Laura Higgins is a seasoned and tenacious litigator and tax controversy attorney with over 12 years of experience as a federal and state prosecutor. She offers exceptional insight into complex financial fraud, white-collar crime, and tax enforcement matters, drawing on her experiences leading high-stakes government investigations and prosecutions across multiple jurisdictions.
Laura represents clients in high-profile government enforcement actions involving the False Claims Act and Bank Secrecy Act, tax controversy and litigation matters, including IRS audits, criminal tax investigations, and civil tax disputes. Her deep understanding of government enforcement strategies stems from her years serving in the Department of Justice where she led investigations and prosecutions in collaboration with the FBI, HSI, DEA, IRS, Secret Service, US Postal Inspection Service, and Department of Labor. Laura also served as legal counsel to IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agents throughout Upstate New York and Special Agents investigating transnational tax crime cases arising from the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), a global initiative uniting the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands to combat international tax evasion.
Among her most notable achievements, Laura led a multi-state investigation and prosecution of a large-scale Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud conspiracy involving more than 150 fraudulent loans totaling over $43 million. She also litigated a high-stakes tax controversy matter in the U.S. Tax Court involving a disputed multi-million dollar conservation easement deduction.
Laura’s unique background and strategic approach make her a trusted advocate for clients facing allegations of complex financial fraud and tax offenses.
PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
- Member, Federal Bar Association, Qui Tam Section
- Member, Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys
- Coach, Monroe Milers Youth Running Program, City of Rochester
HONORS & AWARDS
- Recipient, 2024 Outstanding Litigator Award, Department of the Treasury, Legal Division
- Recipient, 2024 Outstanding Litigator Award, Office of Chief Counsel, Large Business & International Division
- Recipient, 2012 ABA Appellate Advocacy Competition, Regional Semi-Finalist
- Recipient, 2012 Alexander and Emily Mehr Memorial Prize
- Recipient, 2011 Domenick Gabrielli National Family Law Appellate Advocacy Competition Champion
- Recipient, Yellow Jacket Award for Leadership and Achievement in Athletics, University of Rochester
