A small London firm,
deliberately so.
Three practices led from a single chambers building since the firm was founded in the autumn of 1986. We have not opened a second office and do not intend to.
— Our story
Sterling & Vance was founded by Edmund Sterling and, five years later, name-partnered with Cordelia Vance KC. The firm has always answered to two callings: corporate work for closely held companies, and property work for London freeholders.
In 2003, Augustus Penrose joined to start a private-client practice for the firm's existing principals. Three decades on, much of the work crosses all three benches — succession of a closely held business, freehold transfers between generations, trusts that hold both.
We have grown slowly and intentionally: twelve partners and counsel, a clerks' room that has not changed shape since the late nineties, and a client base that is now, substantially, in its second generation. Discretion is the practice. Patience is the method. Continuity is the contract.
— The chambers, in time
Four decades, four moments.
The firm is founded.
Edmund Sterling opens a small corporate bench at 12 New Square, advising founders on closely held company structures.
Cordelia Vance joins as name partner.
Property practice begins. Acts for several Mayfair freeholders during the early-nineties recovery.
Private client practice begins.
Augustus Penrose joins from the Bar to start the family and estates bench.
Cordelia Vance KC.
Takes silk. Continues to lead the property practice.
Twelve partners and counsel.
One London chambers building. Three practices. A client base substantially in its second generation.
— Founding partners & counsel
Since 1986
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.
Since 1991
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.
Since 2003
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.