Ropes & Gray Welcomes Ian Sterling as Counsel in the Real Estate Structured Finance Practice in New York

Ropes & Gray announced today that Ian Sterling has joined the firm as counsel in its real estate practice, based in New York. Ian brings nearly thirty years of experience in real estate structured finance transactions across a broad spectrum of asset categories and deal types.

“What makes Ian unique is that he’s practiced structured finance from every angle — as outside counsel, as well as senior in-house roles,” said Daniel Stanco, partner in Ropes & Gray’s real estate practice and a member of the firm’s policy committee. “That kind of experience elevates the advice and expertise our clients get when they work with our team on complex deals. Just as important, Ian is someone who invests in relationships — with clients, colleagues, and counterparties. He'll help us continue to deliver great outcomes.”

Ian joins Ropes & Gray from an AmLaw 100 firm, where he was special counsel in the structured finance and securitization group. His background also includes extensive in-house experience, including as senior vice president and associate general counsel at Flagstar Bank, where he managed legal matters related to whole loan trading, warehouse finance, and commercial lending. Ian previously held senior legal positions at JPMorgan Chase and Barclays Capital, overseeing structured finance across real estate asset classes.

“Real Estate structured finance and securitization are specialized areas where clients need counsel who understand the full range of deal types, including CMBS, whole loan trading, and warehouse lending,” said Jack Creedon, global head of Ropes & Gray’s real estate investments and transactions group. “Ian has built his career across all of those areas over nearly thirty years, and he’s well known in the market for it. Adding that depth of experience to our bench was a strategic priority, and we’re excited to have Ian join our team.”

“Ropes & Gray’s reputation for excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to client service provide a unique platform to expand my practice and work alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry,” said Ian Sterling. “I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the real estate practice and the firm.”

Ian holds a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University. He is also an active participant in industry organizations, including the Structured Finance Association, and regularly serves as a panelist and faculty member for the Practicing Law Institute.