LAWYER PROFILE
Steven McCool

Steven McCool

USA 2026

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McGuireWoods LLP
 McGuireWoods LLP

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

District of Columbia

14 years ranked

Litigation: Trial Lawyers

USA - Nationwide

9 years ranked

About

Provided by McGuireWoods LLP

Practice Areas

Steve McCool, a former federal prosecutor, has served as lead counsel in more than 75 criminal and civil jury and bench trials. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization that represents 1% of trial lawyers in the United States.

Steve represents companies and individuals in criminal, civil and administrative matters, including grand jury investigations, internal investigations, inspector general investigations, Congressional inquiries, SEC enforcement proceedings, and False Claims Act litigation.

In 2023, he secured a full acquittal for a former broadcasting executive in the FIFA bribery case following an eight-week federal jury trial. His other high-profile victories include the “Shot Show” FCPA trial, and the defense at trial of a former AECOM subsidiary executive charged with honest services fraud.

The National Law Journal recognized Steve as one of 50 lawyers nationwide who have left a significant mark in white-collar litigation. He has also been named year after year to Best Lawyers in America®, Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Lawyers, and the Top 100 Lawyers in Washington, DC by Super Lawyers®.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Litigation: Trial Lawyers - USA - Nationwide

Band 2
Individual Editorial

Steven McCool is highly regarded for his expert handling of criminal cases, involving issues such as bank and securities fraud, money laundering and FCPA violations. He is based in the Washington, DC office of McGuireWoods.

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Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - District of Columbia

Band 2
Individual Editorial

Steven McCool draws widespread praise for his work defending senior executives and other individuals in high-stakes criminal trials, as well as regulatory investigations.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Steven is an extraordinary trial lawyer who can connect with anyone, making him very likable in front of a jury.

    Litigation: Trial LawyersChambers Guide to the USA

  • Steven is relentless in defending his clients and leaves no stone unturned to provide the best representation possible. He has won seemingly unwinnable cases.

    Litigation: Trial LawyersChambers Guide to the USA

  • You know that every stone will be turned over. He is driven by the desire not to miss anything and to be the most prepared lawyer in the courtroom. He has a strong instinct for identifying the issues that truly matter in a case – the ones that will move the needle for his client. I consider him a go-to trial lawyer who can handle the most complex cases in the country.

    Litigation: Trial LawyersChambers Guide to the USA

  • Steven's perspective on trial strategy is invaluable, no matter the situation.

    Litigation: Trial LawyersChambers Guide to the USA

  • A go-to lawyer whenever you need a strong defense counsel who will work to understand the whole landscape.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA

  • Steven's perspective on trial strategy is invaluable, no matter the situation.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at McGuireWoods LLP (175)

California

District of Columbia

Florida: North & Central

Georgia

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