Stone, Higgs & Drexler

For businesses and financial entities in Tennessee, navigating the complexities of debt recovery, creditor's rights, and real estate litigation requires specialized legal expertise. In Memphis, the law firm of Stone, Higgs & Drexler has been a significant presence in this niche since its formation in 1986. While their practice areas may differ from those of firms serving individual consumers in areas like personal injury or family law, their dedicated focus on collections, creditor bankruptcy, foreclosures, and real estate matters makes them a crucial resource for their specific clientele. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Stone, Higgs & Drexler, highlighting their services, strategic location, and insights from client interactions, all from the perspective of local users in Tennessee seeking this type of specialized legal support.

The legal landscape surrounding commercial and retail collections, as well as protecting creditor's rights in bankruptcy proceedings, is intricate and constantly evolving. Businesses and financial institutions need legal partners who not only possess deep knowledge of these areas but also operate with a high degree of professionalism and efficiency. Stone, Higgs & Drexler, formed as a partnership between Roger A. Stone, George F. Higgs, and David E. Drexler, has grown to include several attorneys and a robust support staff, demonstrating their capacity to handle a significant volume of specialized cases. Their ability to practice in both Tennessee and Mississippi further extends their reach and utility for clients with interests spanning both states.

Understanding what sets a legal firm apart often comes down to the experiences of those who have interacted with them. While the nature of their business—often involving debt collection and garnishments—can be inherently challenging for those on the receiving end, the firm strives for professional and compassionate communication. Our goal is to present factual information about Stone, Higgs & Drexler, consolidating public data to help local businesses and financial entities in Tennessee make informed decisions when seeking legal counsel in their areas of specialization.

Stone, Higgs & Drexler is strategically located in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee, offering convenient access for clients. Their office is situated at 150 Court Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA. This central address places the firm in a prominent and easily reachable area within the city's legal and commercial district.

Being on Court Avenue, the firm is in close proximity to various courthouses and other legal institutions. This can be a practical advantage for their clients, potentially streamlining processes related to court filings, hearings, and other legal proceedings. The downtown Memphis location is well-served by local public transportation, and for those driving, there are typically multiple parking garages and street parking options available nearby, although it’s always advisable to confirm specific parking arrangements when planning a visit.

The accessibility of Stone, Higgs & Drexler's office underscores their commitment to effectively serving their clientele throughout Tennessee and potentially in Mississippi. A central location in a major city like Memphis facilitates direct communication and efficient handling of legal matters for the businesses and financial institutions they represent, allowing for easier access to their specialized services.

Stone, Higgs & Drexler specializes in a focused set of legal services primarily geared towards creditor representation and real estate matters. Formed in 1986, the firm has developed extensive expertise in these areas, serving clients across Tennessee and Mississippi. Their practice areas are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses, financial institutions, and other entities dealing with debt recovery and related legal challenges.

The core services offered by Stone, Higgs & Drexler include:

• Collections:
  • Retail and Commercial Debt Collection: The firm handles the collection of outstanding retail and commercial accounts, including efforts to recover personal property associated with these debts. They often work on a contingency fee basis for these services, plus suit fees and court costs.
• Creditor Bankruptcy Protection:
  • Consumer Bankruptcies (Chapter 7, 13, or 11): Stone, Higgs & Drexler represents creditors' rights within various bankruptcy proceedings. This involves ensuring that their clients' interests are protected when debtors file for bankruptcy, navigating the complex rules of bankruptcy court.
  • Motions to Lift Stay in Bankruptcy: They handle specific legal actions required to allow creditors to proceed with collection efforts or foreclosures despite a bankruptcy filing.
• Foreclosures:
  • Residential and Commercial Foreclosures: The firm manages the entire foreclosure process for both residential and commercial properties, representing lenders and credit unions. This includes typical foreclosure procedures as well as ancillary matters.
  • Ancillary Foreclosure Matters: Expertise extends to related issues such as eviction proceedings following foreclosure, deficiency litigation (seeking to recover the remaining debt after foreclosure), title insurance claims, and reconveyances.
• Real Estate:
  • Real Estate Litigation: Handling various disputes and legal actions related to commercial and residential real estate.
  • Real Estate Closings: Providing legal services for credit union mortgage loan closings.
  • Tax Sale Redemptions: Assisting with legal processes related to redeeming properties after a tax sale.
• General Civil Litigation:
  • Primarily involving collection matters and the defense of counter complaints brought by original defendants. This signifies their capability to litigate related disputes that arise during collection or foreclosure efforts.

Their approach is focused on achieving efficient and effective results for their clients in these specialized areas, aiming to "get the job done" whether the case involves collections, bankruptcy, foreclosure, or real estate.

Stone, Higgs & Drexler possesses several distinct features and highlights that are relevant for businesses and financial institutions seeking legal counsel in their specialized areas within Tennessee. While client experiences can vary, as illustrated by the provided reviews, the firm's established presence and professional attributes are noteworthy:

• Specialized Expertise: The firm concentrates its practice on collections, creditor bankruptcy protection, foreclosures, and real estate litigation. This specialization allows them to develop in-depth knowledge and refined strategies specific to these complex legal fields.
• Long-Standing History: Formed in 1986, Stone, Higgs & Drexler has been operating for decades. This extensive history demonstrates stability, accumulated experience in their niche, and familiarity with the evolving legal landscape in Tennessee.
• Multi-State Practice: The firm's attorneys are licensed to practice in both Tennessee and Mississippi, providing a broader geographical reach for clients who operate across state lines.
• Commitment to Professionalism and Communication (as observed by one client): One review specifically highlights "extreme professionalism and compassion" in communications, with staff patiently answering questions and clearly explaining procedures. This indicates a focus on client service, even in potentially contentious legal areas like garnishment.
• Efficient Support Staff: The firm has a "large, efficient support staff" which suggests a well-organized operation capable of handling a significant volume of cases and providing timely assistance.
• Client Web Access: As a modern convenience, the firm offers secured internet access to clients, allowing them to follow the history of an account, print history, or obtain current status 24 hours a day. This enhances transparency and client control over their cases.
• Industry Recognition: The firm holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell (a high peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards) and is a member of reputable industry organizations like the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys (NARCA), Commercial Law League (CLLA), and The Tennessee Member's Attorney for American Collectors Association International (ACA). These affiliations underscore their standing within the legal and collections community.

While one review expresses severe dissatisfaction regarding property liens and communication, the positive review highlights the firm's efforts to maintain professionalism and offer clear explanations, even in difficult circumstances. These varied perspectives offer a comprehensive view for potential clients.

Based on the available public information, Stone, Higgs & Drexler does not explicitly advertise traditional "promotions or special offers" for their legal services in the way a retail business might. As a law firm specializing in areas such as collections, creditor bankruptcy, and foreclosures, their engagement model is typically built around ongoing legal representation for businesses, financial institutions, and other entities, rather than one-time consumer-facing promotions.

However, their fee structure for certain services, such as debt collection, is noted to be on a "contingency fee basis, plus suit fee and court costs." This means that for collections, clients typically pay attorney fees only if the firm successfully recovers the debt, which can be a beneficial arrangement for businesses seeking to minimize upfront legal costs while pursuing outstanding accounts.

For any entity considering engaging Stone, Higgs & Drexler's services, the most effective approach would be to directly contact their firm. During this initial communication, you can inquire about their specific fee structures for various services, how costs are managed, and any potential arrangements that might be relevant to your legal needs. Their focus is on providing comprehensive and efficient legal solutions tailored to their specialized practice areas, rather than broad promotional offers.

For businesses, financial institutions, and other entities in Memphis, Tennessee, or those with interests across state lines in Mississippi, seeking to contact Stone, Higgs & Drexler for specialized legal services, their contact information is as follows:

• Address: 150 Court Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
• Phone: (901) 528-1111
• Mobile Phone: +1 901-528-1111

The firm provides both a primary office phone number and a mobile phone number, offering flexible communication options. Their office is centrally located on Court Avenue in downtown Memphis, making it a familiar and accessible point of contact within the city's legal and commercial district. When contacting Stone, Higgs & Drexler, it is advisable to clearly state the nature of your inquiry and your affiliation to ensure your call or message is directed to the appropriate legal professional within their specialized practice areas. This contact information serves as the primary gateway for their specific clientele to engage with their expertise in collections, creditor bankruptcy, and real estate legal matters in Tennessee.

For businesses and financial institutions operating in Tennessee, particularly in the Memphis area, facing challenges related to debt recovery, creditor's rights in bankruptcy, or complex real estate matters, Stone, Higgs & Drexler presents itself as a suitable and specialized legal partner. Their suitability for this "local" clientele is underscored by their long-standing presence, focused expertise, and efforts to provide professional service.

Firstly, the firm's deep specialization is a significant advantage. Unlike general practitioners, Stone, Higgs & Drexler concentrates specifically on areas like collections, protecting creditors' rights in bankruptcy, foreclosures, and real estate litigation. This dedicated focus means they possess an in-depth understanding of the nuances, regulations, and strategic approaches required in these complex fields, benefiting clients who need precise and effective legal solutions rather than broad-stroke advice. Their ability to practice in both Tennessee and Mississippi further enhances their utility for entities with operations spanning these states.

Secondly, their consistent presence in Memphis since 1986 at 150 Court Ave solidifies their local roots and accessibility. A central downtown location near courthouses offers practical convenience for their clients and demonstrates a strong familiarity with the local legal environment. This physical presence and long history in the community suggest stability and a deep understanding of the Tennessee legal landscape as it pertains to their specialized areas.

While one provided review reflects a highly negative experience concerning a lien and communication, it's crucial to consider the other detailed review which highlights "extreme professionalism and compassion" from staff, patient explanations, and effective resolution, even in the context of a challenging garnishment situation. This suggests that while experiences can vary, the firm does strive to provide clear communication and professional interaction. Their investment in client-accessible online systems further indicates a commitment to transparency and efficient service delivery.

Ultimately, for businesses and financial entities in Tennessee seeking experienced, specialized, and professionally recognized legal representation in collections, creditor bankruptcy, or real estate, Stone, Higgs & Drexler offers a targeted approach. Their decades of focus within these areas, combined with their local presence and efforts toward professional client interaction, make them a suitable choice for navigating these specific legal challenges effectively.