Legal Awards 2021: Interview with Conan J. Higgins

Can you tell us about your motivation in establishing TSI Legal Enterprises?

I am what I call a “later-in-life” lawyer, meaning I had another career prior to attending law school. My goal in establishing TSI Legal Enterprises, PC was to create a vehicle for international legal and business advisory without the cumbersome aspect of a big firm. Working for myself allowed me the flexibility to choose which projects to accept and how to prioritize my efforts.

What changes have you seen in the sector over the past two years?

The past two years have seen increasing regulation and compliance requirements in the USA and for US companies working abroad. COVID-19 restrictions have hampered the free movement of goods and people throughout the free market economy. However, I think this will soften and even revert to previous standards as the pandemic subsides.

If you had to give three pieces of advice to an up-and-coming lawyer, what would they be?

For up-and-coming lawyers, I think the most important piece of advice is to never settle for mediocrity. Always strive for improvement and never rest on your laurels. Secondly, focus on the legal work that energises or truly interests you, because the days can be long, the work tiresome, and often there is no pat on the back at the end. Finally, enforce a balance between work and those people, activities, and places that are important to you. I have yet to meet anyone retiring from any field who says they wish they’d spent more time working.

What is next for TSI Legal Enterprises and yourself in the year ahead?

My career has given me experience in the corporate sector ranging from field work and subject matter expertise in non-permissive environments to management consulting, project management, C-level positions, and corporate counsel. My work has led to overseeing projects in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait to the Philippines, Latin America, Africa, and the United States. Although I have spent the better part of the last decade advising clients on FCPA and ITAR compliance, often on-the-ground and in rapidly evolving situations, I am now focused on the interstate trucking sector in the US. I recently moved to the position of General Counsel for the largest trucking company in Savannah, Georgia and am entrusted with directing DOT, NHTSA, and other Federal and State safety programs for over 150 drivers as well as another 50 administrative and maintenance employees.

About Conan J Higgins

I am a licensed attorney, admitted to practice in California, Washington, DC, and the Court of International Trade. I am a certified project management professional as well as being certified in SCRUM Fundamentals and as a human trafficking investigator. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in the United Kingdom. I have been recognised as a subject matter expert in the field of international business entity creation and regularly contributed to the International Monetary Fund’s annual “Doing Business” report covering best practices for businesses in 189 economies.

I have been selected for High Honours recognition by the Washington, DC Bar for my pro bono work during 2021. I served for six years as the Vice Chair for the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law Middle East Committee and previously as Vice Chair for the International Anti-Money Laundering Committee. My education credentials include a BA in Organisational Leadership from Chapman University, a Juris Doctorate from Concord Law School, an LLM with Merit in International Business Law from the University of Liverpool and numerous graduate certificates in mediation and negotiation mastery from both Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. I am also currently pursuing a doctorate (PhD) in International Law and Treaty Law through Euclid University.

My published works include a dissertation on “Improving Corporate Governance Education in Emerging Markets in Sub-Saharan Africa” and a review on anti-money laundering practices in Afghanistan for the American Bar Association.

Conan J Higgins

TSI Legal Enterprises

1712 Pioneer Ave Ste 500,

Cheyenne, WY 82001

conan.higgins@tsilegalenterprises.com