Columbia Law | Former White & Case Senior Associate

Meet Victoria Sterling

From defending Fortune 500 companies to championing individual clients—bringing elite legal expertise to those who need it most

Professional Background

I didn’t plan to become a solo practitioner. I was on the partner track at one of the world’s most prestigious law firms.

But after 8 years of watching clients get shuffled between associates, seeing bills padded with unnecessary hours, and witnessing people receive technically correct but strategically hollow advice, I realized something had to change.

So I walked away from the partnership and the seven-figure income to build something different: a practice where clients get the expertise of elite counsel with the attention and dedication they deserve.

The result? Over $87M recovered for litigation clients. $250M+ in successfully closed business transactions. An average 34% estate tax reduction for planning clients. And a 98% client satisfaction rate—because when you treat every case like it matters, it shows.

I bring White & Case sophistication, Columbia Law training, and 15 years of experience to every matter. But unlike big firms, when you hire me, you actually get me—every strategy session, every filing, every negotiation.

Practice Philosophy

“Win at any cost” is not a philosophy—it’s a recipe for pyrrhic victories.

My approach is different. I believe in aggressive representation guided by strategic wisdom. Sometimes that means taking a case to trial and fighting for every dollar. Sometimes it means negotiating a settlement that gives you 90% of what you want with 10% of the stress.

What you will always get from me:

  • Honesty over optimism: I’ll tell you what’s actually possible, not what you want to hear
  • Strategy over busy work: Every action serves your end goal, not my billable hours
  • Results over rhetoric: My track record speaks louder than any promise
  • Accessibility over gatekeeping: You get my direct line, not a receptionist’s screening

This isn’t just a practice—it’s a commitment to restoring what legal representation should be.

Credentials & Recognition

Education

J.D., Columbia Law School
Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
Senior Editor, Law Review

B.A., Yale University
Magna Cum Laude
Phi Beta Kappa

Experience

15+ Years in Practice

Former Senior Associate
White & Case LLP

100+ Cases
Successfully Resolved

Honors

New York Super Lawyers Rising Star (2018-2023)

ABA Section Excellence Award

Board Certified – Estate Planning

Bar Admissions & Memberships

Admitted to Practice

  • New York State Bar
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit

Professional Affiliations

  • New York State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • New York County Lawyers Association

Career Journey

2016 - Present

Victoria Sterling Law

Founder & Principal Attorney
Established boutique practice focused on delivering big-firm expertise with personalized attention. Successfully represented 200+ clients, recovering $87M+ in litigation and closing $250M+ in transactions. Maintained 98% client satisfaction rate through direct, strategic representation.

2009 - 2016

White & Case LLP

Senior Associate, Corporate Practice Group
Handled complex corporate transactions, securities offerings, and M&A deals for Fortune 500 clients and emerging growth companies. Led due diligence teams on transactions valued up to $500M. Recognized for exceptional client service and strategic business counsel.

2006 - 2009

Columbia Law School

Juris Doctor
Magna Cum Laude graduate. Articles Editor, Columbia Law Review. Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Focused on corporate law, securities regulation, and complex litigation. Summer associate positions at Sullivan & Cromwell and Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

2002 - 2006

Yale University

Bachelor of Arts, Economics & Political Science
Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. Senior thesis on corporate governance and fiduciary duties. Yale Daily News business manager. Trumbull College Scholar.

Community Engagement

Pro Bono Service

Provide 50+ hours annually of free legal services to low-income individuals through New York Legal Aid Society and Volunteer Lawyers Project.

Legal Education

Regular speaker at Columbia Law School CLE programs and New York State Bar Association seminars on corporate law and estate planning topics.

Mentorship

Mentor for Columbia Law Women’s Association and active participant in NYC Bar Association’s diversity initiatives for legal professionals.

Ready to Work Together?

Let’s discuss how my experience and approach can help you achieve your legal objectives.
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