Thorough, intelligent, and a fierce advocate.” "Extremely experienced and successful trial lawyer." "He's very affable, a great lawyer and he has a nice, direct approach with clients. He's fantastic to have on a joint defense team in terms of collegiality and in terms of his attentiveness with issues.Chambers USA
Preston Burton
Partner & Board Member
Biography
Preston Burton is a highly regarded trial lawyer with over three decades of criminal law experience, both as a defense attorney and as a federal prosecutor. A Partner and in the Washington, D.C., office of Buckley LLP, and a member of the firm’s partner board, he is an integral part of the firm’s exemplary White Collar practice.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Burton has tried more than 50 criminal cases to verdict, representing individual and corporate clients in complex federal white collar criminal cases, governmental and civil proceedings, and congressional and internal investigations. He has also handled more than 10 appeals before the D.C. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, and Fourth Circuit.
His work is punctuated by numerous front-page cases, representing such high-profile clients as Monica Lewinsky, former CIA intelligence agent Aldrich H. Ames, and former FBI Special Agent Robert Hanssen. He has represented business executives and companies in areas such as public corruption investigations, criminal antitrust matters, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and export control violations, False Claims Act (FCA) cases, and procurement fraud. Many of Mr. Burton’s cases have involved cross-border investigations, including extradition requests and multi-jurisdictional enforcement actions. He has also handled congressional investigations, as well as numerous matters involving national security issues, including the representation of several intelligence agency officials and serving most recently as an amicus appointed by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
Mr. Burton’s recent matters include:
- Serving as part of a trial team representing a former government contracting firm executive in a jury trial in the Eastern District of Virginia on public corruption, conspiracy, and fraud charges where all defendants were found not guilty on all charges
- Representation of a foreign business executive in a Department of Justice investigation of false statements and purported export control violations in connection with the acquisition of a U.S. government contractor by foreign investors
- Representation of current and former CIA personnel in connection with a Special Counsel (Durham) investigation of origins of FBI Russia-Trump campaign investigations
- Representation of numerous entities and individuals in connection with a Special Counsel (Mueller) investigation of Foreign Agents Registration Act, false statements, and money laundering investigations
- Representation of a senior FBI official in a congressional investigation of matters related to site selection for new FBI headquarters
- Representation of individuals in connection with the first impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump and related congressional inquiries
- Representation of a prominent Iranian journalist as a material witness in a Department of Justice investigation
- Representation of a U.S. Senate security official in a Department of Justice prosecution of false statements and investigation of classified information leaks
- Representation of a group of current and former employees of a foreign cyber security company in a pending criminal export control and computer fraud investigation by the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice National Security Division
- Representation of a publicly-traded financial institution in Department of Justice, SEC, and banking regulatory investigations of separate matters involving allegations of public corruption and improper insider loans
Since 2010, Mr. Burton has been ranked as a leading lawyer in White Collar Crime & Government Investigations by Chambers USA, which noted, "He is renowned throughout the legal community as someone with great trial skills and a great strategic sense." He has also been recognized for Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense by Legal 500, which noted that he “has a formidable reputation for individual representations and is known for strategic thinking and willingness to try cases.” Benchmark Litigation 2019 named him as a top practitioner in White Collar and Securities Litigation. He joined Buckley from Poe & Burton PLLC, a boutique litigation firm he co-founded in 2011. Prior to that, he led the litigation practice of the Washington, D.C. office of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Following law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Boyce F. Martin Jr., on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Mr. Burton received his J.D. from the University of Virginia, and his A.B. from Duke University.
Thorough, intelligent, and a fierce advocate.” "Extremely experienced and successful trial lawyer." "He's very affable, a great lawyer and he has a nice, direct approach with clients. He's fantastic to have on a joint defense team in terms of collegiality and in terms of his attentiveness with issues.Chambers USA
In The News
Legal 500 2022 recognizes 18 Buckley attorneys in five practice areas
“They treat their clients better than any other law firm I’ve experienced,” is what one respondent said about Buckley LLP to Legal 500, which ranked the firm as a top law firm in five categories and recognized 18 of its attorneys for its 2022 edition.
The publication recognized...
AnnouncementsBuckley recognized by Chambers USA for consumer financial services, white collar, and fintech practices
Chambers USA named Buckley LLP a nationwide Band 1 firm in all consumer finance categories in its 2022 rankings, recognizing six of its partners in those practices. The firm received top recognition in Consumer Finance Compliance, Consumer Finance Litigation, and Consumer Finance...
AnnouncementsLegal 500 2021 recognizes 17 Buckley attorneys in six practice areas
“While some firms will provide lengthy and expensive legal analysis, Buckley’s team relies on their depth and breadth of expertise to provide useful guidance from various team members quickly and efficiently,” a respondent told Legal 500, which ranked Buckley LLP as a top law firm and...
AnnouncementsBuckley recognized by Chambers USA for consumer financial services, white collar practices
Chambers USA named Buckley LLP a nationwide Band 1 firm in all consumer finance categories in its 2021 rankings, recognizing nine of its partners in those practices — more than any other firm in the country. The firm received top recognition in Consumer Finance Compliance, Consumer...
AnnouncementsLegal 500 2020 recognizes 21 Buckley attorneys in six practice areas
“Buckley attorneys are incredibly responsive while providing top quality legal services,” is how respondents described the firm in the 2020 edition of Legal 500, which ranked Buckley as a top law firm and recognized it in six categories:
- Corporate Investigations and White ...
Preston Burton quoted in NPR article, “Prosecutors move to drop their own case after evidence issue. The judge wants answers”
Preston Burton was quoted on June 12, 2020 in an NPR article, “Prosecutors move to drop their own case after evidence issue. The judge wants answers,” which discussed a case against businessman Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejad, and allegations that the government failed to hand over evidence favorable to the...
In The NewsPreston Burton quoted in Washington Post article, “Canadian court rules extradition case against Huawei executive Meng can proceed”
Preston Burton was quoted on May 27, 2020 in a Washington Post article, “Canadian court rules extradition case against Huawei executive Meng can proceed,” which discussed Huawei’s chief financial officer faces extradition to Canada in addition to the United States, after a court ruled that the...
In The NewsBuckley recognized by Chambers USA as a “top-notch” firm in financial services and white collar work
Buckley has once again received top recognition in financial services regulation, white collar crime/government investigations, and fintech from Chambers USA, which ranks the country’s leading firms and lawyers in a range of practice areas based on research and client interviews....
AnnouncementsPreston Burton quoted in American Banker article, “Will Congress's coronavirus response watchdog have any teeth?”
Preston Burton was quoted on April 22, 2020 in an American Banker article, “Will Congress's coronavirus response watchdog have any teeth?” which discussed the Congressional Oversight Commission and the areas the panel will lack enforcement authority. Burton noted, “The panel lacks subpoena...
In The NewsThe Legal 500 2019 recognizes 17 Buckley attorneys in five practice areas
The Legal 500 once again ranked Buckley as a top law firm and recognized it in five categories:
- Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense: Corporate – Tier 4
- Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense: Individuals – Tier 2 ...
Buckley recognized by Chambers USA as a “first-rate firm” in financial services; “crème de la crème” for White Collar practice
Buckley has once again received top recognition in financial services regulation and white collar crime/government investigations from Chambers USA, which ranks the country’s leading firms and lawyers in a range of practice areas based on research and client interviews.
In total...
AnnouncementsBenchmark recognizes Buckley Sandler litigation team; David Krakoff inducted into American College of Trial Lawyers
Benchmark Litigation has recognized Buckley Sandler as one of the nation’s top litigation law firms, awarding it a National Tier 1 ranking for its White Collar practice and deeming its District of Columbia litigation team “Highly Recommended” — Benchmark’s highest...
AnnouncementsJames A. Wolfe Litigation – News and Resources
A compilation of media coverage and developments:
In The NewsThe Legal 500 2018 recognizes five practice areas and 17 attorneys at Buckley Sandler
Buckley Sandler LLP again has been noted as one of the nation’s top law firms by The Legal 500 in its 2018 rankings, with recognition in five practice areas:
- Financial Services: Litigation
- Financial Services: Regulation
- Corporate ...
Buckley Sandler recognized by Chambers USA as “an excellent firm” with “a fine stable of expert attorneys”
Buckley Sandler once again has received top recognition in financial services regulation and white collar crime/government investigations from Chambers USA, which ranks the country’s leading firms and lawyers in a range of practice areas by researching the firms and interviewing...
AnnouncementsHank Asbill Joins Buckley Sandler
WASHINGTON, DC (April 23, 2018) – Buckley Sandler LLP announced today that renowned trial lawyer Henry Asbill has joined the firm as a partner in its White Collar and Complex Civil Litigation practices. Asbill has obtained outstanding results for his clients for decades. He has successfully...
Press ReleasesBuckley Sandler secures $2.632 billion settlement for Universal Entertainment against Wynn Resorts
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2018)—Buckley Sandler LLP represented Universal Entertainment Corporation and its subsidiary Aruze USA, Inc. in securing a $2.632 billion settlement that resolves a six-year lawsuit against Wynn Resorts, Limited. The settlement announced today will resolve all claims...
Press ReleasesPreston Burton Quoted in Washington Post Article, “The First Inauguration Day Protest Trial Ended in Acquittals. But More Than 150 Defendants Await Their Day in Court”
Preston Burton was quoted on December 29, 2017 in a Washington Post article, “The First Inauguration Day Protest Trial Ended in Acquittals. But More Than 150 Defendants Await Their Day in Court,” which discussed the trial of six Inauguration Day protesters and the acquittals that followed. The...
In The NewsBuckley Sandler Recognized by Chambers USA as an “Exceptional” Financial Services Regulation and White Collar Firm
Buckley Sandler has continued to receive top recognition in the areas of financial services regulation and white collar crime/government investigations from Chambers USA , which ranks the country’s leading firms and lawyers in a range of practice areas based on in-depth client interviews and peer...
In The News
Publications
"Some lies matter more than others: Why Congress should consider a 'false statement misdemeanor'" by Preston Burton, Paige Ammons, Bree Murphy, Jackson Hagen (Law.com)
The Department of Justice’s attempted abandonment of the Michael Flynn prosecution has sparked troubling and conflicting questions of political interference, prosecutorial indiscretion and judicial overreach. But a difficult question at the heart of the matter has gone begging: whether there are...
Articles"CARES Act puts inspectors general back in the spotlight" by Daniel R. Alonso, Preston Burton, & Meredith Leeson (New York Law Journal)
Federal Inspectors General—the nation’s watchdogs over government agencies and government programs—are back in the news. First, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act , received close attention not only for its $2 trillion infusion of taxpayer dollars into the U.S. economy, but also...
Articles"CARES congressional oversight: Scope and structure" by Preston Burton (Bloomberg Law)
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed in March 2020, enacted an unprecedented level of emergency government spending to provide public health relief and stabilize an economy damaged by the pandemic, and included oversight provisions to monitor how the $2 trillion is spent...
Articles"Less isn’t always more: 1001(a)(1) Concealment charges in voluntary disclosure submissions" by Paige Ammons and Preston Burton (Business Crimes Bulletin)
In any investigation where a client is deposed or interviewed by a government agent, experienced lawyers should be wary of potential false statement liability under 18 U.S.C. §1001, and likely will have advised their clients of the paramount need to be truthful. Voluntary communications, initiated...
Articles"Coercive process for material witnesses needs reform" by Preston Burton and Paige Ammons (Law360)
The material witness statute confers incredible power on the government to obtain the arrest and detention of a witness — even though that person is not accused of having committed any crime — simply by showing the court that the person is purportedly “material in a criminal proceeding” and that it...
Articles"Congressional subpoenas, special prosecutors, and the Capitol jail—Let the games begin" by Preston Burton and Paige Ammons (Bloomberg Law)
President Donald Trump has been predictably defiant in responding to the suggestion that House Democrats will unleash their newly won subpoena powers to investigate him, his administration, or his companies, warning that he is prepared to assume a “war-like posture” and that the Democrats “can play...
Articles"Can you comment when SARs come up?" by Preston Burton (Banking Exchange)
Recent news related to the investigation of Russian influence in the U.S. political process has drawn the public’s attention to the Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) system and raised questions about its integrity. Financial institutions, among others, are required to file SARs with the Treasury...
ArticlesPreston Burton, Bree Murphy, and Leslie L. Meredith Authored a Business Crimes Bulletin Article, "The Arrival of Justice Gorsuch May Bring Opportunity to Reform the Collective Entity Doctrine"
A little over 100 years ago, the Supreme Court declined to extend the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination to corporations responding to grand jury subpoenas for documents, establishing what has been termed the “collective entity doctrine.” Hale v. Henkel, 201 U.S. 43, 74-76 (1906...
Articles
Awards and Recognitions
Awards & Recognitions
- Chambers USA 2022: Band 2, District of Columbia Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
- Legal 500 2022: Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense
- Best Lawyers 2022: Criminal Defense - General Practice, Criminal Defense - White-Collar
- Chambers USA 2021: Band 2, District of Columbia Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
- Legal 500 2021: Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense
- Best Lawyers 2021: Criminal Defense - General Practice, Criminal Defense - White-Collar
- Chambers USA 2020: Band 2, District of Columbia Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
- Legal 500 2020: Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense
- Best Lawyers 2020: Criminal Defense - General Practice, Criminal Defense - White-Collar
- Chambers USA 2019: Band 2, District of Columbia Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
- Benchmark Litigation 2019: White Collar Crime, Securities
- Legal 500 2019: Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense
- Best Lawyers 2019: Criminal Defense - General Practice, Criminal Defense - White-Collar
- Chambers USA 2018: Band 2, District of Columbia Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
- Legal 500 2018: Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense
- Best Lawyers 2018: Criminal Defense - General Practice, Criminal Defense - White-Collar
- Legal 500 2017: Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense
- Chambers USA 2017: Band 2, District of Columbia Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
- Best Lawyers 2017: Criminal Defense - General Practice, Criminal Defense - White-Collar
- Benchmark Litigation 2017: National Litigation Star - White Collar Crime
- Benchmark Litigation 2017: Local Litigation Star - White Collar Crime, Securities
- Chambers USA 2016: Band 2, District of Columbia Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
- Who's Who Legal: Business Crime Defence 2016
Practice Areas
- Appellate
- Complex Civil Litigation
- Congressional Investigations
- Enforcement Actions & Investigations
- Environmental Enforcement & Litigation
- False Claims Act & FIRREA
- Federal Trade Commission
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act & Anti-Corruption
- Inspector General Investigations
- Internal Investigations
- Securities Enforcement
- Whistleblower
- White Collar
Education
- J.D., University of Virginia
- A.B., Duke University (magna cum laude)
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
- U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Virginia
Government Service
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Columbia
- Law Clerk, Hon. Boyce F. Martin, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit