Law & Advisory · Est. 1998

Counsel, considered.

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.

  • Corporate
  • Litigation
  • Employment
  • Real Estate
  • Estates & Trusts
  • Strategic Advisory

Practice areas

Six disciplines.

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 matter
  1. Formation, financing, contracts and transactions for companies from first hire to final sale.

    • Entity formation & governance
    • Mergers, acquisitions & exits
    • Commercial contracts
    • Shareholder agreements
  2. Firm, measured representation in negotiation, mediation, arbitration and court — with early, honest assessment of your position.

    • Commercial disputes
    • Contract enforcement
    • Partnership disputes
    • Mediation & arbitration
  3. Practical guidance for employers and executives on policies, contracts, investigations and transitions.

    • Executive agreements
    • Handbooks & compliance
    • Workplace investigations
    • Separation negotiations
  4. Acquisitions, leasing and development work for owners, tenants and investors, handled with care for the details that matter later.

    • Purchase & sale
    • Commercial leasing
    • Zoning & land use
    • Title & boundary issues
  5. Thoughtful planning that protects the people you love and the work of a lifetime — explained in plain language.

    • Wills & living trusts
    • Powers of attorney
    • Business succession
    • Estate administration
  6. Board-level counsel on risk, growth and governance — a standing advisor rather than a call you make in a crisis.

    • Outside general counsel
    • Risk & regulatory review
    • Board advisory
    • Crisis response

The firm

Candour, early.

We would rather tell you something difficult early than something expensive late.

Partners reviewing documents together at a long table in a book-lined conference room

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.

Years in practice
27
Matters resolved
1,400+
Partner-led
100%
Average response
<24h
  1. 01

    Listen

    A confidential first meeting to understand the facts, the people involved and what a good outcome looks like for you.

  2. 02

    Assess

    A written view of your position — strengths, risks and realistic options — within days, not weeks.

  3. 03

    Plan

    A clear strategy with milestones and a fee estimate you approve before any significant work begins.

  4. 04

    Resolve

    Steady execution and regular, plain-English updates until the matter is closed — and beyond, if you need us.

People

Partners, not layers.

The people you will actually work with. Fictional profiles for demonstration — each partner leads their own matters from first meeting to final resolution.

Portrait of a senior partner in a navy suit, standing by a window

Margaret Ellison

Managing Partner · Corporate

Twenty-five years advising founders and family businesses through growth, financing and sale.

Portrait of a partner in a charcoal jacket, seated in a conference room

Daniel Okoro

Partner · Disputes & Litigation

Known for resolving complex commercial disputes long before they reach a courtroom.

Portrait of a partner in a camel blazer in a library with bookshelves

Sofia Marlowe

Partner · Estates & Employment

Calm, precise counsel for families and executives at moments of transition.

Client perspective

In their words.

1 / 3
Sample review

“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.”

Founder, family-owned manufacturerCorporate · Business sale
Sample review

“Daniel resolved a two-year dispute in a single mediation day. The preparation behind that day was extraordinary.”

Operations director, regional retailerDisputes · Mediation
Sample review

“Planning an estate is emotional. Sofia made every step understandable and kind, and our children now know exactly what to expect.”

Private clientEstates & Trusts

Insights

Notes from practice.

All articles

Questions

Before we meet.

A quiet partner's office with a walnut desk, leather chair and tall windows in late-afternoon light
What happens in the first consultation?

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.

How are your fees structured?

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.

Do you work with clients outside the city?

Yes. Many of our clients meet with us by video, and documents are signed securely online.

Is what I share kept confidential?

Always. Information you share during a consultation is treated with strict confidentiality, whether or not you decide to engage us.

Consultation

Let’s talk.

About what’s next. Tell us a little about your situation. A partner will reply within one business day to arrange a time.

  • 123 Harbor Ave, Suite 400
    Your City, ST 00000
  • (555) 010-0000
  • Mon–Fri, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm

Preferred meeting

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