Bernstein Shur Shareholder Chad Higgins Helps to Secure Release of Wrongfully Convicted Client

Portland and Augusta, ME and Manchester, NH (May 14, 2020) – Bernstein Shur announces that Shareholder Chad Higgins, in partnership with the legal team at the New England Innocence Project, has secured the release of their client, Keyon Sprinkle, after more than 20 years of incarceration for a crime he did not commit.

In January, citing new evidence and the compelling testimony of Sprinkle and others Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Janet Sanders granted Sprinkle’s motion for a new trial argued by Higgins. On February 6, Sprinkle was released from custody, and on May 12, the District Attorney filed a nolle prosequi, declining to pursue the case further.

Notes Higgins, “Keyon has consistently maintained his innocence throughout this entire ordeal. His strength inspired me, along with a bevy of other dedicated lawyers and staff to work to secure this just result, including his trial counsel, Peter Parker, the New England Innocence Project, Joe Savage and Goodwin. I am also grateful to my colleagues at Bernstein Shur for their support and assistance every step of the way.”

Higgins started working Sprinkle’s case while practicing at Goodwin and has been pursuing it for 13 years. Concluded Higgins, “Keyon had been in jail since 1999, yet neither he nor his team ever gave up. This result demonstrates the immense importance of pro bono work, which in this case, means that Keyon, now 38, will spend the rest of his life with his family and loved ones, including his wife and three children.”

To learn more about Keyon Sprinkle’s case, please continue reading here: Boston Globe: Man who spent 7,380 days in prison for murder he says he did not commit looking toward new life

About Chad Higgins
Higgins is a Shareholder and serves as Co-chair of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He is a seasoned litigator with deep experience in a broad range of industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, consumer products, and higher education. Prior to joining Bernstein Shur, Higgins was Counsel at Goodwin in Boston, and an associate at Arnold & Porter in Washington, DC. He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and resides in Yarmouth with his family.

About Bernstein Shur
Founded in 1915, Bernstein Shur is a New England-based law firm advising clients across the U.S. and around the world. Our 125+ award-winning attorneys and professionals provide practical and innovative counsel, and practice in more than 20 key areas across a variety of industries. Bernstein Shur is known for simplifying complex issues and winning through steadfast persistence. The firm is ME’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms. Find out more at www.bernsteinshur.com.