Overview
(July 11, 2025, Washington, DC) — Partner Dwight Draughon has been honored as a 2025 Rising Star by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), marking another significant recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the legal community. The MCCA Rising Stars recognize exceptional attorneys who are exemplifying trailblazing innovation, professional excellence, and shaping the future of the legal profession.
Dwight is known as go-to advisor for corporations and individuals navigating the complexities of white-collar criminal defense and government investigations. He focuses on matters related to public corruption, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and fraud. Dwight’s experience extends beyond courtroom defense, as he assists companies with internal investigations and provides guidance to clients in the higher education and K–12 sectors. Additionally, his understanding of civil litigation makes him an indispensable advocate, particularly for cases bound for trial.
Dwight brings a confident and creative approach to his practice, skillfully conducting depositions, client interviews, and meetings with government officials. Clients benefit from his impressive trial experience gained during his four-year tenure as an Assistant US Attorney for the District of Maryland.
During his time as Assistant US Attorney, Dwight achieved remarkable success in jury trials, including a seven-day trial with more than 30 witnesses, securing verdicts in each case he led. He was also responsible for investigations and prosecutions involving wire, bank, and procurement fraud, public corruption, hate crimes, firearm trafficking, and numerous other federal offenses. In addition, his services as US Attorney’s Office civil rights coordinator showcased his dedication to upholding justice in cases involving violations of civil rights.
Dwight will be recognized at the 2025 Pathways Conference Awards Dinner in Washington, DC on September 9, 2025.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
