Our Story

Built on Reputation

For 37 years, our name has meant something in courtrooms, closing rooms, and boardrooms across the Northeast.

A Legacy of Trust

Sterling & Associates was founded in 1987 by Robert J. Sterling, a former partner at one of Manhattan's most prestigious white-shoe firms. Bob's vision was simple: deliver the caliber of legal counsel expected by Fortune 500 companies while maintaining the personal attention and accessibility that individual clients deserve.

From a three-attorney practice in a Midtown walk-up, we have grown into a 28-lawyer firm with offices in New York, Greenwich, and Stamford. Our growth has been organic — driven by referrals, results, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.

Today, Sterling & Associates is recognized as one of the top mid-size firms in the tri-state area. We are proud to count among our clients publicly traded corporations, real estate developers, family offices, and thousands of individuals who trust us with what matters most.

S&A

Firm Photo — Est. 1987

Our Core Values

Integrity

We provide honest counsel, even when the truth is difficult. Our advice is guided by ethics, not expedience.

Excellence

We hold ourselves to the highest standard in every brief, every closing, and every client interaction. Mediocrity is not in our vocabulary.

Client-First

Our clients' interests are the sole driver of our strategy. We listen first, advise second, and fight always.

Discretion

Trust is earned through silence. We handle every matter with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.

Our Partners & Associates

Each member of our team brings a depth of experience and a commitment to client success.

RJS

Robert J. Sterling

Founding Partner

J.D., Harvard Law School | Admitted: NY, CT, DC

Bob founded Sterling & Associates in 1987 with a vision of combining elite legal counsel with genuine client relationships. With over 40 years of practice in corporate and real estate law, he has personally overseen transactions exceeding $8 billion.

KMW

Katherine M. Whitfield

Senior Partner — Litigation

J.D., Yale Law School | Admitted: NY, NJ | Board Certified Trial Advocate

Kate leads our litigation practice with a reputation for tenacious courtroom advocacy. She has secured landmark verdicts in complex commercial disputes and white-collar defense matters across federal and state courts.

MDO

Marcus D. Okafor

Partner — Real Estate

J.D., Columbia Law School | Licensed Real Estate Broker: NY, CT

Marcus brings a rare combination of legal expertise and real estate industry knowledge. He leads our real estate division, overseeing commercial and residential transactions, development advisory, and land use matters.

ERV

Elena R. Vasquez

Partner — Family Law & Estate Planning

J.D., NYU School of Law | Certified Mediator | Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Elena is known for her compassionate approach to family law and her sophisticated estate planning strategies for high-net-worth families. She has been named a Super Lawyer for twelve consecutive years.

DSP

Daniel S. Park

Associate — Corporate & IP

J.D., Stanford Law School | Registered Patent Attorney | Admitted: NY, CA

Daniel advises technology and life sciences companies on corporate transactions, intellectual property strategy, and regulatory compliance. He previously served as in-house counsel at a Fortune 500 technology firm.

SLB

Sarah L. Brennan

Of Counsel — Criminal Defense

J.D., Georgetown Law | Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, SDNY

Sarah brings fifteen years of federal prosecution experience to our criminal defense practice. Her deep knowledge of government investigations and white-collar cases provides unmatched strategic insight.

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