Overview
(June 11, 2026, Chicago) — Steptoe LLP is pleased to announce that Rachel M. Cannon, a nationally recognized trial lawyer, former federal prosecutor, and white‑collar defense practitioner, has been named the Managing Partner of the firm's Chicago office. The Steptoe Chicago office has added five lawyers and professionals already in 2026 and continues to grow.
Rachel is widely recognized as a go‑to lawyer for individuals and companies facing high-stakes legal challenges. Her Chambers-rated practice focuses on trial work, internal investigations, white‑collar criminal defense, corporate governance issues, and complex civil litigation. She has tried 19 jury trials and dozens of bench trials and argued numerous matters before the US Courts of Appeals.
"This is an exciting time for Steptoe's Chicago office. Our team is growing, our client base includes some of the largest and most sophisticated companies in the country, and our practice continues to expand into new and dynamic areas. I am honored to have stepped into this leadership role at this time of growth and look forward to continuing to build our momentum while supporting our talented colleagues, clients, and communities" Rachel said.
Described by Chambers as an "exceptional litigator," over the past decade Rachel has secured major victories for clients, including full dismissals of criminal, civil and regulatory cases brought by a variety of enforcement agencies or private plaintiffs, and she has convinced regulators to decline charges in high‑profile antitrust, EPA, customs, and public-corruption matters. She is also an experienced investigator, advising Committees and Boards and conducting internal investigations for publicly traded companies, private corporations, nonprofits, and professional sports teams on issues from financial fraud to employee misconduct.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients and innovative thinking 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, DC. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
