Garrett brings an innovative and creative approach to the practice of family law. Early in his family law career Garrett realized that success in family law litigation requires intellectual curiosity and creativity, attributes he brings to bear in his incisive and thorough representation of each of his clients. When handling complex family law matters, Garrett frequently takes a multidisciplinary approach to the practice of family law, partnering with his clients, and when necessary, with mental health professionals, financial advisors, and other industry professionals to ensure successful solutions to his client’s case. Garrett routinely and successfully handles family law cases that involve substance abuse, children with special needs, parties with mental or physical disabilities, sexual abuse, physical abuse, same sex and transgender issues, and complex marital property analysis.
Garrett Clarkson Higley was born and raised in Houston, Texas. A sixth generation Texan, Garrett graduated from Texas A&M University with honors and went on to graduate from South Texas College of Law. While in law school Garrett was a member of the nationally acclaimed South Texas College of Law Moot Court Team and of the South Texas Law Review. After graduating from law school in 2004, passing the bar, and becoming licensed to practice in the same year, Garrett began his career in the areas of toxic torts and white collar criminal defense. Shortly after moving to Austin, Garrett turned his focus exclusively to the practice of family law, his passion, and opened what is now the Law Office of Garrett C. Higley, PLLC.
While zealous and creative advocacy are hallmark characteristics of Garrett’s style of litigation, so are integrity and reasonability. A veteran of numerous trials and hearings, Garrett is an adept trial attorney and at home in the courtroom. However, Garrett understands that the financial and emotional reality of protracted litigation and trial can be draining, relying instead on his thorough preparation and skillful negotiation techniques whenever possible to reach outstanding settlement solutions.
Garrett also spends a considerable amount of time serving clients that are indigent and otherwise unable to access the legal system or adequately address the issues presented by their complex family law matter. Garrett maintains a few pro bono clients at any given time and has dedicated hundreds of hours over the past several years to Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid, and the State Bar of Texas, earning him the Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Award, acceptance to the State Bar of Texas Pro Bono College, and an appointment to the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section Pro Bono Committee.
Additionally, Garrett’s commitment to service extends beyond his legal work. Garrett serves on several boards in Austin, Texas, including the Capital Area AIDS Legal Project, The Handsome Father, and annual participation in the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Family law disputes are a frightening, disruptive, and confusing experience for the majority of people that walk through the doors of the Law Office of Garrett C. Higley, PLLC. While many cases are not contentious from start to finish, almost invariably there are rough periods. Garrett’s supportive, intelligent and personal approach to the practice of family law allows him to guide each individual client across treacherous terrain to the solid ground of solution.