Steven L. Higgs, P.C.

9 Franklin Road, Southwest
Roanoke, Virginia  24011-2403

Telephone: (540) 400-7990
Facsimile:   (540) 400-7999
Email: higgs@higgslawfirm.com
Web: www.higgslawfirm.com

REPORT FROM COUNSEL

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes New Edition of            Virginia Continuing Legal Education

Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

January 13, 2020:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published a new edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Virginia Law and Practice: A Handbook for Attorneys (2020 ed.).  Mr. Higgs is the author of Chapter 7 of the book:  “Creditors' Rights in Virginia.”  The two-volume book has been called an "essential compendium" of Virginia law.

Higgs Law Firm Again Ranked in 2020 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 1 , 2019:  The Higgs Law Firm has again been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the seventh edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Higgs Again Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 15, 2019:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 27th edition of "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.  Mr. Higgs has been listed in Best Lawyers annually since 2012.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Eighth Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia Creditors' Rights Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                        

April 22, 2019:  The Eighth Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Enforcement of Liens and Judgments in Virginia (2019 ed.), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored a chapter of the book on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  The book is one of the most popular titles published by Virginia CLE, and is available in both print and electronic versions.

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

November 16, 2018:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2019 in the practice area of Bankruptcy.  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 122 Virginia attorneys (and only 10 in Roanoke) were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice area of Bankruptcy.

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia.

Higgs Law Firm Ranked in 2019 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 1 , 2018:  The Higgs Law Firm has again been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the seventh edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes 2018 Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Debt Collection Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

October 1, 2018:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published the 2018 Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers: A Systematic Approach (7th Ed., 2018).  Mr. Higgs is the author of three chapters of the book:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”  The two-volume book has been called the "most comprehensive book on the subject ever published in Virginia."  The Honorable Robert L. Pustilnik, retired judge of the Richmond General District Court, is the long-time editor of the Handbook.

Higgs Again Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 15, 2018:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.  Mr. Higgs has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2012.

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes New Edition of            Virginia Continuing Legal Education

Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

January 22, 2018:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published a new edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, The Virginia Lawyer: A Deskbook for Practitioners (2018 ed.).  Mr. Higgs is the co-author of Chapter 9 of the book:  “Representing Debtors and Creditors.”  The two-volume book has been called an "essential compendium" of Virginia law.

Higgs Recognized for 20 Years of Board Certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law    

October 25, 2017:  Steven L. Higgs has been recognizd by the American Board of Certification for the 20th anniversary of his certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law.  Mr. Higgs originally attained this certification in 1998.    The American Board of Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in the specialties of Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights Law.  The bankruptcy practice of The Higgs Law Firm is limited to representing creditors.

The American Board of Certification also presented Mr. Higgs with a special lapel pin marking the 20th year of his board certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law.

Higgs Recertified as Specialist in Creditors' Rights Law    

October 25, 2017:  Steven L. Higgs has been recertified as a specialist in Creditors' Rights Law by the American Board of Certification.  Mr. Higgs first attained this certification in 2001.    The American Board of Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in the specialties of Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights Law.

In order to be certified as a specialist in Creditors' Rights Law, Mr. Higgs:

  •      Provided evidence of substantial involvement (at least 30% of his practice time, and at least 400 hours in the three years before applying for certification and for re-certification) in the specialty area of creditors' rights law.
  •      Provided appropriate references from lawyers and judges.  The references are sent directly to the American Board of Certification, and the applicant does not receive a copy.  A majority of the references are from attorneys who have handled legal matters against the applicant.
  •      Took a comprehensive written examination in the substantive and procedural law in the speciality area of creditors' rights law.  The examination consists of a two-hour, 75-question multiple choice portion and a two-hour, three question essay portion, including one essay on ethics.
  •      Demonstrated that he had completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education courses in the specialty area of creditors' rights law in the three-year period preceding his application for recertification [The Virginia State Bar requires that lawyers take only 12 hours of continuing legal education each year, and has no requirement regarding the areas of law in which the education is completed, except that at least 2 hours must be in ethics.]
  •      Demonstrated that he is admitted to practice law and is a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar.

Formal re-certification is required every five years, and each year attorneys are subject to revocation of their certification if they fail to continue to meet the requirements for certification.  The recertification requirements, and the process for applying for recertification, are similar to the original process for certification, but do not require re-taking the written examination.

While there is no procedure in the Commonwealth of Virginia for approving certifying organization, the American Bar Association says, "a lawyer who is a certified specialist has been recognized by an independent professional certifying organization as having an enhanced level of skill and expertise, as well as substantial involvement in an established legal specialty. These organizations require a lawyer to demonstrate special training, experience and knowledge to insure that the lawyer's recognition as a certified specialist is meaningful and reliable."

According to the American Board of Certification, "Board Certification should assist the public in identifying those attorneys who have the skills and have taken the extra time and effort to meet the rigorous standards of the ABC.  Board Certification is the mark of a dedicated legal professional."

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

November 20, 2017:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2018 in the practice area of Bankruptcy.  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 122 Virginia attorneys (and only 11 in Roanoke) were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice area of Bankruptcy.

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia.

 

Higgs Law Firm Ranked in 2018 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 1 , 2017:  The Higgs Law Firm has again been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the sixth edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Higgs Again Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 15, 2017:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.  Mr. Higgs has been listed in Best Lawyers annually since 2012.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes 2017 Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Bankruptcy Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

May 30, 2017::  The 2017 Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Bankruptcy Practice in Virginia, has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs, together with William H. Casterline, Jr. and Jeremy B. Root, authored two chapters of the book on the topics of  “Automatic Stay” and "Claims Against the Bankruptcy Estate."

The handbook was originally published in 2004 and supplemented in 2005, then was extensively edited and re-written for a 2008 edition to reflect the changes in the law resulting from the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, then was again supplemented in 2012.  The 2017 edition reflects changes to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as well as new case law.  The handbook, the "product of years of effort and experience by leading bankruptcy practitioners and judges," is available in both print and electronic versions.

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes New Edition of            Virginia Continuing Legal Education

Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

December 19, 2016:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published a new edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Virginia Law and Practice: A Handbook for Attorneys (6th ed., 2017).  Mr. Higgs is the co-author of Chapter 7 of the book:  “Creditors' Rights in Virginia.”  The two-volume book has been called an "essential compendium" of Virginia law.

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

November 16, 2016:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2017 in the practice area of Bankruptcy.  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 121 Virginia attorneys (and only 11 in Roanoke) were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice area of Bankruptcy.

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia.

 

Higgs Law Firm Ranked in 2017 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 1 , 2016:  The Higgs Law Firm has again been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the sixth edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Higgs Again Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 15, 2016:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.  Mr. Higgs has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2012.

 

Higgs Appointed as Bankruptcy Trustee          

                                                                                        

August 3, 2016:  Steven L. Higgs has been appointed to the panel of chapter 7 trustees for the Western District of Virginia. The appointment, which will become effective September 1, 2016, was made by the Office of the United States Trustee, a component of the United States Department of Justice.  Chapter 7 trustees collect assets of bankruptcy debtors that are not exempt under the Bankruptcy Code, liquidate the assets, and distribute the proceeds to creditors.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Seventh Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia Creditors' Rights Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                        

January 28, 2016:  The Seventh Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Enforcement of Liens and Judgments in Virginia (7th ed., 2016), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored a chapter of the book on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  The book is one of the most popular titles published by Virginia CLE, and is available in both print and electronic versions.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Fifth Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Debt Collection Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

December 21, 2015:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published the Sixth Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers: A Systematic Approach (6th ed., 2015).  Mr. Higgs is the author of three chapters of the book:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”  The two-volume book has been called the "most comprehensive book on the subject ever published in Virginia."  The Honorable Robert L. Pustilnik, retired judge of the Richmond General District Court, is the long-time editor of the Handbook.

 

Higgs named Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America    

December 15, 2015:  Steven L. Higgs has been designated as a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America Trial Counsel Honorary.

The Litigation Counsel of America is limited to 3,500 Fellows nationwide, carefully selected based upon evaluations of effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, and superior ethical reputation.  Membership is therefore extremely limited, representing fewer than one-half of one percent of American attorneys, and is by invitation only.  Members attain Senior Fellow status upon seven years of being a Fellow.

The Ltigation Counsel of America is established as a lawyer honorary reflecting the American bar in the 21st Century, representing, according to the organization, "the best in law among its membership, as selected by clients, lawyers, judges and business leaders throughout the United States."  The total number of Fellows represents fewer than one-half of one percent of practicing attorneys, according to the organization.

Higgs Law Firm Ranked in 2016 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 2 , 2015:  The Higgs Law Firm has been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the fifth edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Higgs Designated as Foreclosure Commissioner for HUD         

September 21, 2015:  Steven L. Higgs been designated by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a Single Family Foreclosure Commissioner in the state of Virginia.  Foreclosure Commissioners are designated to conduct non-judicial foreclosures on behalf of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Developement of mortgages held by HUD.

 

Higgs Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 17, 2015:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" for 2016 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes New Edition of            Virginia Continuing Legal Education

Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

July 2, 2015:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published a new edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, The Virginia Lawyer: A Deskbook for Practitioners (5th ed., 2015).  Mr. Higgs is the co-author of Chapter 9 of the book:  “Representing Debtors and Creditors.”  The two-volume book has been called an "essential compendium" of Virginia law.

Higgs Law Firm Recognized for Excellence     

June 8, 2015: Steven L. Higgs P.C has been selected for the 2015 Virginia Excellence Award by the US Commerce & Trade Research Institute (USCTRI).  According to USCTRI, each year it " conducts business surveys and industry research to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category. They are recognized as having enhanced the commitment and contribution of small businesses through service to their customers and community."


In delivering the award, USCTRI stated, "Steven L. Higgs P.C has consistently demonstrated a high regard for upholding business ethics and company values. This recognition by USCTRI marks a significant achievement as an emerging leader within various competitors and is setting benchmarks that the industry should follow."

According to USCTRI, "as part of the industry research and business surveys, various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the selected companies in each category. This research is part of an exhaustive process that encapsulates a year long immersion in the business climate of Virginia."

 

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

April 10, 2015:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2015 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy: Business."  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 51 Virginia attorneys (and only six in Roanoke) were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy: Business."

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia.

 

Higgs Law Firm Again Ranked in 2015 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 3 , 2014:  The Higgs Law Firm has been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the fourth edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Higgs Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 18, 2014:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" for 2015 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.

 

Higgs Listed in Super Lawyers Business Edition     

July 25, 2014:  Steven L. Higgs been listed in the Business Edition of "Super Lawyers" magazine for 2014 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."  Super Lawyers Business Edition is an annual resource that serves as the go-to guide for general counsel and executives in charge of making legal hiring decisions. This publication features top firms from all sizes. Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, and exhibit "excellence in practice." Super Lawyers Business Edition is distributed annually to more than 50,000 general counsel and executives nationwide.

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes            Virginia Continuing Legal Education

Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

July 14, 2013:  The Virginia Law Foundation has published a new Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Virginia Law and Practice: A Handbook for Attorneys (2014).  Mr. Higgs is the author of Chapter 7 of the book:  “Creditors' Rights in Virginia."  The book, based upon the Foundation's recently-developed reciprocity course, is expected "to be valued by Virginia practitioners at all levels of experience and for a broad range of client matters because it provides ready access to Virginia law and practice," according to the Director of Publications for Virginia CLE.

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 13, 2014:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2014 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy: Business."  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 51 Virginia attorneys (and only six in Roanoke) were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy: Business."

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia.

Past Presidents Gather at Roanoke Bar Association Meeting

June 10, 2014:  Many of the Past Presidents of the Roanoke Bar Association gathered at the RBA's 2014 meeting.

(Back Row, L-R): Stephen W. Lemon, William J. Lemon, Roy V. Creasy, Steven L. Higgs, Daniel S. Brown, Douglas W. Densmore, Eugene M. Elliott, Jr., Thomas H. Miller, Richard C. Maxwell

(Front Row, L-R): Thomas T. Lawson, Francis H. Casola, Mark K. Cathey, K. Brett Marston, Lori D. Thompson, Elizabeth K. Dillon, John P. Grove, Joseph H. Bounds, Raymond F. Leven

 

Higgs Quoted in Valley Business Front Article on Business Start-ups        

March 1, 2014:  Steven L. Higgs was quoted in an article published in Valley Busines Front magazine titled, "The Smart Start," on the subject of business start-ups.  The article's author, Cathy Cooper, quoted Mr. Higgs extensively on the need for new business owners to obtain good legal and tax-related advice before deciding what kind of legal entity to set up for a new business.  The article also noted the links to business start-up guides on our website, as well as the link to the Virginia "Business Registration Guide" found here.  The March issue of Valley Business Front may be downloaded in its entirety by clicking here.

Higgs Authors, Presents Legal Education Materials     Virginia Continuing Legal Education

February 24, 2014:  Steven L. Higgs has authored a chapter on "Creditors' Rights in Virginia" for the Virginia CLE Reciprocity Course.  A change in Virginia's licensing rules for attorneys will permit lawyers from other states to practice in Virginia under certain conditions, including having completed 12 hours of instruction approved by the Virginia Continuing Legal Education Board.  The Virginia Law Foundation, of which Virginia CLE is a division, has enlisted the assistance of the Fellows of the Virginia Law Foundation to provide the instructional material and lectures for the new reciprocity course, which will be offered on an ongoing basis to non-Virginia attorneys.  Mr. Higgs authored the materials on Creditors' Rights, focusing on Virginia-specific issues and statutory provisions, and was videotaped presenting the materials for inclusion in the Reciprocity Course under development by Virginia CLE.

Fellows of the Roanoke Law Foundation Recognized at Reception

January 9, 2014:  The Class of 2013 of the Roanoke Law Foundation were recognized at an induction ceremony.  Steven L. Higgs is a member of the Charter class of 2012.

First row: Tom Miller, Diana Perkinson, Anne Edenfield, Monica Monday, Dick Rakes, Lori Thompson. Second row: Phil Anderson, Mark Cathey, Roy Creasy, Steve Higgs, Al McLean, Chip Casola, William Lemon. Third row: Tom Bagby, Mark Feldmann, Al Knighton, Frank Flippin, Frank Rogers, Gene Elliott.

The Fellows of the Foundation program began in 2012 to help the Foundation expand its activities and reach into the Roanoke Valley community by undertaking projects to support worthy causes the Fellows believe are in the best interest of the legal community and the administration of justice, and to provide additional financial support to achieve these goals. In addition to being members of the Roanoke Bar Association, the Fellows must "(1) be a person of integrity and character, (2) have maintained and upheld the highest standards of the profession, (3) be outstanding in the community, and (4) be distinguished in the practice of law." Membership is limited to 10% of the active and associate members of the Roanoke Bar Association practicing in Virginia.  The Charter Fellows are present and former bar leaders with the Roanoke Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association and the Virginia Law Foundation.

The Roanoke Law Foundation (formerly the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation) was established in 1997 by the Roanoke Bar Association to improve and facilitate the administration of justice, to promote the diffusion of knowledge of the law, and to effect other educational and charitable purposes. The Roanoke Law Foundation serves as the public service and philanthropic arm of the Roanoke Bar Association for the purpose of supporting, improving and facilitating the administration of justice; and providing and supporting law-related education.

Higgs Listed in Super Lawyers Business Edition     

November 12, 2013:  Steven L. Higgs been listed in the Business Edition of "Super Lawyers" magazine for 2013 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."  Super Lawyers Business Edition is an annual resource that serves as the go-to guide for general counsel and executives in charge of making legal hiring decisions. This publication features top firms from all sizes. Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, and exhibit "excellence in practice." Super Lawyers Business Edition is distributed annually to more than 50,000 general counsel and executives nationwide.

Higgs Law Firm Again Ranked in 2014 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 1 , 2013:  The Higgs Law Firm has been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the fourth edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Higgs Recertified as Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law    

October 17, 2013:  Steven L. Higgs has been recertified as a specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification.  Mr. Higgs originally attained this certification in 1998.    The American Board of Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in the specialties of Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights Law.  The bankruptcy practice of The Higgs Law Firm is limited to representing creditors.

The American Board of Certification also presented Mr. Higgs with a special lapel pin marking the 15th year of his board certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law.   According to the American Board of Certification, "Board Certification should assist the public in identifying those attorneys who have the skills and have taken the extra time and effort to meet the rigorous standards of the ABC.  Board Certification is the mark of a dedicated legal professional."

In order to be certified as a specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law, Mr. Higgs:

 

  • Provided evidence of substantial involvement (at least 30% of his practice time, and at least 400 hours in the three years before applying for certification) in the specialty area of bankruptcy law, and provided detailed evidence of substantial participation in at least thirty adversary proceedings or contested matters (as defined in Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure 7001 and 9014) in cases involving individual Chapter 7, 12 or 13 debtors, with no more than five of any such matters being of a single type.
  • Provided positive references from lawyers and judges familiar with his practice.  The references are sent directly to the American Board of Certification, and the applicant does not receive a copy.  A majority of the references are from attorneys who have handled legal matters against the applicant.
  • Took a comprehensive, day-long written examination in (1) general bankruptcy law (2) legal ethics, and (3)  substantive and procedural law in the speciality area of consumer bankruptcy law.
  • Demonstrated that he had completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education courses in the specialty area of consumer bankruptcy law in the three-year period preceding his application [The Virginia State Bar requires that lawyers take only 12 hours of continuing legal education each year, and has no requirement regarding the areas of law in which the education is completed, except that at least 2 hours must be in ethics.]
  • Demonstrated that he is admitted to practice law and is a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar.

 

The recertification requirements, and the process for applying for recertification, are similar to the original process for certification, but do not require retaking the day-long written examination.  Recertification is required every five years, and attorneys are subject to revocation of their certification if they fail to continue to meet the program's requirements. 

While there is no procedure in the Commonwealth of Virginia for approving certifying organization, the American Bar Association says "a lawyer who is a certified specialist has been recognized by an independent professional certifying organization as having an enhanced level of skill and expertise, as well as substantial involvement in an established legal specialty. These organizations require a lawyer to demonstrate special training, experience and knowledge to insure that the lawyer's recognition as a certified specialist is meaningful and reliable."

The Higgs Law Firm also has extensive experience in business-related bankruptcies.  Mr. Higgs has been involved in virtually every major business-related Chapter 11 case filed in the Western District of Virginia over the past two decades, including Harman Mining Corp., Fitness and Wellness Solutions, Inc., Quorum Radio Partners of Virginia, Inc., RBX Corporation, and WDRL-TV, Inc.  We have also actively represented our clients in many Chapter 11 cases filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, including several of the so-called "mega-cases":  Computer Learning Centers, Inc., Heilig-Meyers Company, Movie Gallery, Inc., and AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc. 

The vast majority of bankruptcy cases filed, however, are in fact consumer-related cases.  In 2010 (the most recent year for which statistics are available), for example, cases filed under Chapters 9, 11 and 12 comprised less than 0.50% of the cases filed in the Western District of Virginia, while Chapter 13 cases made up more than 29% of the district's caseload.  Chapter 7 cases, which may involve either businesses or individuals, made up more than 70% of the district's bankruptcy caseload  "We are prepared to aggressively assist our clients in protecting their interests in both business and consumer bankruptcy cases throughout Virginia," said Mr. Higgs.

Higgs Listed Again in The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 15, 2013:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2014 edition of "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.

 

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 14, 2013:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2013 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 94 Virginia attorneys were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia.

 

Higgs Celebrates 30 Years as an Attorney and Counselor at Law 

                                                                                          

May 17, 2013 :  Steven L. Higgs celebrates the 30th anniversary of his licensure in Virginia as an attorney and counselor at law.  Following his admission to the Supreme Court of Virginia in June of 1983, Mr. Higgs concluded an ongoing internship with the office of the Attorney General of Virginia before beginning a two-year stint as Executive Director of the Virginia Real Estate Commission (now the Virginia Real Estate Board).  In 1985, he moved to Roanoke and began his career in private practice.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Update to            Virginia Continuing Legal Education

Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

April 18, 2013 :  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published an update to the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, The Virginia Lawyer: A Deskbook for Practitioners (4th ed., 2011).  Mr. Higgs is the author of Chapter 9.1 of the book:  “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”  The two-volume book has been called an "essential compendium" of Virginia law.

 

Higgs Speaks at Contractors' Legal Education Program    

April 16, 2013:  Steven L. Higgs spoke at a legal education seminar sponsored by The Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Inc.  The program, "What To Do When Your Customer Files Bankruptcy Or Shuts Down," was presented in conjunction with a program on "Construction Contract Law 102," presented by Spencer Wiegard, a prominent construction lawyer with the Construction Practice Group at Gentry Locke.  The program featured two one-hour presentations by Mr. Wiegard and Mr. Higgs, with an opportunity for questions and answers from the large audience of contractors and affiliated professionals.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Fifth Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Debt Collection Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

February 20, 2013:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published the Fifth Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers: A Systematic Approach (5th ed., 2013).  Mr. Higgs is the author of three chapters of the book:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”  The two-volume book has been called the "most comprehensive book on the subject ever published in Virginia."  The Honorable Robert L. Pustilnik, a Judge of the Richmond General District Court, is the long-time editor of the Handbook.

Higgs Inducted as Fellow of the Roanoke Law Foundation

January 10, 2013:  Steven L. Higgs has been inducted as a Charter Fellow of the Roanoke Law Foundation at an induction ceremony recognizing the Fellows of the Foundation who joined the charter class of 2012.

L to R: William R. Rakes; Eugene M. Elliott, Jr.; George A. McLean, Jr.; Phillip V. Anderson; Roy V. Creasy; John P. Grove; K. Brett Marston; G. Frank Flippin; Steven L. Higgs; William B. Hopkins, Jr.; Mark K. Cathey; Lori D. Thompson; William J. Lemon.  [Not pictured: Francis H. Casola; Charles D. Fox; Robert E. Glenn; Maryellen F. Goodlatte; G. Michael Pace, Jr.; Frank W. Rogers, III; George W. Wooten.]

The Fellows of the Foundation program began in 2012 to help the Foundation expand its activities and reach into the Roanoke Valley community by undertaking projects to support worthy causes the Fellows believe are in the best interest of the legal community and the administration of justice, and to provide additional financial support to achieve these goals. In addition to being members of the Roanoke Bar Association, the Fellows must "(1) be a person of integrity and character, (2) have maintained and upheld the highest standards of the profession, (3) be outstanding in the community, and (4) be distinguished in the practice of law." Membership is limited to 10% of the active and associate members of the Roanoke Bar Association practicing in Virginia.  The Charter Fellows are present and former bar leaders with the Roanoke Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association and the Virginia Law Foundation.

The Roanoke Law Foundation (formerly the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation) was established in 1997 by the Roanoke Bar Association to improve and facilitate the administration of justice, to promote the diffusion of knowledge of the law, and to effect other educational and charitable purposes. The Roanoke Law Foundation serves as the public service and philanthropic arm of the Roanoke Bar Association for the purpose of supporting, improving and facilitating the administration of justice; and providing and supporting law-related education.

 

Higgs Law Firm Ranked in 2013 U.S. News "Best Law Firms"

November 1 , 2012:  The Higgs Law Firm has been named in the rankings of Best Law Firms published by U. S. News & World Report, in conjunction with "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  According to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., the "Best Law Firms" rankings "features law firms given consistently impressive performance ratings by clients and peers. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of excellence and breadth of expertise," they said of the third edition of the "Best Law Firm" rankings.

 

Higgs Updates Online Compendium of Legal Issues for Virginia    

for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.

October 8, 2012 :  Steven L. Higgs has updated the state law Compendium for Virginia maintained by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) for its members. The Compendium provides state-specific answers to many common legal questions that arise in the equipment leasing and finance industry.  Mr. Higgs has authored the Virginia topics for the Compendium for ELFA since the first Compendium was offered in 2003.

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association representing financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing the utilization of, and investment in, capital goods. Over 750 ELFA members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, and service providers such as attorneys.

The State Law Compendium may be accessed at the ELFA website.  [Click here; select "Virginia," then choose one of the selected topics covered by the Compendium.]

 

Higgs Speaks at Continuing Legal Education Programs     Virginia Continuing Legal Education

September 25, 2012; October 5, 2012:  Steven L. Higgs spoke at a popular continuing legal education seminar sponsored by Virginia CLE.  The program, "The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act" was presented with Dale W. Pittman, a prominent consumer rights attorney.  The seminar was repeated as a telephone replay on October 5.  The program featured a two-hour joint presentation by Mr. Pittman and Mr. Higgs, followed by a live question-and-answer session.  Over 175 lawyers attended the two programs.  The seminar will be made available for online replay at a later date.

 

Higgs Again Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 

August 23, 2012:  Steven L. Higgs has again been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2013 edition of "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey" of over 4 million attorneys.  "Because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  Best Lawyers has been described by The American Lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection, or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.

 

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 15, 2012:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2012 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 61 Virginia attorneys were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights" (down from 76 last year).

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia

 

Higgs in Best Lawyers List Published in Virginia Living Magazine   April 2012

May 1, 2012:  Steven L. Higgs has been named in Virginia Living Magazine's April 2012 edition, in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  The list was excerpted from "The Best Lawyers in America®."   Selection to Best Lawyers is, according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey (comprising more than 3.9 million confidential evaluations by your fellow top attorneys)," and "because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.

 

Higgs Recertified as Specialist in Creditors' Rights Law    

March 29, 2012:  Steven L. Higgs has been recertified as a specialist in Creditors' Rights Law by the American Board of Certification.  Mr. Higgs first attained this certification in 2001.    The American Board of Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in the specialties of Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights Law.

In order to be certified as a specialist in Creditors' Rights Law, Mr. Higgs:

  • Provided evidence of substantial involvement (at least 30% of his practice time, and at least 400 hours in the three years before applying for certification and for re-certification) in the specialty area of creditors' rights law.
  • Provided appropriate references from lawyers and judges.  The references are sent directly to the American Board of Certification, and the applicant does not receive a copy.  A majority of the references are from attorneys who have handled legal matters against the applicant.
  • Took a comprehensive written examination in the substantive and procedural law in the speciality area of creditors' rights law.  The examination consists of a two-hour, 75-question multiple choice portion and a two-hour, three question essay portion, including one essay on ethics.
  • Demonstrated that he had completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education courses in the specialty area of creditors' rights law in the three-year period preceding his application for recertification [The Virginia State Bar requires that lawyers take only 12 hours of continuing legal education each year, and has no requirement regarding the areas of law in which the education is completed, except that at least 2 hours must be in ethics.]
  • Demonstrated that he is admitted to practice law and is a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar.

Formal re-certification is required every five years, and each year attorneys are subject to revocation of their certification if they fail to continue to meet the requirements for certification.  The recertification requirements, and the process for applying for recertification, are similar to the original process for certification, but do not require re-taking the written examination.

While there is no procedure in the Commonwealth of Virginia for approving certifying organization, the American Bar Association says, "a lawyer who is a certified specialist has been recognized by an independent professional certifying organization as having an enhanced level of skill and expertise, as well as substantial involvement in an established legal specialty. These organizations require a lawyer to demonstrate special training, experience and knowledge to insure that the lawyer's recognition as a certified specialist is meaningful and reliable."

The American Board of Certification presented to Mr. Higgs a special lapel pin marking the tenth year of his board certification in Creditors' Rights Law.   According to the American Board of Certification, "Board Certification should assist the public in identifying those attorneys who have the skills and have taken the extra time and effort to meet the rigorous standards of the ABC.  Board Certification is the mark of a dedicated legal professional."

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes 2012 Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Bankruptcy Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

February 27, 2012 :  The 2012 Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Bankruptcy Practice in Virginia (2008), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs, together with William H. Casterline, Jr., authored a chapter of the book on the topic of  “Representing the Creditor.”

The handbook was originally published in 2004 and supplemented in 2005, then was extensively edited and re-written for a 2008 edition to reflect the changes in the law resulting from the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.  The 2012 edition reflects changes to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as well as new case law.  The handbook, the "product of years of effort and experience by leading bankruptcy practitioners and judges," is available in both print and electronic versions.

Higgs Selected to The Best Lawyers in America®     

August 29, 2011:  Steven L. Higgs has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2012 edition of "The Best Lawyers in America®" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law."  Selection to Best Lawyers is, according to the publishers, Woodward/White, Inc., "based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey (comprising more than 3.9 million confidential evaluations by your fellow top attorneys)," and "because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is rightly considered a singular honor."  The lawyers listed in Best Lawyers have no influence in their selection or in deciding in which practice areas they are included. They are voted into practice areas entirely as a result of the votes they receive from their peers.

Best Lawyers collaborated this year with U.S.News & World Report, the leading rankings publication in the U.S., to rank U.S. law firms.

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 24, 2011:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for 2011 in the practice area of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 76 Virginia attorneys were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights," and last year only 45 Virginia attorneys were additionally recognized in the Corporate Counsel edition.

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia

 

Higgs Receives Lifetime Volunteer Service Award   

June 14, 2011:  Steven L. Higgs was presented with the President's Call to Service Award at the 2011 annual meeting of the Roanoke Bar Association.  The President's Call to Service Award recognizes more than 4,000 hours of community service provided by Mr. Higgs during his lifetime.  In addition to his current volunteer service on behalf of the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation and Virginia CLE, Mr. Higgs has been a youth soccer coach, an Assistant Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop, a volunteer arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, board member and President of the Mill Mountain Zoo, and a Member and Chair of Roanoke City Council's Mill Mountain Advisory Committee.  He has also volunteered for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Skyline Counsel of the Girl Scouts USA, and various local schools.

Mr. Higgs noted that 27 other Roanoke attorneys were recognized by the Roanoke Bar Association for providing a total of more than 3,350 hours of pro bono legal services and other community service efforts during 2010.

 

Higgs Speaks at Continuing Legal Education Seminar     Virginia Continuing Legal Education

June 9, 2011:  Steven L. Higgs spoke at the most recent in a popular series of continuing legal education seminar on foreclosures sponsored by Virginia CLE.  The program, "23 Issues in Virginia Foreclosures," was presented by a panel of prominent creditors' rights attorneys to a live audience of nearly 70 professionals in Fairfax, Virginia.  The seminar is the latest installment of the series of seminars on Virginia foreclosures in which Mr. Higgs and three other panel members, Paul K. Campsen, William H. Casterline, Jr., and Alexander M. Laughlin, have participated on a biannual basis since the series began in 1993.  The seminar series was the genesis for the Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook, Virginia Foreclosure Practice, published in 1999 and supplemented in 2001 by the Virginia Law Foundation.  [The foreclosure Handbook is currently out of print.]

In addition to his active participation as a member of the seminar panel, Mr. Higgs spoke about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the recission of foreclosures, and the automatic stay of the Bankruptcy Code.  A videotape of the seminar will be replayed in various locations on July 19, 20 and 21, and thereafter will be made available for online viewing.

 

Higgs Admitted to Practice Before the Supreme Court of the United States

October 18, 2010: Steven L. Higgs has been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.  To qualify for admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court, an applicant must have been admitted to practice in the highest court of a State, Commonwealth, Territory or Possession, or the District of Columbia for a period of at least three years immediately before the date of application; must not have been the subject of any adverse disciplinary action pronounced or in effect during that 3-year period; and must appear to the Court to be of good moral and professional character.  Mr. Higgs was admitted on the motion of John D. Eure, a prominent Roanoke attorney and long-time adult Boy Scout volunteer.

Mr. Higgs appeared as counsel for the City of Roanoke in the case of  Whitlow v. City of Roanoke, No. 10-6558 (U.S. Supreme Court, 2010, 2011) (unpublished).  The case had been appealed by Mr. Whitlow from the Roanoke City Circuit Court to the Supreme Court of Virginia (Case No. 100003).  The Virginia Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, and denied a motion to reconsider the dismissal.  The case was then appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which denied the appellant's motion for a writ of certiorari, or review by the Supreme Court.  The Supreme Court denied a subsequent motion for reconsidation, and finally dismissed the appeal.

Higgs Appointed as Trustee of the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation

August 12, 2010: Steven L. Higgs has been appointed to a two-year term as a Trustee of the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation.  The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established by the Roanoke Bar Association in 1997 "to improve and facilitate the administration of justice, to promote the diffusion of knowledge of the law, and to effect . . . other educational and charitable purposes."  Mr. Higgs previously served as a Trustee of the Foundation from 2004 to 2007, and was Chair of the Foundation's Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2007.

Higgs Conducts Tax Sale of the former Evans Paint, Inc. Property

July 15 , 2010:  Steven L. Higgs, Tax Sale Counsel and court-appointed Special Commissioner for tax sales for the City of Roanoke, conducted a successful tax sale of the former Evans Paint, Inc. property located at 1516 Cleveland Avenue in the City of Roanoke.  The sale has been confirmed by the Roanoke City Circuit Court, and a deed for the property has been delivered and recorded to the auction purchaser.

 

Higgs Completes Term on Mill Mountain Advisory Committee  

                                                                                          

June 30, 2010Steven L. Higgs has successfully completed his term of office as a member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee.  The members of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee are appointed by Roanoke City Council "to advise Council on the desirable method of developing Mill Mountain for the best advantage to the citizens of the City of Roanoke as to aesthetics and recreation."

Mr. Higgs began serving on the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee in 1999, and served as its Chair beginning in 2001.  Under his leadership, the MMAC prepared and adopted in 2005 the "Mill Mountain Management Plan," a master land use management plan for Mill Mountain, that was adopted in 2006 by Roanoke City Council as part of "Vision 2001-2020," the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Roanoke.  The Committee adopted bylaws and established term limits for its members as part of a plan to transition the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee from a long-standing but ad hoc, or temporary, committee, to becoming a permanent committee of  the Roanoke City Council.

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 24, 2010:  Steven L. Higgs has once again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."  Mr. Higgs has also been listed again in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine. Only 72 Virginia attorneys were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights," and only 45 Virginia attorneys were additionally recognized in the Corporate Counsel edition.

Virginia "Super Lawyers" Magazine is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  No more than 5% of practicing Virginia attorneys may be selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

The selection process for the Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" Magazine, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year the recognition was offered in Virginia.

Higgs Named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation

June 1, 2010:  Steven L. Higgs has accepted an invitation to become a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

The Fellows is an honorary organization of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars who have been nominated and elected by their peers to become members of The Fellows. They have "demonstrated outstanding achievements and dedication to the welfare of their communities and to the highest principles of the legal profession," according to the organization. The Fellows support the research work of the American Bar Foundation through their annual contributions, and sponsor seminars and events of direct relevance to leaders of the legal profession.

The American Bar Foundation was established in 1952 by the American Bar Association, and is now recognized as the premier institute for social science research on law in the country.  Membership in The Fellows is limited to one-third of one percent [0.0033%] of the lawyers in America.  The current number of The Fellows in Virginia is approximately 250; 17 reside in Roanoke.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Fourth Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Debt Collection Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

May 1, 2010:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published the Fourth Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers: A Systematic Approach (4th ed., 2010).  Mr. Higgs is the author of three chapters of the book:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”  The two-volume book has been called the "most comprehensive book on the subject ever published in Virginia."  The Honorable Robert L. Pustilnik, a Judge of the Richmond General District Court, is the long-time editor of the Handbook.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Sixth Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia Creditors' Rights Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

October 12, 2009:  The Sixth Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Enforcement of Liens and Judgments in Virginia (6th ed., 2009), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored a chapter of the book on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  The book is one of the most popular titles published by Virginia CLE, and is available in both print and electronic versions.

 

Higgs Speaks at Continuing Legal Education Programs     Virginia Continuing Legal Education

September 30, 2009; October 16, 2009:  Steven L. Higgs spoke at a popular continuing legal education seminar sponsored by Virginia CLE.  The program, "The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Update 2009)" was presented with Dale W. Pittman, a prominent consumer rights attorney.  The seminar was repeated as a telephone replay on October 16.  The program featured a two-hour joint presentation by Mr. Pittman and Mr. Higgs, followed by a live question-and-answer session during the final 15 minutes.  Over 100 lawyers attended the programs.  The seminar will be made available for online replay at a later date.

This seminar marked the 35th continuing legal education program in which Mr. Higgs has participated as a speaker or panel member since 1989.  Mr. Higgs has spoken at more than 50 individual seminars over the past 20 years.

 

Higgs Re-Elected Mill Mountain Advisory Committee Chair  

                                                                                          

September 24, 2009Steven L. Higgs was re-elected Chair of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee by the unanimous vote of its other members.  The members of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee are appointed by Roanoke City Council "to advise Council on the desirable method of developing Mill Mountain for the best advantage to the citizens of the City of Roanoke as to aesthetics and recreation."  The Mill Mountain Advisory Committee was first established in 1964 as the Mill Mountain Development Committee.  Mr. Higgs is only the third Chair in the history of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee.  The original Chair was the late Carl M. Andrews, followed by Carl Kopitzke, who has also served as a member and as Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and remains a current member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee.

Mr. Higgs has served on the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee since 1999, and has served as its Chair since 2001.  Under his leadership, the MMAC prepared and adopted in 2005 the "Mill Mountain Management Plan," a master land use management plan for Mill Mountain, that was adopted in 2006 by Roanoke City Council as part of "Vision 2001-2020," the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Roanoke.  The Committee recently adopted bylaws and established term limits for its members as part of a plan to transition the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee from its current status as a long-standing but ad hoc or temporary committee, to becoming a permanent committee of Roanoke City Council.

For a live image of the view from Mill Mountain, click here for the StarCam.

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 22, 2008:  Steven L. Higgs has for the third consecutive year been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."

Virginia "Super Lawyers" is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  Only 5% of Virginia attorneys are selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year such recognition was offered in Virginia.  This year, only 44 Virginia lawyers were were recognized as "Super Lawyers" in the practice area of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."

 

Higgs Joins Virginia CLE Bankruptcy Advisory Group          Virginia Continuing Legal Education

                                                                                          

June 17 , 2009:  Steven L. Higgs has accepted an invitation from Virginia Continuing Legal Education and the Virginia Law Foundation to join the Bankruptcy Law Practice Area Advisory Group.  The group was established to provide Virginia CLE with consistent feedback on the issues that are most important to Virginia lawyers.  The group meets via telephone conference two to three times per year to provide ideas and feedback for future seminar and publication ideas on current bankruptcy issues.

 

Higgs in Corporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers"     

June 17, 2009:  Steven L. Higgs has been listed in the Coporate Counsel Edition of "Super Lawyers" magazine in the areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."  Only 32 Virginia attorneys were recognized in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights" in the Corporate Counsel edition.

"Super Lawyers" is published by the publishers of Law & Politics magazine.  The selection process, which according to the publishers was designed to identify "outstanding lawyers from small and midsized firms," involved three phases, including developing a pool of candidates, evaluation of those candidates based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, and a peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year such recognition was offered in Virginia.    Mr. Higgs said, "it is gratifying to again have been recognized for professional excellence.  In-house corporate counsel have many resources to which they may turn in outsourcing specialized legal work, and this guide should prove invaluable to them as the individuals named as Super Lawyers are truly Virginia's elite bankruptcy practitioners."

Higgs Speaks at Foreclosure Seminar           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

                                                                                          

June 10 , 2009:  Steven L. Higgs spoke in Fairfax at a continuing legal education seminar sponsored by Virginia CLE on the subject of foreclosures.  Mr. Higgs spoke on the topic of "Post-Sale" issues, and participated with moderator William H. Casterline, Jr., Paul K. Campsen, and Alexander M. Laughlin in the four hour panel-style seminar. 

The program, "Foreclosure Basics," is the latest installment of the series on Virginia foreclosures in which Mr. Higgs and the other three panel members have participated all nine times since the series began in 1993.  That seminar series was the genesis for the Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook, Virginia Foreclosure Practice, published in 1999 and supplemented in 2001 by the Virginia Law Foundation.

This was the 34th continuing legal education seminar in which Mr. Higgs has participated as a speaker since 1989.

 

Higgs Honored as Eagle Scout Mentor to Three    

                                                                                          

May 24, 2009:  Steven L. Higgs was honored by three Eagle Scouts who designated him as an Eagle Scout Mentor.  The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouting.  The Eagle Mentor award was created by the Boy Scouts of America in 2004.  A new Eagle Scout will typically present an Eagle Mentor Pin to the person or persons who served as his "Mentor" as he worked toward the rank of Eagle Scout.

A combined Eagle Scout Court of Honor was conducted for seven Eagle Scouts from both Troop 210 and Troop 17 in Roanoke.  Mr. Higgs was honored by three Scouts from Troop 210, Ben Mullet, Kemper Steffe and Winston West, as one of their Eagle Mentors.  Mr. Higgs has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 210 since 2001.

Also attaining the rank of Eagle Scout was Mr. Higgs' son, Matthew, who is a third-generation Eagle Scout following the tradition set by his grandfather, Joe G. Higgs of Savannah, Georgia.  Mr. Higgs, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1973, was presented by his son with an "Eagle Dad" pin.  "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."

 

Higgs Conducts Tax Sale for the City of Roanoke, Virginia

May 13 , 2009:  Steven L. Higgs, Tax Sale counsel and court-appointed Special Commissioner for tax sales for the City of Roanoke, conducted a successful Tax Sale for real property located in the City of Roanoke.

The City of Roanoke conducts auctions for properties that have delinquent real estate taxes, assessments for weed and trash abatement, and demolition or other related costs. The primary benefit of conducting tax sales is to sell property to responsible landowners who will develop and properly maintain the properties, and who will pay future taxes. Neighborhoods benefit from having responsible property owners.

A total of 27 parcels were sold at a combined price of well over $200,000.00.  The sale included developable vacant lots and single-family residences, and the former Evans Paint plant.  The next tax sale is tenatively scheduled for November 2009.  For more information, go to the City of Roanoke Tax Sale web page.

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes 2009 Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia General Practice Handbook with material authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

May, 2008 :  The 2009 Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, The Virginia Lawyer - A Deskbook for Practitioners (2009), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored the material included in the book on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

The handbook the book is the result of a cooperative effort between Virginia CLE and the Young Lawyers Division of The Virginia Bar Association, and is available in both print in electronic versions.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes 2009 Supplement           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

to Virginia CLE Debt Collection Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

April 6 , 2009:  The the Virginia Law Foundation has published the 2009 supplement to the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers - A Systematic Approach (3d ed., 2007, supp. 2009).  Mr. Higgs is the author of three chapters of the book:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”  The two-volume book has been called the "most comprehensive book on the subject ever published in Virginia."  The Honorable Robert L. Pustilnik, a Judge of the Richmond General District Court, is the long-time editor of the Handbook.

 

Higgs Speaks at National Bankruptcy Conference          

                                                                                          

April 3, 2009:  Steven L. Higgs spoke at a continuing legal education seminar sponsored by the American Bankruptcy Institute on the topic of good faith in bankruptcy.  Mr. Higgs joined a distiguished panel of nationally known speakers to present a panel discussion entitled: After Marrama: Applying Good-Faith Standards in Bankrtupcy at the 2009 Annual Spring Meeting of the American Bankruptcy Institute.  Joining Mr. Higgs on the panel were David G. Baker (Law Office of David G. Baker; Boston, Massachusetts); Alane A. Becket (Becket & Lee, LLP; Malvern, Pennsylvania); and John Rao (National Consumer Law Center; Boston, Massachusetts).

The seminar was part of the 27th annual meeting of the American Bankruptcy Institute, held April 1 through April 4, 2009 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.  Nearly 1,000 bankruptcy professionals from around the United States, Canada, South America, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom attended the conference.

 

Higgs Speaks at Creditors' Rights Seminar           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

                                                                                          

March 26, 2009:  Steven L. Higgs spoke in Richmond at a continuing legal education seminar sponsored by Virginia CLE on the subject of debt collection.  Mr. Higgs spoke on two topics: the "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act" and "Executions on Judgments."  The day-long seminar was based upon the Third Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers - A Systematic Approach (3d ed., 2007, supp. 2009), published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Higgs is the author of three chapters of the book:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”  The book has been called the "most comprehensive book on the subject ever published in Virginia."  The Honorable Robert L. Pustilnik, a Judge of the Richmond General District Court, is the long-time editor of the Handbook, and moderated the seminar.

This was the third time since 2001 that Mr. Higgs has participated in a seminar based upon this very popular Handbook.

 

The Higgs Law Firm Becomes Founding Member of NEFA  

December 17 , 2008:  Steven L. Higgs, P.C. has become a founding member of the National Equipment Finance Association

The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is a national association serving equipment finance companies, lessors and brokers. NEFA was formed in 2008 through the merger of two organizations, the United Association of Equipment Leasing (UAEL) and the Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors (EAEL).

"Membership in NEFA demonstrates our continuing committment to the leasing industry, and to strategic alliances that allow us to provide superior legal services to our leasing clients," said Mr. Higgs. Mr. Higgs is the author of the state law compendium for Virginia maintained by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) for its members.   The compendium provides state-specific answers to many common legal questions arising in the equipment leasing and finance industry.  Mr. Higgs authored the first Virginia Compendium for ELFA in 2003.

 

The Higgs Law Firm Earns "A+" Rating from Better Busines Bureau  

December 15 , 2008:  Steven L. Higgs, P.C. has received a rating of "A+" from the Better Business Bureau, along with recognition for having no consumer complaints since the firm was founded.  The Better Business Bureau adopted in 2008 a practice of both accrediting and rating its member firms.  The Higgs Law Firm has been accredited since the program began, and ratings are being assigned as firms are evaluated.

According to the BBB, "the BBB assigns grades from A to F with pluses and minuses. A+ is the highest grade and F is the lowest. The grade represents BBB’s degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns."  The Higgs Law Firm has had no consumer complaints since it was founded in 2004.

Mr. Higgs is a Senior Arbitrator on the National Panel of Consumer Arbitrators for the Better Business Bureau.  He has arbitrated cases for the Better Business Bureau since 1986, and has been designated as a Senior Arbitrator since 1988.

 

Higgs Completes 11th Season Coaching Soccer "Team United"    

November 7, 2008:  Steven L. Higgs has completed his 11th season coaching recreational soccer through the Roanoke City Department of Parks and Recreation.  In 1998, Mr. Higgs and Kamran Khalilian, a Professional Engineer with Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc., started coaching a recreational soccer team, "Team USA."  That team changed its name to the "United" in 1999, and Team United has played together each year through the 2008 season.  This year's team included five of the original 11 players.  Over the years a total of 48 boys and young men played soccer with the United, including 30 who played multiple seasons, and three who played all 11 years.  Team United played a total of 115 games, and had a winning record in each of its 11 seasons, including two undefeated seasons, one in which it held each of its opponents scoreless.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Photograph courtesy of Jim Horner

Back Row:  Matt Miller (3 years), Daniel Nassif (2 years), Kyle Osterhaus (1 year), Alex Dillon (9 years), Sam Khalilian (7 years), Will Longworth (5 years), Coach Steve Higgs.

Center Row: Bradley Russell (1 year), Andrew Burton (3 years), Benjamin Mullet (11 years), Matthew Higgs (11 years),  Lucian Grove (8 years), John Albert Hagy (11 years).

Front Row:  Stephen Guardipee (3 years), Jordan Fallon (3 years), Adam Nicholas (3 years/2004), Sol Simpson (3 years/2004) and Will Austin (5 years/1998).

Not Pictured:  Jack Spyhalski (3 years), Winston West (9 years), Assistant Coach Kamran Khalilian.

[Names of the original team members are in bold.  Three players pictured above have played with Team United every other year because of their birthdates and the league age brackets; those players are indicated by the year they began playing with Team United.]

"Recreational soccer provides an opportunity for youth that is matched by few other sports," Mr. Higgs said.  "It is easy to learn but challenging to play well; it teaches teamwork and discipline; but at the end of the day, it is just a fun game to play."  Mr. Higgs continued, "I have been privileged to have been allowed the opportunity to 'just have fun' with these young men and their friends for the past 11 years.  The members of Team United over the years have been unique in encouraging success without criticizing failure, and in appreciating their teammates' strengths without ever criticizing their weaknesses.  As most of these young men graduate and go on to college, they will remember these days as some of their best, and they will miss it, but not nearly as much as I will--We are United!"

Mr. Higgs also served as an assistant coach for an all-girls' recreational team, the "Magic," during 1996, and as a head coach for indoor winter soccer from 2001-2004, and so has participated as an assistant coach or a head coach in 15 sports seasons and over 150 soccer matches.  He has been Certified by the National Youth Sports Coaches Association since 2000.

Higgs Recognized by Virginia Bar Association as a "Community Servant"

October 31, 2008:  Steven L. Higgs was recognized by the Virginia Bar Association as a VBA Community Servant during 2007, and was presented with a certificate denoting the honor.  Mr. Higgs has been recognized as a VBA Community Servant during each of the five years the VBA has sponsored the program.  The VBA Community Servant and Pro Bono Servant program asks for 50 hours per lawyer per year of pro bono publico legal service, nonlegal community service or a mix of both to be designated as a "VBA Community Servant".

Community service recognized by the program includes "voluntary assistance, undertaken without expectation of a fee, and not in the course of ordinary commercial practice, to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental, and educational organizations or causes or for the good of the community," according to the Association.  "Participation in the program is voluntary," Mr. Higgs noted, "and therefore probably reflects only a small portion of the community service and pro bono activities donated by Virginia attorneys to their communities."  Mr. Higgs noted that 132 Virginia attorneys, including 9 Roanoke attorneys, were recognized by the Virginia Bar Association as VBA Community Servants during 2007.

The Virginia Bar Association is a voluntary, statewide organization of Virginia lawyers founded in 1888 and committed to serving the public and the legal profession by promoting the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and excellence in the legal profession; working to improve the law and the administration of justice; and advancing collegial relations among lawyers.  Mr. Higgs has been a member of the VBA since 1985.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes 2008 Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Bankruptcy Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

September 12, 2008 :  The 2008 Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Bankruptcy Practice in Virginia (2008), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs, together with William H. Casterline, Jr., authored a chapter of the book on the topic of  “Representing the Creditor.”

The handbook was originally published in 2004 and supplemented in 2005, and was extensively edited and re-written for the 2008 edition to reflect the changes in the law that have occurred since the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.  The handbook, the "product of years of effort and experience by leading bankruptcy practitioners and judges," is available in both print and electronic versions.

 

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 27, 2008:  Steven L. Higgs has for the third consecutive year been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer" in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights."

Virginia "Super Lawyers" is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  Only 5% of Virginia attorneys are selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year such recognition was offered in Virginia.  Noting that only 40 Virginia attorneys were recognized in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights," Mr. Higgs said, "it is gratifying to again have been recognized by one's peers for professional excellence.  While there are certainly a number of highly qualified bankruptcy practitioners who are not included in this list, the individuals named as Super Lawyers are truly Virginia's elite bankruptcy practitioners."

Higgs Awarded Fourth President's Volunteer Service Gold Award   

June 10, 2008:  Steven L. Higgs was presented with a President's Volunteer Service Award at the 2008 annual meeting of the Roanoke Bar Association.  The Gold Award represented more than 500 hours of community service provided by Mr. Higgs during 2007.  In addition to his volunteer service on behalf of the Roanoke Bar Association and Virginia CLE, Mr. Higgs participates as a youth soccer coach, an Assistant Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop, as a volunteer arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, and as Chair of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee.  This is the fourth PVSA Gold Award that Mr. Higgs has earned since 2004.

Mr. Higgs noted that 29 Roanoke attorneys were recognized by the Roanoke Bar Association for providing a total of more than 3,950 hours of pro bono legal services and other community service efforts during 2007.

Higgs Celebrates 25 Years in the Practice of Law 

May 17, 2008:  Steven L. Higgs today celebrated the 25th anniversary of his licensure to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Mr. Higgs graduated from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in January 1983, after completing the requirements for graduation from law school in only 2-1/2 years.  He sat for and passed the bar examination in February of that year, and took his oath of admission before a specially-convened session of the Supreme Court of Virginia on May 17, 1983.  From 1983 until 1985, Mr. Higgs served in Richmond as the Executive Director of the Virginia Real Estate Commission (now the Virginia Real Estate Board), and as Assistant Director for Real Estate of the Virginia Department of Commerce (now the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation). In May 1985, Mr. Higgs moved to Roanoke and entered the private practice of law.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes 2008 Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE General Practice Handbook with material authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

May, 2008 :  The 2008 Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, The Virginia Lawyer - A Deskbook for Practitioners (2008), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored the material included in the book on the topic of  “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”

The handbook the book is the result of a cooperative effort between Virginia CLE and the Young Lawyers Division of The Virginia Bar Association, and is available in both print and electronic versions.

 

Higgs Spotlighted in Virginia Lawyer Magazine    

February 21, 2008 :  Steven L. Higgs is the subject of an article in the February 2009 Virginia Lawyer magazine published by the Virginia State Bar.  John Y. Richardson, Jr., President of the Conference of Local Bar Associations, penned the article requesting nominations for the 2008 Local Bar Leader of the Year, an award that was presented to Mr. Higgs in 2007.  The article, entitled "One of a Kind," highlights many of the activities for which Mr. Higgs was recognized in 2007.

"I was very surprised to read John's flattering article, which was actually pointed out to me by Barbara Allen, the former VSB liason to the Conference of Local Bar Associations," said Mr. Higgs.  "The real credit, however, belongs to the lawyers and leaders of the Roanoke Bar Association.  We have an extraordinarily collegial and generous bar, and remarkable bar and community leaders," Mr. Higgs said.  In the 11 years that the Local Bar Leader of the Year award has been presented, three of the 12 recipients [there were two recipients in 2006] have been members of the Roanoke Bar Association.

Higgs Recertified as Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law    

January 26, 2008 :  Steven L. Higgs has been recertified as a specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification.  Mr. Higgs originally attained this certification a decade ago, in 1998.    The American Board of Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in the specialties of Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights Law.  The bankruptcy practice of The Higgs Law Firm is limited to representing creditors.

In order to be certified as a specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law, Mr. Higgs:

 

  • Provided evidence of substantial involvement (at least 30% of his practice time, and at least 400 hours in the three years before applying for certification) in the specialty area of bankruptcy law, and provided detailed evidence of substantial participation in at least thirty adversary proceedings or contested matters (as defined in Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure 7001 and 9014) in cases involving individual Chapter 7, 12 or 13 debtors, with no more than five of any such matters being of a single type.
  • Provided positive references from lawyers and judges familiar with his practice.  The references are sent directly to the American Board of Certification, and the applicant does not receive a copy.  A majority of the references are from attorneys who have handled legal matters against the applicant.
  • Took a comprehensive, day-long written examination in (1) general bankruptcy law (2) legal ethics, and (3)  substantive and procedural law in the speciality area of consumer bankruptcy law.
  • Demonstrated that he had completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education courses in the specialty area of consumer bankruptcy law in the three-year period preceding his application [The Virginia State Bar requires that lawyers take only 12 hours of continuing legal education each year, and has no requirement regarding the areas of law in which the education is completed, except that at least 2 hours must be in ethics.]
  • Demonstrated that he is admitted to practice law and is a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar.

 

The recertification requirements, and the process for applying for recertification, are similar to the original process for certification, but do not require retaking the day-long written examination.  Recertification is required every five years, and attorneys are subject to revocation of their certification if they fail to continue to meet the program's requirements. 

While there is no procedure in the Commonwealth of Virginia for approving certifying organization, the American Bar Association says "a lawyer who is a certified specialist has been recognized by an independent professional certifying organization as having an enhanced level of skill and expertise, as well as substantial involvement in an established legal specialty. These organizations require a lawyer to demonstrate special training, experience and knowledge to insure that the lawyer's recognition as a certified specialist is meaningful and reliable."

The American Board of Certification presented Mr. Higgs with a special lapel pin marking the tenth year of his board certification in Consumer Bankruptcy Law.   According to the American Board of Certification, "Board Certification should assist the public in identifying those attorneys who have the skills and have taken the extra time and effort to meet the rigorous standards of the ABC.  Board Certification is the mark of a dedicated legal professional."

The Higgs Law Firm also has extensive experience in business-related bankruptcies.  Mr. Higgs has been involved in virtually every major business-related Chapter 11 case filed in the Western District of Virginia over the past two decades, including Harman Mining Corp., Fitness and Wellness Solutions, Inc., Quorum Radio Partners of Virginia, Inc., RBX Corporation, and WDRL-TV, Inc.  We have also actively represented our clients in many Chapter 11 cases filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, including several of the so-called "mega-cases":  Computer Learning Centers, Inc., Heilig-Meyers Company, and Movie Gallery, Inc. 

The vast majority of bankruptcy cases filed, however, are in fact consumer-related cases.  In 2007, for example, cases filed under Chapters 9, 11 and 12 comprised less than 0.25% of the cases filed in the Western District of Virginia, while Chapter 13 cases made up more than 35% of the district's caseload.  Chapter 7 cases, which may involve either businesses or individuals, made up nearly 65% of the district's bankruptcy caseload  "We are prepared to aggressively assist our clients in protecting their interests in both business- and consumer-related bankruptcy cases throughout Virginia," said Mr. Higgs.

Your lawyer should be Board Certified.

Higgs Inducted as a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation    

 

January 17, 2008:  Steven L. Higgs has been inducted as a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation.  In an evening ceremony conducted at the Foundation dinner held at the annual convention of the Virginia Bar Association, Higgs and 20 other Virginia lawyers and jurists were inducted as Fellows of the Virginia Law Foundation.  This honor is "conferred on lawyers who have distinguished themselves by professional excellence, service to the Bar and to their communities," according to the Foundation.  Fellowship is limited to one percent of the active and associate lawyers in Virginia.  Because Fellowship is a lifetime appointment, vacancies result only from death, resignation or changes in the total number of attorneys licensed in Virginia.

In addition to Mr. Higgs, inductees to the 2008 Class of Fellows are Irving M. Blank, managing partner, ParisBlank, LLP (Richmond; Frank Overton Brown, Jr., sole practitioner (Richmond); Beverly A. Burton, senior assistant city attorney (Richmond); Manuel A. Capsalis, managing partner, Capsalis Bruce & Reaser, PLC (Arlington); Hon. Robert G. Doumar, district judge (Senior Status), Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk), Patricia K. Epps, partner, Hunton & Williams (Richmond); Paul E. Fletcher, editor, Virginia Lawyers Weekly (Richmond); Howard E. Gordon, partner, Williams Mullen (Norfolk); Karen Ann Gould, partner, McSweeney Crump Childress & Gould, PC (Richmond); Ray W. King, partner, LeClair Ryan, PC (Norfolk);  Hon. Elizabeth D. Lacy, senior justice, Supreme Court of Virginia (Richmond); Mark D. Loftis, partner, Woods Rogers, PC (Roanoke);  Christopher M. Malone, president, Thompson McMullen, PC (Richmond); Martha White Medley, partner, Daniel Medley & Kirby, PC (Danville); T. Justin Moore, III, partner, Hunton & Williams (Richmond); E. Carter Nettles, Jr.,  commissioner of accounts, Sussex Circuit Court (Wakefield); Linda F. Rigsby, of counsel, Williams Mullen (Richmond); Rhysa Griffith South, assistant county attorney, Henrico County (Richmond);  Ronald R. Tweel, partner, Michie Hamlett Lowry Rasmussen & Tweel, PLLC (Charlottesville); Andrew William Wood, partner, Wood &Wood, PC (Richmond).

"I am truly humbled to have been selected for inclusion in this eminent group of Virginia attorneys and jurists," Higgs said.  "The Virginia Bar Foundation has a long and distinguished history of providing legal services and education to the citizens of Virginia, and it is a privilege to be a part of that effort," he concluded.  The Virginia Law Foundation was established by the Virginia State Bar in 1974 to improve and promote the administration of justice in Virginia. The Virginia Law Foundation has provided over $22 million in grants to support law-related public projects.  Its mission includes oversight of Virginia Continuing Legal Education (Virginia CLE), a continuing legal education sponsor providing the state’s largest selection of CLE seminars and practice handbooks.  Mr. Higgs is a frequent author and speaker for Virginia CLE.

 

Higgs and Scout Crew Complete Sea Base Bahamas Adventure    

 

July 5, 2007:  Steven L. Higgs has returned from successfully completing a Sea Base Bahamas high-adventure cruise with a crew of 10 Boy Scouts and co-leader Allan Longworth.  The Scouts sailed the William H. Albury, the last remaining Bahamian-built schooner, about the Abaco island chain for seven days beginning June 29, 2007.  Beginning in Marsh Harbor, Great Abaco Island, the Scouts sailed to Great Guana Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Fisher's Cay, Elbow Cay and Hope Town, and the Fowl Cay Preserve before returning to harbor in Marsh Harbor.

Surviving fierce thunderstorms, nightly anchor watches and their own cooking, the Scouts enjoyed the hard work of sailing the William H., which is not only the flagship of the Sea Base Bahamas sailing program, but is the Official Tall Ship of the Bahamas.  The Scouts also enjoyed snorkeling, fishing and sampling the local food.  The Scouts earned the Snorkeling BSA Award and the Duty to God patch during their adventure.  Most importantly, they earned the rare and coveted "Crew" shirts for their week of service aboard the William H.

 

Back Row:  Kemper Steffe, Ben Ries, Will Austin, Winston West, Will Longworth, Steve Higgs, Matthew Higgs,  Allan Longworth, First Mate Joee Patterson, Captain Dan Engel.

Front Row:  Lucian Grove, Alex Dillon, John Albert Hagy and Benjamin Mullet.

[The crew flag, designed by the Scouts and crafted by Diane Higgs, features Roanoke's Mill Mountain Star, a narwhale, and spells "Roanoke" in nautical signal flags on the left.  The right side features nautical penants with the troop numbers of the two troops represented by the crew, Troops 210 and 17, and signal flags that spell "VA."]

The William H. Albury, the last surviving Bahamian-built schooner.  Built in 1963 on Man-O-War Cay, the William H. is the Official Tall Ship of the Bahamas, and is the Flagship of the Boy Scout Sea Base Bahamas high adventure program.

Higgs Again Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 26, 2007:  Steven L. Higgs has again been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer."

Virginia "Super Lawyers" is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  Only 5% of Virginia attorneys are selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

Mr. Higgs was first named a Virginia Super Lawyer in 2006, the first year such recognition was offered in Virginia.  Noting that only 26 Virginia attorneys were recognized in the practice areas of "Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights," Mr. Higgs said, "it is gratifying to again have been recognized by one's peers for professional excellence."

Higgs Inducted into Litigation Counsel of America      

New York, NY -- June 21, 2007: Roanoke attorney Steven L. Higgs, of Steven L. Higgs, P.C., was inducted as a Charter Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America at the LCA’s Spring Conference and Induction of Fellows in New York.

The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers, limited to fewer than 3,500 Fellows.  Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only.  Fellows are selected based upon effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.  The LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition.  Established as a trial and appellate lawyer honorary society reflecting the American bar in the twenty-first century, the LCA represents the "best in law" among its membership, according to the LCA.

Higgs Named Virginia's "Local Bar Leader of the Year" for 2007 

June 15, 2007:  Steven L. Higgs was named Virginia's Local Bar Leader of the Year for 2007.  He was presented with the award at the 69th annual meeting of the Virginia State Bar.  The award, presented by the Conference of Local Bar Associations of the Virginia State Bar, is “designed to recognize past and presently active leaders in their local bar associations who have continued to offer important service to the bench, bar and public.”  Mr. Higgs, past president of the Roanoke Bar Association, was cited for his work in providing more programs for RBA members, more public recognition of RBA members, better coordination of the Roanoke Bar Association’s community services projects, and expanding RBA members’ access to free or low-cost continuing legal education programs.  He was also recognized for his other community volunteer efforts.

Above:  Higgs received the Local Bar Leader of the Year award from George W. Shanks, 2006–07 chair of the Conference of Local Bar Associations, and 2006–07 VSB President Karen A. Gould at a breakfast sponsored by the Conference of Local Bar Associations.  [Photograph courtesy of the Virginia State Bar.]

“RBA President-Elect Mark K. Cathey has noted that ‘lawyers are often our foremost community servants,’ and that is certainly true here in the Roanoke Valley,” Mr. Higgs said.  “Everything that we have accomplished as a bar has been to intended to provide more services to our members and to the public, to let the public (and other lawyers) know the good things that lawyers do for their communities, and to give back to the community--especially our youth,” Mr. Higgs said.  “I am receiving this award only because of the extraordinary quality of the RBA and its members,” he concluded.

 

This is the 11th year the award has been given, and Mr. Higgs noted that three of the 12 recipients to date [there were two recipients in 2006] have been members of the Roanoke Bar Association.

 

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Third Edition           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

of Virginia CLE Debt Collection Practice Handbook co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                          

May 14, 2007 :  The Third Edition of the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers - A Systematic Approach (3d ed., 2007), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored three chapters of the book on the topics of:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”  The book has been called the "most comprehensive book on the subject ever published in Virginia."

Higgs Awarded Third President's Volunteer Service Gold Award   

April 28, 2007:  Virginia Supreme Court Justice Lawrence L. Koontz presented to Steven L. Higgs a President's Volunteer Service Award at the 2007 Roanoke Bar Association Foundation Gala & Law Day Celebration.  The Gold Award represented more than 500 hours of community service provided by Mr. Higgs during 2006.  In addition to his volunteer service on behalf of the Roanoke Bar Association and Virginia CLE, Mr. Higgs participates as a youth soccer coach, an Assistant Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop, as a volunteer arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, and as Chair of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee.  This is the third PVSA Gold Award that Mr. Higgs has earned since 2004.  "A friend of mine refers to it as the 'Atticus Finch Syndrome,' but there is not only a desire but a duty to give back to the community."

Mr. Higgs noted that 37 Roanoke attorneys were recognized at the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation Gala for providing a total of more than 5,250 hours of pro bono legal services and other community service efforts during 2006.

 

Higgs Recertified as Specialist in Creditors' Rights Law    

March 15, 2007:  Steven L. Higgs has been recertified in Creditors' Rights Law by the American Board of Certification.  Mr. Higgs originally attained this certification in 2001.    The American Board of Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in the specialties of Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights Law.

In order to be certified as a specialist in Creditors' Rights Law, Mr. Higgs:

  • Provided evidence of substantial involvement (at least 30% of his practice time, and at least 400 hours in the three years before applying for certification and for re-certification) in the specialty area of creditors' rights law.
  • Provided appropriate references from lawyers and judges.  The references are sent directly to the American Board of Certification, and the applicant does not receive a copy.  A majority of the references are from attorneys who have handled legal matters against the applicant.
  • Took a comprehensive written examination in the substantive and procedural law in the speciality area of creditors' rights law.  The examination consists of a two-hour, 75-question multiple choice portion and a two-hour, three question essay portion, including one essay on ethics.
  • Demonstrated that he had completed at least 60 hours of continuing legal education courses in the specialty area of creditors' rights law in the three-year period preceding his application for recertification [The Virginia State Bar requires that lawyers take only 12 hours of continuing legal education each year, and has no requirement regarding the areas of law in which the education is completed, except that at least 2 hours must be in ethics.]
  • Demonstrated that he is admitted to practice law and is a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar.

Re-certification is required every five years, and attorneys are subject to revocation of their certification if they fail to continue to meet the program's requirements.  The recertification requirements, and the process for applying for recertification, are similar to the original process for certification, but do not require re-taking the written examination.

While there is no procedure in the Commonwealth of Virginia for approving certifying organization, the American Bar Association says, "a lawyer who is a certified specialist has been recognized by an independent professional certifying organization as having an enhanced level of skill and expertise, as well as substantial involvement in an established legal specialty. These organizations require a lawyer to demonstrate special training, experience and knowledge to insure that the lawyer's recognition as a certified specialist is meaningful and reliable."

According to the American Board of Certification, "Board Certification should assist the public in identifying those attorneys who have the skills and have taken the extra time and effort to meet the rigorous standards of the ABC.  Board Certification is the mark of a dedicated legal professional."

Your lawyer should be Board Certified.

 

Higgs Updates Online Compendium of Legal Issues for Virginia    

for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.

February 23 , 2007:  Steven L. Higgs has updated the state law compendium for Virginia maintained by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) for its members.   The compendium provides state-specific answers to many common legal questions arising in the equipment leasing and finance industry.  Mr. Higgs authored the first Virginia Compendium for ELFA in 2003.

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association representing financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing the utilization and investment of/in capital goods. Over 750 ELFA members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, and service providers such as attorneys.

The State Law Compendium may be accessed courtesy of The Higgs Law Firm and ELFA at the ELFA website.

Higgs Named Fellow of the National Conference of Bar Presidents     

February 7 , 2007:  Steven L. Higgs has accepted an invitation to become a Fellow of the The National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP).

The National Conference of Bar Presidents was founded in 1950 to provide information and training to state and local bar association leaders. As a Past President of the Roanoke Bar Association, Mr. Higgs was recently invited to become a Fellow of the NCBP.  "The resources and support of the American Bar Association and the NCBP were invaluable in helping me to prepare to become President of the Roanoke Bar Association, and during my term of office," Higgs said, adding "it is an honor and a privilege to support the NCBP as a Fellow."

Higgs a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America    

January 5, 2007:  Steven L. Higgs has accepted an invitation to become a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America Trial Counsel Honorary.

The Litigation Counsel of America is limited to 3,500 Fellows nationwide, carefully selected based upon evaluations of effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, and superior ethical reputation.  Membership is therefore extremely limited, representing fewer than one-half of one percent of American attorneys, and is by invitation only.

The Ltigation Counsel of America is established as a lawyer honorary reflecting the American bar in the 21st Century, representing, according to the organization, "the best in law among its membership, as selected by clients, lawyers, judges and business leaders throughout the United States."  The total number of Fellows represents fewer than one-half of one percent of practicing attorneys, according to the organization.

 

Higgs Presents Continuing Legal Education Programs

November 8, 2006:  Steven L. Higgs participated as a panel member during a continuing legal education seminar sponsored by Virginia CLE.  The program, "Foreclosure Basics," is the latest installment of the series on Virginia foreclosures in which Mr. Higgs has participated all eight times since the series began in 1993.  That seminar series was the genesis for the Virginia Lawyers Practice Handbook, Virginia Foreclosure Practice, published in 1999 and supplemented in 2001 by the Virginia Law Foundation.

 

Higgs Named one of Virginia's "Legal Elite"    

October 10 , 2006:  Steven L. Higgs has been named one of Virginia's "Legal Elite" in the practice area of Civil Litigation.

The list of Virginia's "Legal Elite" is published by the publishers of Virginia Business magazine, in cooperation with the Virginia Bar Association.

The selection process involved polling over 7,500 attorneys for the best attorneys in 13 practice categories.  Approximately 700 Virginia attorneys were selected for the honor in 2006.  The selection procedure, which according to the publishers is designed to identify lawyers who are "the very best," involves nominations from other lawyers and a statewide balloting process.

"It is extremely gratifying to again be recognized by one's peers for professional excellence," said Mr. Higgs.  "We will continue to work to provide to our clients the kind of high quality legal services that this award is designed to recognize."

Virginia Law Foundation Publishes Supplements           Virginia Continuing Legal Education

to Virginia CLE Practice Handbooks co-authored by Higgs

                                                                                                        

September 5, 2006:  The 2006 supplement to the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Enforcement of Liens and Judgments in Virginia (2004, Supp. 2006), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored a chapter of the book on the "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act."  Similar chapters authored by Mr. Higgs appear in the Virginia CLE Handbooks Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers - A Systematic Approach (2nd ed., 2002, Supp. 2006), and The Virginia Lawyer:  A Deskbook for Practitioners (2000, Supp. 2004).

February 23, 2006:  The 2006 supplement to the Virginia CLE Practice Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers - A Systematic Approach (2nd ed., 2002, Supp. 2006), has been published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Steven L. Higgs authored three chapters of the book on the topics of:  “Bankruptcy Considerations,” “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” and “Real Property Foreclosures.”

Higgs Named Virginia "Super Lawyer"     

June 26, 2006:  Steven L. Higgs has been named a Virginia "Super Lawyer."

Virginia "Super Lawyers" is published annually by the publishers of Law and Politics and Richmond Magazine.  Only 5% of Virginia attorneys are selected as Super Lawyers.  The selection process, which according to the publishers is "designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement," involves nominations from other lawyers, independent research on nominated candidates, and evaluation by a blue ribbon peer review process.

"It is gratifying to be recognized by one's peers for professional excellence," said Mr. Higgs.  "As a small firm practitioner in a highly specialized practice, it can be difficult to attract the attention of attorneys in more densely populated areas of the state.  My selection as a "Super Lawyer" is a wonderful statement about the organization and dedication of our staff, who help to make sure that the legal work that we produce is as high in quality as you will see from the very best lawyers and law firms in Virginia."

Higgs Concludes Successful Term as President of the Roanoke Bar Association

June 13, 2006: Steven L. Higgs has concluded a very successful term as President of the Roanoke Bar Association.

During the 2005-2006 bar year, Mr. Higgs served as President of the Roanoke Bar Association, a voluntary association of approximately 500 attorneys in the Roanoke Valley.  Three programs begun during Mr. Higgs' tenure as President won awards from the Conference of Local Bar Associations of the Virginia State Bar:

The "Roanoke Bar Association Foundation Gala & Law Day Celebration" earned a 2006 Award of Merit, the VSB's highest award.  The Gala, a fundraiser for the Roanoke Bar Association's charitable foundation, earned approximately $14,000.00 for the Foundation during its first year. Mr. Higgs credited Roanoke attorneys Tracy A. Giles and Lori D. Thompson for their vision in creating and organizing the Gala, a $100-per-plate, black-tie-optional dinner that replaced the Association's usual Law Day luncheon. At the Annual Meeting of the Association, Mr. Higgs said, "a prominent member of our Association characterized the decision to hold the Gala as 'courageous,' but a more accurate representation was 'foolhardy.'  To all of you who helped make 'foolhardy' look 'courageous,' I thank you."

The Roanoke Bar Association "Volunteer Service Awards" also earned a 2006 Award of Merit.  The RBA recognized 40 of its members for their participation in providing community service, charitable professional services, and pro bono publico legal services through the RBA and through other organizations of their choice.  Of those 40 lawyers, 15 were recognized for providing free legal services through Blue Ridge Legal Services.  The awards represent over 3,675 hours in community service hours during 2005.  In his remarks following the presentation of the awards, RBA President Steven L. Higgs noted that “most attorneys contribute as much or more to our community as those who were recognized at the Gala,” but are reluctant to claim credit or self-recognition.  “One of the association’s goals is to recognize its members who provide volunteer community service, and to take credit for the good that lawyers do in the Roanoke Valley,” Mr. Higgs said.  The RBA, a “Certifying Organization” with the President's Volunteer Service Awards, was privileged to have Virginia Supreme Court Justice Lawrence L. Koontz attend and present President’s Volunteer Service Awards to 14 members of the RBA.  Justice Koontz also presented RBA Certificates of Commendation to another 27 of its members.

The Roanoke Bar Association "Monthly CLE Sessions" earned a 2006 Certificate of Achievement from the VSB.  The sessions were a free benefit to RBA members, and included monthly live and videotaped programs, one hour each, on a variety of topics, from ethics to "brownfield" issues in real estate transactions.  "It is important to every voluntary bar association to provide benefits to attract and retain members.  We want our members to know and to appreciate 'What's in it for me?' when they join the Roanoke Bar Association," Mr. Higgs said.

Following his term as President, Mr. Higgs will serve one year as Immediate Past President of the Association, and also as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation.

Higgs Awarded President's Volunteer Service Gold Award         

May 28, 2006:  Virginia Supreme Court Justice Lawrence L. Koontz presented to Steven L. Higgs a President's Volunteer Service Award at the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation Gala & Law Day Celebration.  The Gold Award represented more than 500 hours of community service provided by Mr. Higgs during 2005.  In addition to his volunteer service on behalf of the Roanoke Bar Association and Virginia CLE, Mr. Higgs participates as a youth soccer coach, an Assistant Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop, as a volunteer arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, and as Chair of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee.  "Much is expected from those to whom much has been given," Mr. Higgs said, "and the duty to give back to the community is one that I gladly accept."  "The opportunity to work with and for the youth of our community and the future of public land such as Mill Mountain is a privilege," Mr. Higgs said.

Higgs Again Named Tax Sale Attorney for Roanoke, Virginia

January 1, 2005:  Steven L. Higgs has been reappointed as Tax Sale Attorney for the City of Roanoke, Virginia.  Mr. Higgs has served in this capacity since 2004, serving as legal counsel and as Special Commissioner for the City of Roanoke in its delinquent tax sale proceedings for the collection of delinquent real estate taxes and other sums owed to the City in accordance with §§ 58.1-3965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia (1950)

 

Higgs Presents Continuing Legal Education Programs

May 25, 2006:  Steven L. Higgs was a speaker at a continuing legal education seminar sponsored by Virginia CLE.  The program, "Debt Collection 101:  Keys to a Successful and Profitable Practice,"  was based on the highly popular Virginia CLE Handbook, Debt Collection for Virginia Lawyers - A Systematic Approach (Supp. 2006, Virginia Law Foundation) , of which Mr. Higgs is a co-author.

May 4, 2006:  Steven L. Higgs presented a continuing legal education seminar, "What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About . . . The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act," to members of the Roanoke Bar Association.  The seminar was part of a "What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About . . . " series that was presented as a benefit for members of the RBA, and as a fundraiser for the Roanoke Bar Association Foundation.  Mr. Higgs is the author of the chapters on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that appear in several Virginia CLE Handbooks.

March 17, 2006:  Steven L. Higgs participated as a panel member during a non-CLE program on the “Nuts and Bolts of Leadership” at the 21st Annual Bar Leaders Institute in Abingdon.  The program was sponsored by the Virginia State Bar.

February 10, 2006:  Steven L. Higgs participated as the panel moderator during a continuing legal education program for attorneys and non-attorneys on "Proofs of Claim" in bankruptcy.  The program was sponsored by the Bankruptcy Section of the Virginia State Bar, of which Mr. Higgs is a member.  A related article authored by Mr. Higgs appears below in its entirety.

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Your lawyer should be Board Certified.

SM                                                                                                   

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