Twelve attorneys. No hand-offs, no juniors learning on your matter. We advise founders, executives and families on the transactions and transitions that define the next thirty years.
Our partners spent two decades at the country's largest firms, then left to practice the way law should feel: the person you hire is the person in the room, on the call, and across the table at closing.
We take on a limited number of matters each year, in four areas only, so that every client is known by name — and every file is known by heart.
— Margaret Vance, Managing Partner
Deliberately narrow. Depth in four disciplines beats breadth in forty — for the clients whose matters cannot afford a learning curve.
Acquisitions, sales and mergers for companies between $5M and $500M — negotiated by partners who have sat on both sides of the table.
Equity, exits and the personal side of liquidity events: the counsel founders call before they sign anything.
Wealth structuring, trusts and succession for families whose affairs span companies, properties and generations.
Complex acquisitions, development and portfolio sales across California, with the tax picture considered from day one.
Practicing in California
Transactions closed
Attorneys, all partners-track
Clients by referral
Your matter is handled by the partner you met — never delegated down a corridor.
Every engagement begins with a one-page letter: scope, fees, timeline. No hourly surprises.
If a matter is outside our four areas, we will tell you in the first call and introduce you to someone better suited.
"Sterling & Vance negotiated our sale like they were selling their own company. Because for nine months, it felt like they were."
A confidential 45-minute consultation with a partner. If we are not the right firm, we will say so — and point you to the right one.
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