Decades of Advocacy. Unyielding Dedication.
Founded in 2001 on Congress Avenue, Sterling & Associates combines the sophisticated firepower of an international trial firm with the personal devotion of trusted Texas counselors.
Built on the Belief That Every Client Deserves Elite Trial Defense
When founding partner James Sterling established the firm in 2001, he observed that Texas individuals and mid-market businesses frequently faced an unfair dilemma: either hire massive international firms where their matter was delegated to first-year associates, or retain solo practitioners who lacked the capital to finance multi-year trial battles.
Sterling & Associates was conceived as the definitive answer: a boutique trial powerhouse where elite Ivy League and Texas-trained litigators deploy institutional-grade forensic resources while maintaining intimate, accessible client relationships.
“We do not measure our success solely by the $150 million we have recovered, but by the families we have restored, the enterprises we have preserved, and the constitutional principles we have upheld.”
— James Sterling, Esq. | Founding Partner
25 Yrs
Headquartered in Austin
$150M+
Client Recoveries
Austin Flagship Headquarters
1200 Congress Avenue • Overlooking the Texas State Capitol
The Cornerstones of Our Legal Practice
Every consultation, courtroom deposition, and negotiation is guided by four immutable commitments to our clients and the Texas legal system.
Uncompromising Courtroom Ethics
We believe the greatest trial victories are won through unassailable integrity, rigorous factual honesty, and respect for the judicial system.
Relentless Client Advocacy
We stand as an impenetrable shield between our clients and predatory corporations, insurance monoliths, and government overreach.
Personalized Partner Attention
You are never a file number. We purposely limit our case docket so that senior partners remain personally accessible throughout your matter.
Civic & Pro Bono Commitment
True legal leadership extends beyond our boardroom. We dedicate hundreds of hours annually to Texas legal aid and youth mentoring foundations.
Key Milestones in Our Firm's History
Tracing 25 years of courtroom growth, precedent-setting verdicts, and expanding full-service trial capabilities across Texas.
Firm Founded in Austin, Texas
James Sterling established the firm on Congress Avenue with three attorneys dedicated to corporate strategy and commercial trial advocacy.
First Landmark $10M+ Jury Verdict
Secured a landmark $11.4M commercial fraud verdict, cementing the firm's standing as one of Central Texas' premier courtroom trial teams.
Catastrophic Injury & Trial Expansion
Partner Marcus Thompson joined to lead the catastrophic injury division, winning major recoveries against interstate trucking corporations.
Victoria Chen Joins as Litigation Head
Former federal prosecutor Victoria Chen joined as Senior Partner, expanding federal trial and intellectual property litigation capabilities.
Surpassed $100M in Total Client Recoveries
Crossed nine figures in cumulative client recoveries and reached over 2,000 successful corporate, litigation, and private wealth matters.
25th Anniversary & Next-Gen Headquarters
Celebrating a quarter-century of uncompromising advocacy, modernizing full-service capabilities across 8 practice disciplines with over $150M in client recoveries.
Dedicated to Texas Communities Beyond the Courtroom
We believe that holding a law license in the State of Texas is a sacred public trust. That is why every partner and associate at Sterling & Associates contributes a minimum of 75 hours of pro bono legal representation annually to underserved families and civic institutions.
- Annual underwriting of the Austin Volunteer Legal Services Foundation
- Active mentorship with University of Texas School of Law trial advocacy clinics
- CASA of Central Texas representation for foster youth rights
Experience the Sterling & Associates Difference
Meet the attorneys who will personally champion your case, or request an initial confidential consultation today.