Eversheds Sutherland Welcomes James Salerno as Energy Partner in New York, Strengthening Energy Project Finance Services

With more than 34 years of experience providing trusted counsel on energy project-focused work, Mr. Salerno will build on the team’s already strong capabilities advising on the energy project development lifecycle, including related investor and lender strategies. 

“I am thrilled to welcome Jim to our Energy practice. His deep connection to energy project finance and development will enhance our position as a go-to firm advising clients in these high-demand areas,” said Lino Mendiola, Global Co-CEO and US Chief Executive of Eversheds Sutherland. “As energy demands continue to evolve, Jim will bring significant market knowledge from his longtime base in New York. Jim will bring his national and international experience to the service of our clients around the globe.”  

Mr. Salerno’s robust track record includes representing a range of entities – including major developers, owners, operators, financial services entities and other lenders – on structuring and negotiating projects across diverse energy sectors, including solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable power, storage, carbon capture, nuclear, LNG, Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) and other traditional gas and steam power generation projects. 

He has also represented lenders in government-led energy development initiatives, including as part of public-private partnerships funding and developing a range of infrastructure projects as well as US Department of Energy financing programs. In addition to his strong experience with US projects, Mr. Salerno has advised developers and lenders in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa on oil and gas transactions.

“Jim is a stellar energy attorney and an excellent addition to our team. He brings a comprehensive understanding of energy project development work, informed by years of experience with diverse industry stakeholders and in changing market environments, enabling clients to navigate complexity and achieve successful outcomes,” said Thomas Warren, Partner and Co-Head of Global Energy. “He will expand our longstanding reputation as a legal team at the forefront of energy innovation, transition and transformation.”   

“Eversheds Sutherland is an ideal destination to continue building my practice. The firm is known for its trusted counsel on complex and innovative energy matters given its strong legacy and forward-looking vision,” Mr. Salerno said. “My client work will also benefit from the firm’s one-stop-shop offering through its highly regarded transactional and regulatory practices that are often critical in energy development work,” he said. 

Prior to Eversheds Sutherland, Mr. Salerno built a distinguished practice from the New York offices of several global law firms.

In 2025, the US Energy team welcomed Partner Alex Choinski in Houston and Counsel Christian Rudloff in New York, who are similarly focused on cross-border traditional and renewable energy international project finance, project development and related transactions. The team also added four additional attorneys and has elected Washington DC-based attorney Allison Salvia to the partnership.