Who is Brian Steel? All about Young Thug’s lawyer amid the rapper’s release

Young Thug with his lawyer Brian Steel (right) (Image via Instagram / @thuggerthegoat)
Young Thug with his lawyer Brian Steel (right) (Image via Instagram / @thuggerthegoat)

Young Thug finally walked free from jail on October 31, accepting a plea deal to charges of gang activity, drug offenses, and firearm possession. This marked a dramatic resolution to Georgia's longest-ever criminal trial.

Now, the internet is praising his lawyer, Brian Steel, who, just a few months ago, showed his commitment to Young Thug by being ready to serve time in prison for him. He was even taken into custody during a court session, which earned him much admiration on social media.

An image of Brian Steel fist-bumping Young Thug during their courtroom trial is now circulating online.


Here's all you need to know about Brian Steel, Young Thug's lawyer

Brian Steel has been practicing as a defense attorney since 1991 after earning his law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1990. He has represented clients in criminal courts across multiple states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and California. Today, he is regarded as one of Georgia's top criminal appellate lawyers, boasting 300 published works and 45 case reversals.

Brian has a diverse clientele: attorneys, medical professionals, FBI agents, judges, local law enforcement, elected officials, business leaders, professional athletes, successful musicians, corporations, and vulnerable individuals such as juveniles and low-income defendants.

He manages a wide range of cases in both state and federal courts, dealing with issues like RICO violations, wire fraud, immigration fraud, money laundering, murder, armed robbery, drug offenses, r*pe, and child sexual abuse. Notably, he has represented clients in death penalty cases and achieved a significant victory by having a death penalty prosecution dismissed after demonstrating his client's innocence.

He co-owns The Steel Law Firm, P.C. with his wife, Colette, and was recently recognized as one of Billboard's Top Music Lawyers earlier this year.

Before the trial began, Brian Steel worked tirelessly to secure Young Thug's release on bond, but he was unsuccessful on multiple attempts. He also made a bold effort in June to have the RICO charges dismissed entirely, arguing that the alleged crimes occurred outside the statute of limitations; however, Judge Ural Glanville rejected this argument.

Now that the trial is underway, Steel’s skills as a defense attorney have been prominently displayed. During the opening arguments on November 28, 2023, he sought to establish that Young Thug is not a criminal mastermind but rather a "studio gangster." Steel highlighted Thug's positive contributions to his community and aimed to create a favorable perception of his nicknames.

Since Steel was instrumental in Young Thug securing a plea deal in which he will serve 15 years on probation as part of the non-negotiated plea agreement, Steel is being hailed on social media as a mastermind.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni