1330 Connecticut Avenue NW · Washington, DC 20036
Steptoe (formerly Steptoe & Johnson LLP) is one of the most established international law firms with its flagship Washington DC office, where more than 300 lawyers practice across white collar, regulatory enforcement, sanctions, tax, antitrust, IP, and complex civil litigation. The DC office has occupied 1330 Connecticut Avenue since 1985 and has been a fixture in DC bar leadership and federal practice for decades.
Steptoe is the prototype of a DC institutional firm. Government-investigation work — DOJ, SEC, FinCEN, OFAC, IRS — is a core competency. The firm has been particularly visible in sanctions and economic-statecraft work as those rules have multiplied since 2017. Senior executives, public officials, and corporations facing high-stakes federal scrutiny rely on Steptoe partners to translate technical exposure into a clear strategic path forward. Tax controversy, antitrust, and complex commercial litigation are similarly deep. As with peer DC megafirms, this is not a budget option — but for matters where the regulator-facing experience matters, Steptoe is on the short list.
Hourly billing with senior partner rates in the $1,200–$1,800/hour range. Investigations and litigation engagements typically begin with a discovery-phase budget and roll into matter-by-matter scoping. Some regulatory advisory work is handled on retainer.
"Steptoe handled our FCPA exposure across three jurisdictions with a coordinated, calm strategy. The DOJ resolution we reached was meaningfully better than our worst-case projections."
"Their sanctions team is extraordinarily responsive and understands the practical realities of running a payments business under OFAC scrutiny. We rely on them for fast turnaround on real-world questions."
"The IRS exam was complex and high-dollar. Steptoe's tax controversy partners walked us through each step and reached a resolution we could live with on accelerated timing."
Steptoe routinely advises corporations, governments, financial institutions, and senior individuals. Use the form below to request initial scoping with the right partner.
1330 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
Dupont Circle area — flagship office since 1985