyers in the market.

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.