About Sterling James
Sterling James Stires practices business law at Stires & Associates LLP in San Diego, California — He joined the State Bar of California in 1999, starting a distinguished legal career. The firm specializes in business law, insurance claims, insurance defense, and maritime law, offering comprehensive legal services to clients throughout the region. Stires earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from California Western School of Law in 1998, equipping him with a solid foundation in legal principles. His academic journey began at the University of San Diego, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Ocean Studies in 1996. This unique background in ocean studies complements his focus on maritime law. This lets the attorney approach legal issues with a specialized perspective.
During his time in law school, he worked that laid the groundwork for his future practice. Much of his work now involves navigating complex business transactions and resolving disputes related to insurance claims. His expertise also extends to maritime law matters, where he addresses issues that arise on the water, ensuring that clients receive well-rounded legal guidance. Before founding Stires & Associates, Stires served as a senior associate at another prominent firm. This role allowed him to develop his skills in both business and maritime law, preparing him for the diverse challenges he faces today. In 2009, he became senior counsel, further enhancing his expertise in these areas.
His experience enables him to handle many legal challenges effectively, whether through negotiation, litigation, or appeals in higher courts. Stires is actively involved in several professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to the legal field. He serves as a commissioner on the Admiralty & Maritime Law Advisory Commission for the State Bar of California, where he contributes to the development of maritime law policies. Additionally, he holds the title of Proctor in Admiralty with the Maritime Law Association of the United States, a designation that shows his qualifications in this specialized area of law. His role as a maritime law representative on the San Diego Harbor Safety Committee further highlights his dedication to promoting safety and best practices in maritime operations. Admitted to practice in multiple jurisdictions, Stires is authorized to appear before the U.S.
Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and various California state courts. His leadership extends to the United States Propeller Club, Port of San Diego, where he serves as president. Sterling Stires continues to contribute to the legal community while providing dedicated service to his clients, ensuring that they receive the highest level of representation in their legal matters.
