How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do adr cases in Virginia typically take?

Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Norfolk?

Michael is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new adr clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Michael L. Sterling, ADR Attorney in Norfolk, Virginia

focused on ADR, Appellate, and Business · 5.0/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

Partner

Norfolk, VA

Trusted adr attorney serving Norfolk.

5.0 ★: 6 client reviews

Practices in

ADR Appellate Business Construction Employment Environmental +6 more →

Are you Michael L. Sterling?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Michael L. Sterling is a partner based in Norfolk, VA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.

Based in: Norfolk, VA
Experience: attorney
Known for: ADR · Appellate · Business

Handles ADR, Appellate, and Business matters from Norfolk, VA.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Norfolk

Michael concentrates on adr, appellate, business, construction, and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Norfolk, Virginia

Michael takes adr matters in Norfolk, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Appellate cases in Norfolk, Virginia

Michael takes appellate matters in Norfolk, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Norfolk, Virginia

Michael takes business matters in Norfolk, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Norfolk, Virginia

Michael takes construction matters in Norfolk, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Norfolk, Virginia

Michael takes employment matters in Norfolk, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Michael L. Sterling, adr attorney serving Norfolk

Michael L. Sterling is a partner based in Norfolk, VA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews. Michael works from Norfolk, Virginia and takes on adr matters across the region.

Michael L. Sterling is a lawyer practicing alternative dispute resolution, appellate law, business & professional licensing and 16 other areas of law. Michael L. received a B.A. degree from Lawrence University, and . Michael L. practices in Norfolk, VA.

How Michael handles adr matters

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and business matters in Norfolk and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

Lawrence University B.A. Economics Lawrence University B.A. cum laude William and Mary J.D. Order of the Coif William and Mary Order of the Barrister
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Michael studied at — in Lawrence University B.A. Economics Lawrence University B.A. cum laude William and Mary J.D. Order of the Coif William and Mary Order of the Barrister.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed — in Lawrence University B.A. Economics Lawrence University B.A. cum laude William and Mary J.D. Order of the Coif William and Mary Order of the Barrister. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

and Past President Norfolk Area Chapter
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•Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association - Former Executive Committee Member and Founding Member and Former Chairman of Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution
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•Tidewater Association of Service Contractors
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•Virginia Bar Association - Joint Committee on ADR, Local Government Law Section, Construction and Public Contracts Law Section Past Chairman
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•Virginia Beach Bar Association
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•Local Government Attorneys of Virginia
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•Virginia State Bar - Construction Law and Public Contracts, and Local Government Law Sections
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and, •Virginia Transportation and Construction Alliance. Fellow: and Past President Norfolk Area Chapter
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• Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association - Former Executive Committee Member and Founding Member and Former Chairman of Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution
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• Project Management Institute College of Scheduling
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• Tidewater Association of Service Contractors
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• Virginia Bar Association - Joint Committee on ADR, Local Government Law Section, Construction and Public Contracts Law Section Past Chairman
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• Virginia Beach Bar Association
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• Local Government Attorneys of Virginia
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• Virginia State Bar - Construction Law and Public Contracts, and Local Government Law Sections
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and, • Virginia Transportation and Construction Alliance. Notable Accomplishments • Martindale Hubbell, peer-rated AV • Best Lawyers In America 19th & 20th Editions - Construction • Virginia Business Magazine's Legal Elite -- Construction, Mediation, Arbi
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Locations

Michael L. Sterling's office in Norfolk

Michael's primary office is at 500 World Trade Center, 1 Unknown, Norfolk, VA, 23510. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

500 World Trade Center, 1 Unknown

Norfolk, VA 23510

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael L. Sterling — 5.0/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Norfolk.

5.0

6 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael L. Sterling claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael L. Sterling — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Norfolk, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael L. Sterling

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Norfolk?
Michael is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new adr clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Norfolk, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

Michael handles adr matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Norfolk handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael L. Sterling, ADR Attorney in Norfolk, Virginia

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