James R. Sterling
Founding Partner
Corporate & Commercial Litigation
32 years of experience
Est. 1998 · New York
Trusted Legal
Excellence.
Protecting your rights with integrity, experience, and results — for the moments that matter most.
25+
Years Experience
5,000+
Cases Won
98%
Client Satisfaction
Scroll
1998
The year James Sterling founded the firm in Manhattan on a single principle: clients before all else.
About the Firm
A quiet standard of excellence, held for over two decades.
Sterling & Associates was founded in 1998 to serve clients who expect more from their counsel — greater judgment, greater discretion, and unwavering advocacy. Today we advise founders, families, and Fortune 500 boards from offices in New York, London, and Singapore.
Our Mission
To deliver clarity, protection, and outcomes worthy of our clients' trust.
Core Values
Integrity. Discretion. Precision. Relentless preparation.
Client-First
Every mandate is led by a named partner — not delegated, not diluted.
Global Reach
A curated network of counsel across 40+ jurisdictions worldwide.
Practice Areas
Counsel across every discipline that matters.
Eight core practice groups, one integrated bench. Every matter draws on the full depth of the firm.
Corporate Law
Mergers, acquisitions, governance, and complex commercial transactions.
Criminal Defense
Strategic defense from investigation through appeal, at every level.
Family Law
Divorce, custody, and estate matters handled with discretion.
Real Estate Law
Transactions, development, leasing, and land use for private clients.
Immigration Law
Global mobility, EB-5, visas, and residency for individuals and firms.
Business Law
Formation, contracts, disputes, and cross-border counsel.
Employment Law
Executive contracts, disputes, compliance, and workplace investigations.
Civil Litigation
High-stakes commercial and private litigation in every forum.
Why Sterling
Six reasons the discerning choose us.
01
Experienced Attorneys
A bench of senior partners with decades in the courtroom and boardroom.
02
Proven Track Record
Over 5,000 favorable outcomes across every practice area we serve.
03
Confidential Consultation
Absolute discretion — the standard of the world's most trusted firms.
04
Personalized Legal Strategy
Bespoke counsel shaped to your circumstances, never a template.
05
Transparent Communication
Clear language, honest assessments, no billing surprises.
06
Available 24/7
Emergencies do not follow business hours — neither do we.
Case Results
Results that speak for themselves.
0+
Cases Won
0%
Success Rate
0+
Years Experience
0/7
Client Support
Client Voices
What our clients say.
"Sterling & Associates handled our cross-border acquisition with a level of care and precision I have not encountered elsewhere. Their counsel is genuinely worth every hour."
Isabella Cohen
CEO, Meridian Holdings
Rated 4.9 / 5 · 412 verified Google reviews
Our Process
Four steps from first call to resolution.
1
Book Consultation
Reserve a confidential session with a senior attorney at a time that suits you.
2
Case Evaluation
A thorough, honest assessment of the facts, options, and likely outcomes.
3
Legal Strategy
A bespoke plan of action — with clear timelines and defined milestones.
4
Successful Resolution
Decisive representation, from filing to judgment or negotiated close.
Consultation Pricing
Transparent from day one.
Initial Consultation
$350per hour
- 60-minute private session
- Senior attorney review
- Written case overview
- Actionable next steps
Most Chosen
Business Legal Package
$4,800per month
- Dedicated legal team
- Unlimited contract review
- Corporate governance support
- Priority response < 4 hours
- Quarterly strategy session
Premium Representation
Customengagement
- Bespoke matter engagement
- Lead partner assigned
- 24/7 direct access
- Full multidisciplinary team
- Global network access
FAQ
Answers, before you ask.
Still have a question? Our team is available around the clock.
Every conversation with our attorneys is protected by attorney-client privilege from the first minute — including preliminary consultations, whether or not you decide to retain us.
We offer hourly, flat-fee, and retainer arrangements depending on matter type. You will receive a clear, written engagement letter before any work begins — never a surprise invoice.
Yes. Through our global network of partner firms across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, we regularly advise on cross-border transactions, disputes, and mobility.
For genuine emergencies, a partner is available 24 hours a day. We routinely open new files within hours when circumstances require it.
Every matter is overseen by a named partner. You will meet them at consultation and remain in direct communication throughout your engagement.
Contact
Begin with a private conversation.
Share a few details and a partner will personally respond within one business hour.
Direct Line
+1 (212) 555-0182
Email
counsel@sterlingassociates.law
Office
1 Park Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
Office Hours
Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Emergencies 24/7