Candelario Saldana

Prior to joining the firm, Candelario was an associate at an international law firm. Through this role, he represented investment banks and other financial institutions, such as depositors, underwriters, and placement agents, in secured commercial lending transactions, commercial mortgage-backed securitizations, C-PACE securitizations, and other asset-backed securitizations. In addition, he represented banks on business revolving lines of credit, managed all aspects of transaction processes and lead deal teams, and more.

• Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Candelario Saldana Community Justice & Leadership Award, 2025
• North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Excellence in Law Award – Phenoms, 2025
• Top Lawyer Under 40 by the Hispanic National Bar Association, 2024
• Julius L. Chambers Diversity Champion Award presented by Mecklenburg County Bar, 2024
• 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyer Under 40 by the LGBTQ+ Bar Association, 2022
• On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association, 2022
• Top Latino Lawyers by Latino Leaders magazine, 2022
• North Carolina Rising Star for Securities & Corporate Finance by Super Lawyers, 2023–2025
• Advocate of the Year by NAHREP Charlotte, 2022
• Best Local Activist and Best Charlotte Hero voted by readers of Queen City Nerve, 2022
• Young Lawyer of the Year presented by Mecklenburg County Bar Young Lawyer Division, 2022
• North Carolina Attorney Pro Bono Honor Society, 2020–2023

• Board of Directors - National LGBTQ+ Bar Association (September 2023–June 2025)
• Co-Founder and President of the Board of Directors - Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association (October 2019–June 2025)
• Board of Directors – National LGBTQ+ Task Force (January 2020–June 2025)
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee Member - North Carolina Bar Association (December 2021–December 2023)
• Committee Member – NAHREP Charlotte Legislative Influencers of Government Affairs (February 2020–December 2023)
• Charlotte Hispanic Leadership Council (April 2020–June 2025)