Who We Are
A full-service firm built on client relationships, not just billable matters
For nearly three decades, Sterling & Black has provided strategic legal counsel to individuals, businesses, investors, and institutions - helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with confidence and precision.
Every matter receives personalized attention from an attorney directly, practical legal strategies grounded in real business outcomes, and a firm commitment to communication throughout the life of your case.
Learn About Our Firm
Practice Areas
Counsel across the matters that matter most
Twelve integrated practice areas, working together so your legal strategy stays coordinated - whether you're closing a transaction, resolving a dispute, or planning for the future.
Corporate & Business Law
Formation, governance, M&A, and commercial contracts for growing companies.
View ServiceCommercial Litigation
Contract disputes, business torts, and appellate advocacy for companies of any size.
View ServiceReal Estate Law
Acquisitions, leasing, development, and due diligence for commercial and residential property.
View ServiceEmployment Law
Contracts, policy design, and workplace dispute resolution for employers and executives.
View ServiceFamily Law
Divorce, custody, and family agreements handled with discretion and steady guidance.
View ServiceEstate Planning
Wills, trusts, and succession strategies that protect what you've built.
View ServiceImmigration Law
Business immigration, visas, and residency counsel for individuals and employers.
View ServiceIntellectual Property
Trademark, copyright, and licensing strategy to protect brand and innovation.
View ServiceWhy Sterling & Black
What clients can expect from day one
Experienced Legal Team
Forty-two attorneys with deep experience across corporate, litigation, and personal legal matters.
Transparent Communication
Direct access to your attorney, clear timelines, and no surprises in billing or strategy.
Confidential Consultations
Every initial conversation is private, unhurried, and focused on understanding your matter.
Proven Track Record
Thousands of matters resolved for individuals, growing companies, and institutional clients.
Strategic Advice
We advise on business and life implications, not only the narrow legal question in front of us.
Client-Focused Service
Responsive communication and a service model built around your timeline, not ours.
Our Legal Team
Meet a few of our attorneys
Margaret Ellison Sterling
Managing PartnerLeads the firm's corporate and business law practice.
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Daniel R. Voss
Senior Litigation PartnerRepresents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes.
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Priya Nandakumar
Partner, Real EstateGuides real estate transactions and development deals.
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Marcus T. Whitfield
Head of Family LawHandles family law matters with discretion and care.
View ProfileRepresentative Matters
A track record across industries
Cross-border acquisition of a mid-market supplier
Advised a private equity-backed manufacturer on the structuring and close of an $84M acquisition, including regulatory clearance across two jurisdictions.
Outcome: Transaction closed on schedule with no post-closing disputes.
Defense of a software licensing dispute
Represented a SaaS provider against breach-of-contract claims from a former enterprise client, including counterclaims for unpaid licensing fees.
Outcome: Favorable settlement reached prior to trial.
Ground-up development of a boutique hotel
Guided a hospitality investment group through land acquisition, zoning approval, and construction agreements for a 120-room property.
Outcome: Project delivered with all approvals secured on the original timeline.
Representative matters are illustrative and do not guarantee similar outcomes in future engagements.
Client Testimonials
What clients say about working with us
They translated a complicated acquisition into a plan our board could actually act on.
Every email was returned the same day, and every call started with a clear plan.
A difficult family matter handled with more patience and discretion than I expected.
How We Work
A clear, structured legal process
Consultation
We listen and assess your situation.
Assessment
We evaluate risk, options, and priorities.
Strategy
We build a plan matched to your goals.
Representation
We act on your behalf with regular updates.
Resolution
We work toward the best available outcome.
Ongoing Support
We remain available as your needs evolve.
Legal Insights
Practical guidance from our attorneys
Five contract clauses founders overlook before their first raise
A practical look at the provisions that most often surface during diligence.
Employment LawUpdating your employee handbook for hybrid work
What changed in workplace policy expectations, and how to stay compliant.
Real EstateA buyer's guide to commercial property due diligence
The documents to review before signing on a commercial property.
Recognition
Recognized for legal excellence
Regional Law Firm of the Year
National Legal Excellence Council
Top Corporate Practice
Business Law Recognition Board
Community Leadership Award
Metro Bar Association
Published Legal Research
Journal of Commercial Law
Protect your interests with trusted legal counsel
Schedule a confidential consultation with an attorney to discuss your matter - no obligation, no pressure.