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Sterling Law Group, P.C. · Licensed in WA, OR & CAClient Portal  |  (555) 290-8800
The Team

Our Attorneys

Every attorney at Sterling Law Group was chosen for both their legal excellence and their commitment to treating clients as people — not files.

⚖️
Managing Partner

James R. Sterling, JD

Personal Injury · Wrongful Death · Complex Litigation

James founded Sterling Law Group after a decade as a trial attorney at one of Seattle's largest firms, where he led the personal injury and complex litigation divisions. He left to build the practice he always wished existed for clients — one where every case receives the senior attention that large firms reserve only for the biggest matters.

In 15 years of practice, he has recovered more than $100 million for injured clients and has tried over 60 cases to verdict. He is consistently recognized among Washington's Super Lawyers and is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest rating in the legal profession.

  • University of Washington School of Law, JD · Cum Laude
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Oregon State Bar Association
  • American Association for Justice
  • Super Lawyers — Washington (2017–2025)
  • AV Preeminent™ Rating — Martindale-Hubbell
Partner

Maria Elena Santos, JD

Family Law · Domestic Violence

Maria has dedicated her career to family law, with particular expertise in high-conflict custody matters and domestic violence protection orders. She is known for her calm, methodical approach in emotionally charged proceedings and for achieving outcomes that genuinely protect children's long-term wellbeing.

  • Georgetown Law, JD
  • Certified Family Law Specialist — Washington
  • Domestic Violence Bar Association
Partner

David Chen, JD

Criminal Defense · DUI · Federal Cases

David spent eight years as a King County Deputy Prosecutor before switching to defense work. That experience — seeing exactly how the prosecution builds its case — makes him one of the most effective criminal defense attorneys in the Pacific Northwest. He handles everything from first-time misdemeanors to complex federal cases.

  • Seattle University School of Law, JD
  • Former King County Deputy Prosecutor
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Associate

Priya Nair, JD

Estate Planning · Probate · Business Law

Priya joined Sterling after clerking for a federal judge and practicing business transactional law at a boutique firm. She brings exceptional drafting ability and meticulous attention to detail to estate plans, business agreements, and probate matters.

  • UC Berkeley School of Law, JD
  • Former Federal Law Clerk
  • Washington State Bar
Associate

Thomas Wexler, JD

Personal Injury · Insurance Defense

Thomas spent five years on the defense side — working for major insurance carriers — before joining Sterling. He knows exactly what defenses carriers deploy and how to dismantle them. His cases settle consistently above the initial offer, and he is willing to take cases to trial when the result warrants it.

  • Lewis & Clark Law School, JD
  • Former insurance defense counsel
  • Washington Association for Justice

Speak With One of Our Attorneys

Free consultation. No obligation. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help and what it will take.

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