Trusted counsel
for complex times.

For over four decades, we've guided businesses and individuals through their most consequential legal matters.

Schedule a Consultation
Scroll

Areas of Expertise

Corporate & Commercial

Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance, and complex commercial agreements for businesses of all scales.

Learn More

Dispute Resolution

Commercial litigation, international arbitration, and mediation. Strategic advocacy in courts and tribunals across jurisdictions.

Learn More

Real Estate

Major developments, commercial acquisitions, planning and environment, and real estate finance across the United Kingdom.

Learn More

Employment

Employment contracts, tribunal claims, workplace policy, executive compensation, and regulatory compliance for employers and individuals.

Learn More

Private Client

Wealth structuring, trusts, estate planning, and tax advisory services for high-net-worth individuals and families.

Learn More

Technology & IP

Patents, data protection, AI regulation, software licensing, and intellectual property strategy for innovators and enterprises.

Learn More

Four Decades of
Excellence

Founded in 1982 by Margaret Sterling QC, our firm has grown from a three-person practice in Lincoln's Inn Fields to one of London's most respected mid-size firms with offices spanning three continents.

We combine the intellectual rigour and personal service of a boutique practice with the resources and reach to handle the most complex, cross-border matters. Our clients stay with us because we treat their interests as our own.

  • Partner-led teams on every matter
  • Cross-border capability across 40+ jurisdictions
  • Industry-leading client retention rate
  • Committed to diversity and social mobility
Sterling & Associates conference room
42
Years Established
85
Lawyers
98%
Client Retention
£2.1B
In Transactions

Leadership

Margaret Sterling QC

Margaret Sterling QC

Founding Partner

Over 40 years in corporate law. Appointed Queen's Counsel in 1998. Named among the UK's 50 most influential lawyers.

Richard Osei

Richard Osei

Managing Partner

Former High Court judge's clerk. Specialises in dispute resolution and international arbitration across Europe and Africa.

Catherine Hargreaves

Catherine Hargreaves

Head of Real Estate

Led transactions exceeding £500M in commercial developments. Trusted adviser to FTSE-listed property companies.

James Liu

James Liu

Head of Technology

Pioneer in AI governance and data protection law. Advises governments and multinational tech firms on regulatory strategy.

"Sterling & Associates guided us through a £340 million cross-border acquisition with the kind of strategic clarity and commercial awareness that's increasingly rare in the legal profession."

Chief Executive Officer FTSE 250 Technology Company

"Their dispute resolution team secured an outcome that many thought impossible. They combined meticulous preparation with exceptional courtroom advocacy. We couldn't have asked for better representation."

General Counsel International Energy Group

"For over fifteen years, Sterling has been our trusted partner on everything from employment matters to corporate restructuring. Their consistency, discretion, and depth of knowledge are unmatched."

Chairman Private Family Office

Awards & Rankings

Chambers UK
Band 1, Corporate/Commercial
2024, 2025
The Legal 500
Tier 1, Real Estate
2025
The Times
Best Law Firms
2023, 2024, 2025
Financial Times
Innovative Lawyers
2024

Get in Touch

Address
One Fleet Place
London EC4M 7WS
United Kingdom
Telephone
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 6:30pm