Steven A. Engel

Steven A. Engel is a seasoned litigator whose career spans senior public service and complex private practice. He is widely known for handling high-stakes trial and appellate matters and for advising clients facing sensitive regulatory and constitutional challenges. His work reflects deep experience in civil litigation, administrative law, securities matters, and investigations.

Steven built his academic foundation through a progressive course of study across leading institutions. He earned an A.B. in 1996 from Harvard College, graduating summa cum laude. He later completed an M.Phil. in 1997 at the University of Cambridge. Steven then earned his J.D. in 2000 from Yale Law School, where he received multiple academic distinctions.

Steven has served in senior government roles that shaped national legal policy. Most notably, he was Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel, where he acted as chief legal adviser to the Executive Branch. His work addressed critical constitutional, statutory, national security, and administrative law questions at the highest levels.

Steven has also maintained a strong appellate practice across federal courts nationwide. He has appeared in trial and appellate venues involving constitutional disputes, commercial litigation, and securities matters. His leadership in appellate litigation earned recognition when his practice group was named to the National Law Journal’s “Appellate Hot List,” reflecting sustained excellence in advocacy.

Steven has been individually recognized for distinguished legal service and advocacy. He was named an “Appellate MVP of the Year” by Law360, highlighting his impact in significant appellate matters. In December 2020, he received the Department of Justice’s Edmund J. Randolph Award for outstanding service and leadership.

Steven contributes to the legal profession through teaching, scholarship, and public engagement. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at multiple law schools and participates in advisory roles within the federal judiciary. His legal analysis has appeared in major national publications and broadcast news programs.

Steven A. Engel continues to be a trusted counselor on complex legal issues, drawing on decades of courtroom advocacy, government service, and scholarly engagement. His career reflects a consistent focus on rigorous legal analysis, principled decision-making, and effective representation in matters of national and institutional importance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Dechert LLP
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• New York

Education

• Yale Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Cambridge
  Master of Philosophy (M Phil)
• Harvard College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges