Counsel since 1948
Ashford & Sterling advises boards, founders, and global institutions on the transactions, intellectual property, and disputes that define the modern economy — with the precision of a boutique and the reach of a global firm.
Recognized by
The Firm
Founded in 1948 by Edmund Ashford and Margaret Sterling, our firm was built on a simple principle: that the most consequential matters demand both intellectual rigor and an unwavering commitment to the client. Today, that ethos guides 640 attorneys across 18 offices on four continents.
We represent the boards of public companies, the general partners of the largest private funds, the founders of generational technology businesses, sovereign institutions, and the families who steward enduring enterprises. Whether the matter is a cross-border acquisition, a patent before the Federal Circuit, or a board-level crisis, our clients rely on us for clarity, candor, and results.
Our Attorneys
Our partners and associates work side-by-side from a single integrated office — the same lawyers who advise on strategy are the lawyers in court, at the closing table, and on the call when it matters.
“The same names on the door are the names on every brief, every term sheet, and every closing.”
The Partners & AssociatesPractice Areas
From the formation of a company to its public listing, from a patent application to a billion-dollar judgment, our practice groups operate as a single integrated team.
Public and private M&A, joint ventures, carve-outs, take-privates, and cross-border combinations for strategic acquirers and the world's leading sponsors.
A market-leading IP practice covering patent prosecution and litigation, trademark and copyright protection, trade secrets, and licensing across every major technology area.
The transactional spine of modern technology businesses — software licensing, SaaS and cloud agreements, AI and data licensing, and complex commercial contracts.
IPOs, follow-on offerings, investment-grade and high-yield debt, convertibles, and ongoing public company representation, including SEC reporting and governance.
Trusted counsel from formation through exit. We represent venture-backed companies and the funds that invest in them, across every stage and every sector.
Bet-the-company commercial litigation, securities and shareholder disputes, complex arbitration, and appellate advocacy in courts and tribunals worldwide.
Counsel on GDPR, CCPA, sectoral privacy regimes, cybersecurity incident response, and the emerging global framework for AI governance and model risk.
Sophisticated tax structuring for transactions, international tax planning, and the preservation of multigenerational wealth for founders and family offices.
Merger clearance, conduct investigations, and government enforcement matters before the DOJ, FTC, European Commission, CMA, and other authorities worldwide.
Internal investigations, monitorships, and defense in matters before the DOJ, SEC, CFTC, SFO, and global enforcement authorities.
Chapter 11, out-of-court workouts, distressed M&A, and creditor representation in the most complex restructurings on both sides of the Atlantic.
Executive compensation, equity plans, ERISA matters, restrictive covenants, and workforce strategy for global employers.
Industries
Representative Matters
Corporate · M&A
Cross-border antitrust filings in nine jurisdictions; closed within twelve months.
IP · Patent Litigation
Secured complete defense verdict and a favorable global license.
Capital Markets
Largest U.S. tech IPO of the year; oversubscribed at pricing.
Technology Transactions
Defined the commercial template now used across the industry.
Private Equity
Complex stapled financing across senior, mezzanine, and preferred equity.
Investigations
Resolved with no enforcement action and a clean audit opinion.
Insights
A practical guide to the SEC's new Item 1C disclosure requirements for material AI risks, including suggested language and board-level governance considerations.
What the early case law from the Unified Patent Court means for global IP portfolios and litigation strategy.
A look at the structural shifts reshaping public-to-private transactions in the current rate and regulatory environment.
Operational steps for designated firms under the new UK digital markets competition regime.
Offices
Americas
Europe, Middle East & Africa
Asia-Pacific
Contact
For new matters, please contact the partner who leads the relevant practice. For all other inquiries, our client engagement team will route your request and respond within one business day.
