Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Stenberg.
Hi Carl, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my career as a private equity and oil and gas attorney at Kirkland & Ellis, where I gained invaluable experience advising leading investment firms and energy companies on complex transactions. I later continued to build on that foundation at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, working alongside some of the most respected practitioners in the field and sharpening my skills in high-stakes dealmaking and client advocacy.
After several years at these top-tier firms, I made the decision to launch my own law practice, driven by a desire to provide clients with the same level of sophisticated counsel but with a more personalized, entrepreneurial approach. The transition was both exciting and challenging, but I’ve been fortunate to see tremendous growth and success in my first year, far exceeding even my own expectations.
This journey has reinforced my belief that combining big-firm training with an agile, client-focused model creates real value. I’m proud of what I’ve built so far and energized about the opportunities ahead as I continue to expand my practice and deepen relationships with clients who trust me with their most important matters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, and I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. Leaving the security of a large, established firm to start my own practice was both exhilarating and daunting. In the beginning, I had to wear every hat: lawyer, business developer, marketer, and even office manager. Building a client base from scratch required persistence, long hours, and a willingness to hear “no” more times than I’d like to admit.
There were moments of uncertainty, wondering if I had made the right decision, questioning whether the clients would come, and learning how to balance the demands of running a business with delivering the highest quality legal work. But those struggles forced me to grow quickly, to be resourceful, and to trust in the foundation of skills and relationships I had built at Kirkland and Ellis and Simpson Thacher.
Looking back, the challenges have been invaluable. They pushed me to refine my vision for the firm, to focus on the clients I can serve best, and to build a practice that reflects both my professional expertise and my entrepreneurial spirit. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of Stenberg Law, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At our firm, we focus on delivering big-firm caliber legal services with the agility and personal attention of a boutique practice. Our work centers on two primary areas:
– Corporate & Commercial Law – We advise businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs on a wide range of matters, from structuring and negotiating transactions to navigating day-to-day operational and governance issues. Clients turn to us for sophisticated counsel that balances legal precision with practical business judgment.
– Complex Trusts & Estates – We guide individuals, families, and fiduciaries through intricate estate planning, wealth transfer, and trust administration matters. Our approach is highly tailored, ensuring that each plan reflects not only financial goals but also family dynamics and long-term legacy considerations.
– In-Bound U.S. Investments – We assist international investors and businesses entering the U.S. market, guiding them through entity formation, regulatory compliance, cross-border structuring, and transactional matters. This practice combines our corporate expertise with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities foreign clients face when investing in the United States.
What sets us apart is our combination of elite training and boutique accessibility. Having honed our skills at some of the world’s most respected law firms, we bring that same level of rigor and sophistication to every matter – but with the responsiveness, efficiency, and personal investment that only a smaller practice can provide.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of being known as a trusted partner for high-stakes, high-complexity matters. Clients appreciate that we are not just technicians of the law, but strategic advisors who understand the bigger picture.
Ultimately, our brand is built on excellence, trust, and tailored service. We want readers to know that whether you are a business navigating a pivotal transaction or a family stewarding generational wealth, our firm offers the depth of expertise and the personal commitment to guide you through with confidence
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Although most people know me as a corporate and trusts attorney, what often surprises them is that I am a Swedish native and currently serve as Chair of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. My Scandinavian roots have shaped the way I approach both business and law, with an emphasis on clarity, pragmatism, and building long-term relationships.
This international perspective has also become a unique strength in my practice. It allows me to bridge cultures and advise clients not only on U.S. corporate and estate matters, but also on in-bound U.S. investments from Europe and beyond. Many clients are pleasantly surprised to discover that my work is informed by both big-firm training and a truly global outlook.
What I’m most proud of is being able to combine these worlds: running a small but sophisticated boutique firm while also fostering international business connections through the Chamber. It’s a blend of local expertise and global perspective that sets my brand apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stenberg.law/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stenberg-law-pllc/
