Steptoe & Johnson LLP is pleased to announce that former federal and state prosecutor Rachel Cannon has joined the firm’s Investigations & White-Collar Defense Group as a partner. Cannon, who brings substantial trial experience, as well as significant cryptocurrency experience, will reside in Steptoe’s Chicago office, where she reunites with Steptoe partner Chris Niewoehner, another former assistant US attorney in the Chicago federal prosecutor’s office. Most recently, Cannon practiced in the Chicago office of Dentons.
Recognized by Chambers and The Legal 500, Cannon has tried nearly 20 jury trials and several dozen bench trials, and briefed and argued numerous cases in the US and Illinois courts of appeal. In private practice, she has handled numerous high-profile and complex cases. An experienced investigator, Cannon regularly conducts internal investigations for domestic and global publicly traded and privately held companies on topics ranging from accounting fraud to bribery to sexual misconduct. She also regularly represents executives and members of senior management during company or government investigations of alleged wrongdoing, and has secured multiple declinations for executives ensnared in high-profile federal probes.
Cannon has extensive experience in cryptocurrency matters, and has advised public companies and entrepreneurs about regulatory and other issues surrounding cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings, and blockchain technology. She has helped secure a number of declinations for cryptocurrency companies before the SEC.
Before returning to private practice, Cannon served a dozen years as an assistant US attorney in the Northern District of Illinois where she supervised the bankruptcy fraud program. She also oversaw numerous grand jury investigations, prosecuted a wide variety of fraud cases involving more than $100 million in losses, and indicted corporations, executives, doctors, investment advisors, consultants, real estate developers, and public officials, among other defendants.
“Rachel is a seasoned trial lawyer who has been successful as both an assistant US attorney and in private practice,” said Steptoe Chair Phil West. “Her trial experience and track record will further strengthen the deep bench of talent in both our renowned Investigations & White-Collar Defense Group, and our flourishing Chicago litigation practice.”
Steptoe’s Investigations & White-Collar Defense Group has represented some of the largest public and private companies in the world in major government and internal investigations. Regarded as one of the best white-collar practices in the United States, the team has garnered many accolades, including recognition by both Chambers USA and The Legal 500 as a top-ranked practice in this field. The group was also named The National Law Journal’s “Washington Litigation Department of the Year in White-Collar Crime” in 2014, 2017, and 2018, and has received Law360’s “Practice Group of the Year in White-Collar” award three times. For the past six years, Global Investigations Review has named Steptoe to its GIR 30, an independent guide to the world’s best firms for international investigations.
Cannon commented: “Steptoe is the premiere brand in white-collar defense and government investigations, and the firm’s blockchain and cryptocurrency practice has been a market leader since day one. That combined strength will provide my practice with a strong platform to serve my clients. I’m also looking forward to reteaming with my former AUSA colleague, Chris Niewoehner.”
Cannon is active in a variety of civic and charitable activities. She serves on the women’s boards of directors of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet. She also serves on the board of directors for the Chicago Bar Foundation, is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, and is an adjunct trial advocacy professor at Northwestern Law School. She also has served as a periodic trial advocacy instructor for the SEC, the Department of Justice, and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.
Cannon earned her bachelor’s degree Phi Beta Kappa, and her law degree, from the University of Chicago.
