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Established 2001 · Trusted Nationwide

Counsel Rooted in
Integrity.

SterlingTrust Legal Group brings 20+ years of precedent-setting expertise in Corporate, Family, Real Estate, and Litigation — protecting what matters most to our clients.

2,400+
Cases Won
20yrs
In Practice
97%
Client Satisfaction
14
Senior Attorneys
Law firm office
A+ Martindale-Hubbell Rating
Our Firm

Where Precision Meets Purpose

SterlingTrust Legal Group was built on a simple conviction: every client deserves the quality of representation once reserved for the Fortune 500 — delivered with clarity, urgency, and unwavering ethical standards.

From complex M&A transactions to sensitive family matters, our attorneys combine deep specialization with a cross-disciplinary approach that yields results where it counts most — in court and at the negotiating table.

What We Do

Four Pillars of Legal Excellence

Precision counsel across the areas that define your most significant legal challenges.

01

Corporate Law

M&A advisory, corporate governance, compliance frameworks, and commercial contract drafting for businesses of every scale.

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02

Family Law

Divorce proceedings, child custody, asset division, prenuptial agreements — handled with discretion and genuine care.

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03

Real Estate Law

Residential and commercial transactions, title disputes, landlord-tenant matters, and development project counsel.

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04

Litigation

Trial representation, appellate advocacy, arbitration, and mediation — we fight for you at every stage of dispute resolution.

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Why SterlingTrust

Built on Principles
That Don't Compromise

⚖️

Ethical Rigor

We hold ourselves to standards that exceed bar requirements — our reputation is built case by case, client by client.

🎯

Strategic Precision

Every case is approached with meticulous preparation. We identify leverage points others miss and position our clients for success.

🌐

Cross-Border Reach

With partner networks across 30 jurisdictions, we handle international matters with local fluency and global perspective.

🤝

Client-First Culture

Responsive communication isn't a promise here — it's a standard. You'll always know where your matter stands.

🏆

Proven Track Record

Over 2,400 cases resolved favorably. Our results speak in settlements secured, verdicts won, and deals closed.

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Absolute Confidentiality

Attorney-client privilege is the foundation of everything we do. Your information stays protected at every stage.

Client Voice
"SterlingTrust didn't just win our case — they changed the trajectory of our company. Their corporate team dismantled the opposing party's position with a precision that left the courtroom stunned. Worth every dollar."
— Adaeze Obi, CEO, Meridian Capital Partners · Corporate Litigation

Ready to Discuss Your Matter?

Our consultations are confidential, focused, and actionable.

Our Story

20 Years of Unwavering
Advocacy

From a two-attorney boutique to a nationally recognized practice — our growth reflects the trust our clients place in us.

Law office
Attorney at work
Founded 2001

Counsel Shaped by Character

SterlingTrust Legal Group was founded by James E. Sterling and Margaret R. Trust — two litigators who believed that elite legal counsel shouldn't be the exclusive province of corporations.

Twenty years later, we have grown to 14 senior attorneys, with offices in three cities, and a client roster that spans Fortune 100 companies, SMEs, families navigating complex transitions, and individuals facing high-stakes legal battles.

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Ethical Practice

We exceed ABA standards — not because we must, but because our reputation demands it.

🎯

Strategic Thinking

Every brief, every argument, every negotiation is approached as a strategic problem to be solved.

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Human-Centered

Behind every case is a person or business whose future is at stake. We never forget that.

2001
Firm Founded in Chicago
2008
Expanded to New York & Houston
2024
2,400+ Cases · 14 Attorneys
Our Expertise

Practice Areas

Deep specialization, cross-disciplinary thinking. Four areas of practice — one standard of excellence.

Corporate Law

Business Counsel for the Stakes That Matter

Our corporate practice supports businesses from seed-stage startups to multinational corporations. We bring structural clarity to complex transactions and governance challenges.

  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
  • Corporate Governance & Board Advisory
  • Commercial Contract Drafting & Review
  • Securities & Capital Markets
  • Regulatory Compliance Frameworks
  • Joint Ventures & Partnerships
  • Intellectual Property Strategy
  • Employment & Executive Agreements
Corporate law
Family Law

Navigating Life's Hardest Transitions

Family matters require both legal rigor and genuine human sensitivity. We guide our clients through divorce, custody, and estate matters with the care each situation deserves.

  • Divorce & Legal Separation
  • Child Custody & Visitation
  • Alimony & Spousal Support
  • Property Division & Asset Tracing
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
  • Adoption Proceedings
  • Guardianship & Conservatorship
  • Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Family law
Real Estate Law

Every Transaction. Every Angle.

Whether you're closing a residential deal or developing a commercial portfolio, our real estate team ensures your interests are protected from contract to closing.

  • Residential Purchase & Sale
  • Commercial Real Estate Transactions
  • Title Examination & Insurance
  • Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  • Construction & Development Contracts
  • Zoning & Land Use
  • Foreclosure Defense
  • 1031 Exchange Facilitation
Real estate law
Litigation

We Fight. You Win.

Trial work is both an art and a science. Our litigators are seasoned in federal and state courts, skilled in arbitration, and relentless in pursuit of the outcomes our clients deserve.

  • Civil & Commercial Litigation
  • Trial Representation (State & Federal)
  • Appellate Advocacy
  • Arbitration & Mediation
  • Business Dispute Resolution
  • Class Action Defense
  • Insurance Coverage Disputes
  • Breach of Contract Claims
Litigation courtroom
Our People

The Attorneys Who
Advocate for You

Our attorneys bring unmatched depth of experience across their respective practices — with a shared commitment to exceptional client outcomes.

James Sterling

30 years in practice. Former Deputy US Attorney. Harvard Law '94. Lead counsel on over 400 federal cases.

James E. Sterling
Founding Partner · Litigation
Federal litigation, white-collar defense, appellate practice. Former Deputy U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois.
Margaret Trust

Named to Super Lawyers for 12 consecutive years. Champion of complex family estates and high-net-worth divorce cases.

Margaret R. Trust
Founding Partner · Family Law
Complex divorce, custody, high-asset estate matters. Yale Law '95. Super Lawyers Top 50 Women 2012–2024.
David Chen

Closed $2.4B in M&A transactions. Specialist in cross-border deals and PE portfolio company governance.

David M. Chen
Senior Partner · Corporate Law
M&A, private equity, corporate governance. Wharton MBA, Columbia Law '00. Closed $2.4B in transactions.
Adaora Nwosu

Specializes in cross-jurisdictional real estate matters, commercial development, and luxury residential transactions.

Adaora Nwosu
Partner · Real Estate Law
Commercial real estate, development law, international property transactions. Georgetown Law '06.
Robert Harman

Trial lawyer with 98% favorable outcome rate across 300+ civil matters. Known for precision cross-examination.

Robert A. Harman
Partner · Civil Litigation
Complex civil litigation, class action defense, arbitration. NYU Law '03. 98% favorable outcome rate.
Priya Sharma

Employment law expert and corporate compliance authority. Advises boards on risk mitigation and ESG frameworks.

Priya K. Sharma
Partner · Employment & Compliance
Employment litigation, corporate compliance, board advisory. Stanford Law '07. Forbes Legal 30 Under 40 alumni.
Transparent Pricing

Straightforward Fees.
No Surprises.

We believe exceptional legal counsel should come with fee transparency. Review our consultation tiers and service rates below.

🌍 Detecting your region for local pricing…
Consultation Tiers

Choose Your Consultation Level

All consultations are confidential. Select the tier that fits your matter's complexity.

Initial Consultation
Discovery Session
Ideal for individuals exploring legal options. 30-minute focused consultation with a junior associate.
/ 30 minutes
  • ✓ 30-min video or phone
  • ✓ Case viability assessment
  • ✓ Written summary provided
  • ✗ Partner attorney
  • ✗ Strategic roadmap
  • ✗ Document review
Most Popular
Strategic Consultation
Strategy Session
60-minute deep-dive with a senior partner. Recommended for complex matters requiring strategic guidance.
/ 60 minutes
  • ✓ 60-min with Senior Partner
  • ✓ Full case strategy roadmap
  • ✓ Document review (up to 10 pages)
  • ✓ Written action plan
  • ✓ Priority scheduling
  • ✗ Ongoing representation scope
Corporate Retainer
Enterprise Advisory
Dedicated partner access for businesses requiring ongoing legal counsel, compliance oversight, or transaction support.
/ month
  • ✓ Dedicated partner attorney
  • ✓ Unlimited consultations
  • ✓ Contract drafting & review
  • ✓ Compliance monitoring
  • ✓ 24/7 emergency line
  • ✓ Quarterly board briefings
Billable Rates

Service Rate Schedule

Rates vary by practice area, matter complexity, and attorney seniority.

Service / Role Practice Area Rate (USD) Local Rate
Founding PartnerAll Areas$950 / hr—
Senior PartnerCorporate / Litigation$750 / hr—
PartnerAll Areas$550 / hr—
Senior AssociateAll Areas$380 / hr—
M&A Transaction (Flat)Corporate LawFrom $8,500—
Divorce Proceedings (Flat)Family LawFrom $4,500—
Real Estate ClosingReal EstateFrom $1,200—
Trial Representation (Daily)Litigation$6,500 / day—

All fees subject to engagement letter. Retainer required for most matters. Pro bono services available for qualifying cases.

Client Stories

What Our Clients Say

Real results. Real people. Read firsthand accounts from clients across all our practice areas.

4.9/5
Average Rating
2,400+
Satisfied Clients
97%
Would Recommend
20yr
Track Record
★★★★★

"Their corporate team closed our Series B transaction with a level of precision that saved us from three potential landmines in the term sheet. Exceptional due diligence, exceptional result."

Client
Chukwuemeka Eze
CEO, Nexus Ventures · Corporate Law
★★★★★

"Margaret Trust handled my divorce with a dignity I didn't think was possible under the circumstances. She was firm when the other side pushed, and compassionate when I needed it. My children and I are better for it."

Client
Sophia Adichie
Family Law Client · Houston
★★★★★

"We were facing a $12M breach of contract claim. James Sterling took us from a 40% chance of winning to a full favorable verdict. His courtroom command is unlike anything I've witnessed."

Client
Marcus Webb
Managing Director, Webb Group · Litigation
★★★★★

"Adaora Nwosu guided our commercial portfolio acquisition of seven properties across three states. Her knowledge of title law and zoning is encyclopedic. No transaction is too complex for this team."

Client
Brian Oladapo
Property Developer · Real Estate Law
★★★★★

"The retainer arrangement with SterlingTrust has transformed how we manage legal risk. Having Priya Sharma on speed dial during a regulatory audit literally saved our operating license. Worth every penny."

Client
Linda Osei-Mensah
COO, Meridian HealthTech · Corporate
★★★★★

"I came in expecting standard legal advice. I received strategic brilliance. The team mapped out every contingency in my custody case and won custody arrangements I didn't think were achievable."

Client
Dele Fashola
Family Law Client · Chicago
Contact Us

Let's Discuss Your Matter

Every matter begins with a conversation. Reach out — we respond within one business hour.

SterlingTrust Legal Group

Reach us by phone, email, or complete the consultation request form — a licensed attorney will respond promptly.

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Emailacedigitalsglobal@gmail.com
📞
Phone / WhatsApp+1 (873) 352-2008
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OfficesChicago · New York · Houston
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (by appt)
Emergency Line: 24 / 7

Request a Consultation

Complete the form and a member of our intake team will contact you within one business hour to confirm your consultation.

🔒 All communications are strictly confidential under attorney-client privilege.

⚖️

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For urgent matters, please call us directly at +1 (873) 352-2008.

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