Eversheds Sutherland appoints James Holden and John Lurie as Partners in Construction team
Eversheds Sutherland has announced the appointment of two new partners, James Holden and John Lurie, to its Construction team, further advancing the firm’s strategic growth and internationalisation plans. The hires significantly bolster the firm’s capabilities in both contentious and transactional infrastructure and energy projects across key global markets.
James Holden joins from White & Case, where he was a Partner in the International Arbitration practice. James originally qualified at Eversheds Sutherland and returns to the firm after more than a decade at US law firms, bringing extensive experience in international construction disputes and arbitration. His practice focuses on high-value infrastructure and energy projects, with a proven track record of acting as lead counsel in some of the most complex, high-stakes arbitrations worldwide.
James is widely recognised for his strategic leadership, cross-border collaboration, and ability to manage high-performing teams across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He has also played an active role in mentoring and talent development, leading associate training and mentoring programmes in London and across international offices.
John Lurie joins from Bechtel Corporation, where he served as Principal Counsel and Regional Head of Legal for EMEA. With over 20 years of experience spanning private practice and in-house roles — including at Dorsey & Whitney, Dechert, and Norton Rose Fulbright — John brings deep transactional expertise in infrastructure and energy projects. He has advised on the structuring, negotiation, and delivery of EPC contracts for mega-projects across oil and gas, renewables, transport, and nuclear sectors, particularly in the Middle East.
John’s skill set includes specialist knowledge of FIDIC and bespoke contract forms, project finance structures, risk management, and dispute resolution through ICC, LCIA, and UNCITRAL arbitration. In addition, he is a published thought leader in construction law and a long-standing tutor at King’s College London’s postgraduate programme in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution.
The appointments reflect Eversheds Sutherland’s commitment to expanding its international construction and disputes practice, positioning the firm to better support clients engaged in complex, cross-border energy and infrastructure developments.
Jonathan Douglas, Head of Construction and Engineering at Eversheds Sutherland, commented,
“We are delighted to welcome James and John to the team. James’s return to Eversheds Sutherland is a homecoming of sorts, and his exceptional track record in international arbitration — particularly across Africa and the Middle East — will significantly enhance our disputes offering. John’s arrival brings a rare combination of transactional depth and sectoral breadth, and his experience across energy and infrastructure projects globally will be instrumental as we continue to grow our international footprint. These appointments mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of our Construction practice.”
Mark Davenport, Global Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Management at Eversheds Sutherland, added,
“James and John are outstanding additions to our global team. Their combined experience across disputes and transactional matters, and their deep understanding of international markets, will allow us to better serve our clients on their most complex and strategic mandates. Their appointments reflect our continued commitment to investing in top-tier talent and expanding our capabilities across key regions.”
James Holden, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said,
“It’s a pleasure to return to Eversheds Sutherland at such an exciting time for the firm. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the Construction team and helping to build a truly global arbitration practice that delivers exceptional results for clients across Africa, the Middle East and beyond.”
John Lurie, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said,
“Eversheds Sutherland’s platform, people and ambition make it the ideal place for me to assist in further developing the practice. I’m excited to work with colleagues across the UK and internationally to support clients on major energy and infrastructure projects, and to help drive the next phase of growth for the firm’s international construction offering.”
If you have a news or deal publication or would like to collaborate on content, columns, or article publications, connect with the Legal Era News Network Team and email us at [email protected] or call us on +91 8879634922.