Chicago · Business & Private Client

Trusted counsel when it matters most.

From the boardroom to the courtroom, Sterling & Hale brings meticulous preparation and steady judgment to every matter we take on.

$400M+Recovered & protected for clients

25 yearsServing Chicago businesses & families

AV-ratedPreeminent, Martindale-Hubbell

Partner-ledEvery matter, first call to resolution

Practice areas

We take on fewer matters so we can give each the attention it deserves — counsel across the decisions that move your life and business forward.

Formation, contracts, M&A, and general counsel that scales with your company.

Tenacious, well-prepared advocacy in state and federal court.

Acquisitions, leasing, development, and dispute resolution.

Wills, trusts, and succession plans that protect your legacy.

Counsel for employers and executives on the issues that matter.

Trademarks, copyrights, licensing, and brand protection.

Partner-led, alwaysYou work directly with a partner — not a rotating cast — and you'll always know exactly where things stand.

Clear, honest counselStraight answers and realistic expectations. No surprises on the invoice.

Relentlessly preparedWe out-prepare the other side. Every time.

Seasoned advocates you'll actually reach.

Robert Sterling

Founding Partner · Litigation

Three decades of trial experience in complex commercial disputes, with first-chair verdicts in state and federal court.

J.D., Northwestern · Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Margaret Hale

Founding Partner · Corporate

Trusted counsel to founders, boards, and growing companies — from formation through nine-figure exits.

J.D., University of Chicago · Adjunct, Chicago-Kent College of Law

David Tran

Partner · Estates & Real Estate

Helping families plan, protect, and transfer what they've built — with care and absolute discretion.

J.D., Loyola Chicago · ACTEC Fellow

$12.4MJury verdict — commercial contract dispute, manufacturing client

$8.75MConfidential settlement — shareholder dispute resolved pre-trial

Acquisition closedSell-side counsel — family-held logistics company, nine-figure exit

Full defense verdictEmployment class action dismissed with prejudice

Results depend on the facts of each matter. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Tell us what you're facing. Your first consultation is complimentary and entirely confidential.