Much is proud to announce that Sterling Williams, associate in the firm’s Corporate & Finance group, has been named to Law Bulletin Media’s “40 Under Forty” list of notable Illinois attorneys for 2026.
Now in its 27th year, the annual 40 Under Forty list honors attorneys for their legal accomplishments and service to their communities. Williams was selected from a pool of more than 1,500 talented young attorneys in Illinois who were nominated by their clients and peers.
In his legal practice, Williams guides clients through major transactions and day-to-day business matters, advising private equity firms, family offices, strategic buyers, venture capital firms, independent sponsors, investors, and entrepreneurs on complex decisions. Williams also acts as outside general counsel, serving as a trusted advisor who strategically manages risk. Read more about Williams' practice on his attorney biography.
Nominators described Williams as a brave lawyer with a drive to do excellent work with integrity. “Sterling does not run away from high-stakes, high-pressure challenges. He runs toward them,” one nominator said. “Sterling has shined as a transactional lawyer who uses common sense paired with extraordinary technical skills to help his clients navigate complex legal terrain.” Another nominator said, “Sterling represents the very best of the next generation of Illinois attorneys. He is brilliant, ethical, strategic, service-oriented and deeply committed to using his skills to advance both his clients and the broader community.”
Read more about Williams’ accomplishments in Chicago Lawyer magazine's 40 Under Forty feature.
Past Much recipients of the 40 Under Forty honor include Mitchell Roth (2001), Steve Blonder (2005), Greg Mann (2007), Michael Shaw (2009), Jason Rosenthal (2010), Courtney Mayster (2012), Michael Zalay (2020), Matt Feery (2021), Juli Dreifuss (2022), Peter Shepard (2023), Laura Elkayam (2024), and Sean Wagner (2025).
View our congratulatory ad highlighting Williams and his award.