Practice Areas
With more than three decades of experience, Herbert Short has developed a deep and broad practice representing energy and financial services companies in connection with a myriad of capital markets, securities regulatory, corporate governance, transactional and ESG matters.
Clients report to Chambers that he is “extremely knowledgeable” and “a statesman in the industry” whose “delivery is both decisive and calm.” Clients praise Herbert for being “able to connect important dots and draw connections to key risks,” adding that “his leadership is invaluable.”
Herbert currently serves as Eversheds Sutherland’s US International Partner and works with colleagues around the world to serve the firm’s global priority clients. He also has a lead role implementing and overseeing the firm’s initiatives for its various global sector groups.
Environmental, Social and Governance
Herbert is a highly respected authority in the ESG and energy transition sectors. As the former Global Co-Lead of ESG (2021-2024), Herbert co-authored two of the firm's influential climate impact reports. With in-depth experience spanning ESG regulatory frameworks and sustainable finance, Herbert adeptly supports clients in navigating critical ESG priorities. This includes advising on ESG matters, evaluating power supply alternatives, and addressing nationwide energy changes.
Herbert has also been a pivotal advisor in the energy transition landscape, particularly in nuclear energy. Notably, he provided counsel for the country's first newly constructed nuclear power plant in over 30 years, which now delivers emission-free, baseload power. Additionally, Herbert is playing a key role in the historic restart of a nuclear plant, marking the first instance of carbon-free energy procurement from a restarted nuclear facility in US history.
Herbert also served as the US Energy Practice Group Leader (2009-2021), successfully leading the group and its clients through significant transitions in the market, growing the group’s suite of services, and expanding into new cities. During his tenure as Practice Group Leader, Herbert held a dual role as Co-Head of the Eversheds Sutherland Global Energy Group (2018-2021) and focused on building strong collaborations with international colleagues to form a global service offering for energy sector clients.
Capital Markets and Transactional Matters
A seasoned securities and transactional lawyer, Herbert's extensive experience helps clients in their capital raising efforts through complex financing deals. Working closely with investment banks, issuers, electric utilities and cooperatives, and financial services firms across a variety of global industries, he advises clients on publicly issued taxable bond offerings, leveraged leasing transactions, tax-exempt bond offerings, shelf offerings, government-guaranteed financings and private placements. Over the last 10 years, Herbert has been involved in more than 30 public and private offerings, raising capital in excess of $12 billion.
Having represented hundreds of clients in the US and across the globe, Herbert also has substantial experience counseling on mergers and acquisitions, global expansion, SEC registered offerings, joint ventures and other financings, including a growing emphasis in Green Finance. His wide-ranging experience includes serving as underwriters counsel to leading corporations and banks in China and Canada in significant 144A taxable securities offerings.
Securities Regulatory and Corporate Governance
Additionally, Herbert regularly guides corporate boards and management in corporate governance issues. He is also renowned in successfully navigating the intricate rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including ongoing SEC reporting obligations and other securities laws.
