State Bar of Wisconsin

Irene Higgins
1924
(1897-1982)

Born in 1897, Irene Higgins practiced law in Eagle River, Wis. She focused mainly on real estate law, working with her father. In fact, it seems that her father's influence probably led her into a law career, according to Irene's attorney, John L. O'Brien.

O'Brien shares two stories about Irene that provide a glimpse into her quick mind and vibrancy. Working with Irene to draft her new will, O'Brien counseled her to burn the previous will. Quickly pointing out the error of his advice ("Oh, no, you are wrong about that, Mr. O'Brien"), she reminded him that if someone contested her new will, the previous will would come into effect. O'Brien credits Irene with teaching him a valuable lesson!

O'Brien also relates a second incident. Walking by the home Irene shared with her friend Ann Christman, he noticed Ann banging on a pole with a hammer. Both Irene and Ann were in their 80s at the time. He asked Ann why she doing this, and she confided to him that Irene was in the garden behind the house shooting rabbits. Because they both knew it was illegal to shoot a firearm in the city, Ann hoped to fool the neighbors into thinking it was she making all the noise.

Irene Higgins passed away in 1982.

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