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Brian Steel Moves to Join Lil Durk’s Defense as Federal Murder-for-Hire Trial Set for August 2026

The veteran attorney filed to replace Jonathan M. Brayman, signaling a fortified strategy ahead of the consolidated Los Angeles case.

Overview

  • Steel has submitted court papers seeking to join Lil Durk’s team and replace attorney Jonathan M. Brayman, adding to a defense that already includes Drew Findling.
  • His application seeks pro hac vice admission to appear in California’s federal court despite not being licensed in the state.
  • U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald has ordered a joint proceeding for all defendants, with jury selection scheduled to begin on August 20, 2026.
  • Prosecutors allege Durk participated in a murder-for-hire conspiracy tied to 2022 retaliatory violence linked to rivals associated with Quando Rondo, including the fatal ambush of Saviay’a Robinson in Los Angeles.
  • Durk has been in custody since his October 2024 arrest and denies the charges, with the defense and prosecution now preparing pretrial motions as the court considers the attorney substitution.