About the firm
We act for the property owner.
Never the contractor.
Sterling & Vale was founded on a single principle: that the people who pay for a building have the right to receive what they paid for. We have refused, since 2008, to take instructions from any construction company, developer or main contractor — because serving both sides of a dispute serves neither well.
Our values
Four principles. Non-negotiable.
Independence
We act for property owners only. No conflicts. No divided loyalties.
Specialism
Construction law, every day. We do not dabble in other practice areas.
Tenacity
Most firms settle for less to close a file. We pursue the full quantum owed.
Transparency
Fixed-fee scoping. Monthly cost forecasts. No surprise invoices, ever.
The team
Solicitors who litigate construction — and only construction.
Eleanor Sterling
Founding Partner
TCC litigation · Building Safety Act
Marcus Vale
Founding Partner
JCT contract disputes · Adjudication
Priya Raman
Senior Associate
Defective workmanship · Expert evidence
James Okafor
Associate
Party wall · Cladding & fire safety
Memberships & accreditations
Recognised by the institutions that govern construction law.
Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Law Society of England & Wales
Technology & Construction Solicitors' Association
Society of Construction Law