Christian T. Higgins

Christian is an associate in the Professional Liability Department where he focuses his practice on defending owners, contractors, design professionals, and public entities in construction-related litigation. He has extensive experience with matters involving construction defect claims, contract disputes, mechanic’s liens, and professional liability issues arising from both public and private projects.

Before joining Marshall Dennehey, Christian represented clients in a broad range of matters including commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, labor and employment, civil rights and tort claims, and real property disputes. He also advised municipal officials on a wide range of city business including ethics, land use, city code, and taxes.
In addition to his legal practice, Christian brings a unique perspective from his time as a co-founder and operator of a national gourmet brownie company, which he managed for three years while simultaneously practicing law. His entrepreneurial experience complements his legal insight, especially in advising business clients on operational, risk management, and contractual matters.

Christian earned his juris doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law in 2021, with a concentration in corporate governance and transactions. While in law school, he studied abroad in Ireland and Germany and clerked for a civil defense firm. He received his Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University, where he also served in the Army ROTC and graduated in the top 20% of ROTC cadets nationwide.

Prior to law school, Christian served in the West Virginia Army National Guard and then as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army, where he attended premier Army leadership schools and led infantry and tank units overseas. His leadership experience included command responsibilities over more than 100 soldiers and briefings to senior military leaders on complex tactical operations.

He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and is an active contributor to legal publications, having written on litigation finance and emergency powers law.

Year joined

2025

Thought Leadership

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Upholds Strict One-year Deadline for Lawsuits Against Home Inspectors

Pittsburgh
Real Estate E&O Liability
February 5, 2026
In an October 2025 decision with important implications for real estate errors and omissions liability, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court clarified how claims against home inspectors must be timed under the Pennsylvania Home Inspect

Pennsylvania Supreme Court to Decide Whether Key Exceptions Could Erode the 12-Year Construction Statute of Repose

Pittsburgh
Architectural, Engineering & Construction Defect Litigation
January 1, 2026
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has accepted review in two matters that could materially affect the scope and predictability of Pennsylvania’s 12-year construction statute of repose, potentially expanding exposure for design professionals, contract