Sterling & Vance Legal Group — Est. 1998 — Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Skyline
Chicago Corporate Counsel

Your Business.Protected.Precisely.

For over two decades, Sterling & Vance has guided Chicago's most ambitious enterprises through the legal complexities of building, protecting, and transferring wealth.

26+
Years Serving
Chicago Business
$2.4B+
Client Assets
Protected
1,200+
Businesses
Incorporated
98%
Client Retention
Rate
Illinois State Bar Association · Chicago Bar Association · AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell · Super Lawyers — Corporate Law 2024 · Best Lawyers in America 2024 · The National Trial Lawyers · Illinois State Bar Association · Chicago Bar Association · AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell · Super Lawyers — Corporate Law 2024 · Best Lawyers in America 2024 · The National Trial Lawyers ·
Practice Areas

Counsel Built for
Every Stage of Business

"We don't simply draft documents — we architect the legal foundation upon which great enterprises are built and great legacies endure."

Request a Case Review
01

Business Incorporation

Form your entity with precision. We handle structure selection, filings, operating agreements, and shareholder frameworks for lasting protection.

  • LLC & Corporation Formation
  • Partnership Structures
  • Operating Agreements
  • Shareholder Agreements
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02

Contract Review

Every clause matters. We scrutinize, negotiate, and draft commercial contracts that protect your interests and eliminate costly ambiguities.

  • Vendor & Client Agreements
  • Employment Contracts
  • M&A Documentation
  • Licensing Agreements
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03

Estate Planning

Preserve what you've built for the generations that follow. We craft personalized plans that honor your intentions and minimize tax exposure.

  • Wills & Trusts
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Probate Administration
  • Charitable Planning
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04

Asset Protection

Shield your personal and business assets from creditors, litigation, and unforeseen liability with legally sound protection strategies.

  • LLC Asset Shielding
  • Trust-Based Protection
  • Insurance Structuring
  • Judgment Proofing
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Chicago Illinois Chicago Loop — Financial District
The Sterling Difference

Rooted in Chicago.
Recognized Nationwide.

We know Illinois law at its deepest. We know Chicago commerce at its core. And we bring that depth of knowledge to every engagement.

I
Senior Counsel on Every Matter
No matter the size of your engagement, a named partner is involved from intake to resolution.
II
Transparent, Predictable Billing
Fixed-fee arrangements and clear scope definitions — no surprise invoices, ever.
III
Proactive Legal Counsel
We identify risk before it becomes liability, not after. Our clients sleep soundly because of it.
IV
48-Hour Response Guarantee
All client inquiries receive a substantive response from a qualified attorney within two business days.
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The Firm

Meet the Attorneys
of Sterling & Vance

Work With Our Team
James Sterling
Founding Partner
James M. Sterling
Corporate Law & Business Transactions

Over 28 years advising Chicago's mid-market businesses through formations, acquisitions, and complex commercial transactions. Harvard Law, Magna Cum Laude.

J.D. Harvard IL Bar Super Lawyer
Catherine Vance
Founding Partner
Catherine A. Vance
Estate Planning & Asset Protection

Recognized authority in high-net-worth estate planning and multi-generational wealth transfer. Trusted counsel to Illinois family offices since 1999.

J.D. Northwestern LL.M Tax Best Lawyers
Marcus Chen
Senior Associate
Marcus R. Chen
Contract Law & Emerging Companies

Specialist in startup formation, venture financing, and commercial contract negotiation. Named to Illinois Rising Stars three consecutive years.

J.D. U of Chicago IL Bar Rising Stars
How We Work

From First Call to Final Resolution

I

Initial Consultation

A complimentary 30-minute session with a senior attorney to understand your situation, goals, and legal exposure.

II

Legal Assessment

We deliver a written assessment outlining risks, strategy options, and a transparent fixed-fee engagement proposal.

III

Active Counsel

Dedicated legal work with consistent partner communication, milestone tracking, and documented progress at each stage.

IV

Ongoing Partnership

Most clients retain us long-term. We become the legal partner your business calls first — for contracts, changes, and everything in between.

Free Consultation

Ready to Protect What You've Built?

(312) 555-0247 Schedule Online Consultations available weekdays 8AM – 6PM CT
Get in Touch

Begin with a Conversation.

The first step toward sound legal protection is simply a call or message. We'll respond within one business day to schedule your complimentary initial consultation.

Direct Line
(312) 555-0247
Email
counsel@sterlingvance.com
Office
200 W. Madison St., Suite 3800
Chicago, IL 60606
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT

Request a Consultation

Tell us a bit about your legal needs and we'll match you with the right attorney for a complimentary 30-minute intake call.

This form does not create an attorney-client relationship. All submissions are confidential. We respond within one business day.