Fishman Haygood, L.L.P.
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Steven C. Serio

Partner

Partner

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Fax Icon 504.949.8113

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Practice Focus

Business Banking and Finance Corporate Law Mergers and Acquisitions Real Estate Securities, Private Equity and Venture Capital

About

Steven Serio is a results-oriented real estate and corporate attorney with a reputation for spearheading complicated transactions from start-to-finish in an organized, detailed, and productive manner. He represents a diverse group of business clients, both big and small, including real estate developers, landlords, commercial tenants, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, and lenders. A Chambers and Partners ranked attorney, Steven’s clients note that “he is calm under pressure; he never gets rattled.”

“[Steven’s] acumen and knowledge on all issues is great. He’s always one step ahead when it comes to getting the deal done and he is very efficient.” —Real Estate Client, Chambers and Partners

Steven’s practice includes all aspects of real estate development—acquisitions and sales of commercial retail properties, office buildings, apartment complexes, mixed-use town centers, and industrial properties; leasing; condominium development; and commercial loan transactions. Steven has significant experience negotiating CMBS financings and non-recourse loans. He also counsels clients in the areas of commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law.

Experience

  • Purchaser of the ReFresh Project, a 60,000 sq. ft. Whole Foods-anchored mixed-use community health hub developed to bring together partners to serve neighborhood health, education, and nutrition needs in New Orleans, La.
  • Stirling, a full-service commercial real estate company servicing the Gulf South region, in the buyout of the interest of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (NYSE:CBL) in Fremaux Town Center, a 640,000 sq. ft. commercial shopping, retail, and dining center in Slidell, La.
  • Lonestar Electric Supply, the 20th largest distributor in the electric space, regarding corporate and real estate matters for its first out-of-state distribution center in Louisiana.
  • Stirling Properties, a full-service commercial real estate company servicing the Gulf South region, in its acquisitions of Beck Partners and IV United Plaza.
  • Ambassador Town Center, a 425,000 square foot retail center in Lafayette, La., anchored by Costco Wholesale, including the acquisition, construction financing, title work, and implementation of a payment in lieu of taxes program for infrastructure and site improvements.

Professional Activities & Community Involvement

Recognitions

Media

  • Panelist, “Common Pitfalls in a Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) for Buyers and Sellers,” ICSC (Innovating Commerce Serving Communities) Local New Orleans, Nov. 10, 2022.
  • Speaker, National Business Institute seminars in the practice areas of real estate and mergers and acquisitions.
  • Speaker, Loyola University’s College of Law in the areas of business transactions.
  • Serio, Steven. “From There to Here: Four Attorneys on the Ups and Downs of Practicing Law for 20 Years.” Interview by Nancy Henderson. Louisiana Super Lawyers Magazine, 20th Anniversary Issue, March 2026, 12-16.

Credentials

  • J.D., cum laude, from American University's Washington College of Law, 2005
    • Editor-in-Chief of the American University Law Review
  • B.B.A. in Accounting, cum laude, from University of Notre Dame, 2000
  • Louisiana

Notable Rankings

Steven Serio 2025 Chambers BadgeLegal 500 2026 New Orleans Elite badge for Corporate and M&ASteven Serio Best Lawyers: Lawyer of the Year 2026 in Commercial Finance LawSteven Serio Best Lawyers 2026 BadgeSuper Lawyers 2026 badge