Counselof consequence,since 1986.
Three practices. One bench. Sterling & Vance has represented London families, founders and freeholders for nearly four decades — quietly, and with the patience matters of this size deserve.
— Three principles
A working bench, not a brochure.
Discretion is the practice.
Our clients' affairs do not appear in legal directories or trade press. They appear, if at all, in finished work.
Patience is the method.
Matters of consequence rarely benefit from haste. We measure progress in fortnights and finishes, not billable urgency.
Continuity is the contract.
Most of our families are second-generation clients. Some are third. We intend the same of our partnerships.
— Practice areas
Three practices,
one bench.
Each practice is led from London by a founding or senior partner. We accept instructions across all three under one engagement.
— The partnership
A small bench of partners who actually answer the phone.
Edmund H. Sterling
Founding Partner · Corporate & Commercial
Edmund founded the practice in 1986 after a decade with a City magic-circle firm. He advises closely held companies and family proprietors through transactions of consequence — quietly, in plain English, over years rather than quarters.
Cordelia W. Vance KC
Founding Partner · Real Estate & Property
Cordelia joined as name partner in 1991 and took silk in 2014. Her London property practice spans Grosvenor Estate freeholds to development consents in the City fringe. She is widely cited on enfranchisement and leasehold reform.
Augustus M. Penrose
Senior Partner · Family & Estate Planning
Augustus heads the private client bench. He advises principals and their families on estate succession, cross-border trusts and the long arrangements that quietly outlast their architects.
in practice
matters concluded
partners & counsel
— Begin a conversation
A short call.
Then a measured response.
We accept new instructions by referral and direct enquiry. First consultations are unhurried, complimentary, and held in the strictest confidence.