About David W.
David W. Sterling built a steady path from classrooms to courtrooms. He earned a B.A. in Speech Communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1992, followed by an M.A. in Public Administration from the same institution in 1994. He completed his legal studies at William H. Bowen School of Law, receiving his J.D. in 1997.
His early career moved quickly into practice. In 1999 he joined the Allen Law Office as an associate, taking on day-to-day responsibilities for clients and gaining courtroom exposure. By 2004 he had moved to Barber, McCaskill, Jones & Hale, P.A., where he handled a heavier docket and worked alongside seasoned litigators. Those years provided regular experience in both state and federal proceedings.
In 2008 Sterling took a step into firm leadership as an owner and partner at Cox, Sterling & McClure, PLLC. That position put him in charge of case strategy, client intake and the business side of running a small firm. He has spent the years since building the firm’s client base and managing the work of other attorneys and staff. His career shows a progression from junior associate to firm partner and manager.
He is admitted to practice in Arkansas, before the Eighth Circuit and in the U.S. Supreme Court. Those admissions reflect courtroom credentials at multiple levels. They also allow him to represent clients in appeals and certain federal matters. Over time he has handled matters that required filings and appearances across these jurisdictions.
Colleagues describe Sterling as deliberate and thorough. He tends to approach filings in a methodical way, preparing records and arguments carefully. In client matters he emphasizes clear communication and practical problem solving. His educational background in speech communication and public administration informs how he frames arguments and manages procedural issues.
Sterling’s trajectory is a familiar one: academic preparation, successive roles in established firms, then ownership and firm leadership. He has combined courtroom work with the administrative demands of running a practice. He remains based in Arkansas and continues to handle cases that arise locally and in federal circuits.
He focuses his practice on matters requiring representation in state and federal courts, including appeals.
