32-year Litigator is Also a Highly Respected Mediator
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In the annals of San Diego's history is the Higgs family name - synonymous with law.
A namesake in the county's legal history as well as its most historic law firm patriarch DeWitt "Dutch" Higgs' inspiration upon others is legendary - so much so that a bronze likeness of the 60 year legal eagle observes the daily goings on in the Hall of Justice. Higgs was honored not only for his outstanding legal career, which included a term as President of the State Bar of California, but also for his civic involvement which culminated in serving 16 years on the University of California Board of Regents, including two terms as its Chair. After 60 years of practice, the Higgs name and the law are still parallel today.
"My dad generally liked most everyone and loved helping them solve their legal problems. He was enthusiastic about the law and what it could do for people. That's what interested me in the law," said Craig Higgs, a 32 year legal veteran and partner at Higgs Fletcher & Mack.
It was in college at the University of Redlands when Higgs decided to follow in his father's path - "My dad's love for the practice of law was infectious and also helped inspire other family members" - which includes immediate and extended family. Daughter Kiska, a recent Princeton University graduate, is planning to follow not just in her father's footsteps, but also stepmother Cynthia Aaron's, a federal magistrate judge. Higgs' brother-in-law, Vince Whelan, is a retired partner from Higgs Fletcher & Mack and his son, Bill, is a practicing attorney. Son Alexander, a college freshman, could likely produce a documentary on the family of lawyers during his film studies at Pitzer College.
The jury is still out, so to speak, for Higgs' youngest, six-year-old Ben, but perhaps dad's influence in Indian Guides or his love for hiking, backpacking and bicycle riding could lead to pursuits in environmental law. Higgs notes, however, that, like his own father, he plays no heavy-handed influence on his children's aspirations. "And my daughter picked the most expensive college to attend," he quips.
While humble when asked about his father's influence in the San Diego legal community, Higgs does admit a special feeling when he sees his father's sculpture in the Hall of Justice. "It's a mixture of pride and a touch of anxiety - that I'd better be doing the best job I can," he said.
His father's "great enthusiasm in helping people solve their problems" certainly mirrors Higgs' own course, particularly in his highly-regarded mediation practice.
While litigation is costly, destructive of business and personal relationships, mediation is the art of negotiation and allows parties to resolve their own dispute.
"Mediation is really just a facilitated negotiation, with the mediator being the facilitator, and the parties and their attorneys negotiating the case. The mediator helps evaluate the dispute and move the parties toward a solution, which is better than going forward to trial," Higgs said.
It is the mediator, such as Higgs, who ensures the success of mediation by walking attorneys and clients through the process in advance - and by being part psychologist and part lawyer.
"For me, it is greatly satisfying to help people settle their disputes," said Higgs, a Harvard Law School-trained mediator.
Just like dad.
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