MEMargaret Ellison
Managing Partner · Corporate
Twenty-five years advising founders and family businesses through growth, financing and sale.
Law & Advisory · Est. 1998
Clear, candid advice for businesses, families and founders — through the decisions that shape what comes next.
First consultation: 45 minutes, confidential, in person or by video.
Practice areas
One standard of care. Every matter is led by a partner and staffed by a small, senior team. You will always know who is responsible, what happens next, and what it will cost.
Discuss your matterFormation, financing, contracts and transactions for companies from first hire to final sale.
Firm, measured representation in negotiation, mediation, arbitration and court — with early, honest assessment of your position.
Practical guidance for employers and executives on policies, contracts, investigations and transitions.
Acquisitions, leasing and development work for owners, tenants and investors, handled with care for the details that matter later.
Thoughtful planning that protects the people you love and the work of a lifetime — explained in plain language.
Board-level counsel on risk, growth and governance — a standing advisor rather than a call you make in a crisis.
The firm
We would rather tell you something difficult early than something expensive late.
Sterling & Associates was founded on a simple idea: clients deserve the judgment of a senior advisor, not the overhead of a large institution. We keep our teams small, our fees transparent and our advice direct.
Most of our work comes from referrals by clients we have served for years. That is the measure we care about.
A confidential first meeting to understand the facts, the people involved and what a good outcome looks like for you.
A written view of your position — strengths, risks and realistic options — within days, not weeks.
A clear strategy with milestones and a fee estimate you approve before any significant work begins.
Steady execution and regular, plain-English updates until the matter is closed — and beyond, if you need us.
People
The people you will actually work with. Fictional profiles for demonstration — each partner leads their own matters from first meeting to final resolution.



Client perspective
“They told us plainly what the sale would involve, what it would cost and where the risks were. No surprises — which is exactly what you want from a lawyer.”
“Daniel resolved a two-year dispute in a single mediation day. The preparation behind that day was extraordinary.”
“Planning an estate is emotional. Sofia made every step understandable and kind, and our children now know exactly what to expect.”
Insights
The conversations founders avoid in year one are the ones that cost the most in year five.
6 min readWhat a living trust does, what it doesn’t, and how to decide whether you need one.
8 min readLeverage, timing and the quiet value of a dispute that never becomes public.
5 min readQuestions
A 45-minute confidential conversation with a partner. We listen, ask questions, and give you an honest first view of your options and the likely next steps.
Depending on the matter, we work on fixed fees, capped estimates or hourly rates. You approve a written estimate before significant work begins — no surprises.
Yes. Many of our clients meet with us by video, and documents are signed securely online.
Always. Information you share during a consultation is treated with strict confidentiality, whether or not you decide to engage us.
Consultation
About what’s next. Tell us a little about your situation. A partner will reply within one business day to arrange a time.
Your request has been received. A partner will be in touch within one business day to arrange your consultation.