Preston Burton Inducted as Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers

1 minute read | October.29.2026

The American College of Trial Lawyers has inducted Orrick partner Preston Burton as a Fellow, in recognition of his more than 30 years as a trial lawyer in criminal law as both a defense attorney and a federal prosecutor. Preston is one of five Orrick litigators to be honored with the ACTL distinction.

Founded in 1950, the College is widely recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America. Fellowship is extended by invitation only, following a rigorous investigation process, to experienced trial lawyers who have demonstrated the highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality. Candidates must have at least fifteen years of trial experience before consideration for Fellowship.
Leader of Orrick's global White Collar and Investigations practice, Preston has tried more than 50 criminal cases to verdict and argued more than 10 appeals before the US Courts of Appeals for the DC and Fourth Circuits and the DC Court of Appeals.
He represents individuals and companies in complex federal white-collar matters, civil and regulatory proceedings, congressional inquiries and internal investigations.
Preston has been ranked by Chambers USA for White Collar Crime & Government Investigations since 2010.

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Preston Burton Partner, White Collar, Investigations, Securities Litigation & Compliance, Strategic Advisory & Government Enforcement (SAGE)

Washington, D.C.

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White Collar, Investigations, Securities Litigation & Compliance
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Preston Burton Partner

Washington, D.C.

A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Preston has tried more than 50 criminal cases to verdict and represents individuals and companies in complex federal white collar matters, civil and regulatory proceedings, congressional inquiries, and internal investigations. He has also argued more than 10 appeals before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and the Fourth Circuit and the D.C. Court of Appeals.

His practice spans high-stakes and high-profile matters, including representations of Monica Lewinsky, CIA officer Aldrich Ames, and FBI Special Agent Robert Hanssen. He regularly advises executives and corporations on public corruption, criminal antitrust, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and export controls, False Claims Act matters, and procurement fraud. His work frequently involves cross-border investigations, extradition matters, and multi-jurisdictional enforcement actions. He also handles congressional investigations and national security matters, including representing intelligence community officials and serving as an amicus appointed by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

Preston has been ranked by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in White Collar Crime & Government Investigations since 2010, where he is noted for his “great trial skills and strategic sense.” He is also recognized by Legal 500 for Corporate Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense, which highlights his “formidable reputation” and willingness to take cases to trial. Benchmark Litigation has named him a leading practitioner in White Collar and Securities Litigation.

Before rejoining Orrick, Preston was a partner at Buckley LLP and a member of its partner board. He previously co-founded Poe & Burton PLLC and earlier led the litigation practice in Orrick’s Washington, D.C. office. He began his legal career as a law clerk to Judge Boyce F. Martin Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and later served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. He practiced nearly a decade with Plato Cacheris.