Lil Durk Recruits Attorney Brian Steel for Murder-for-Hire Trial

The Chicago rapper has added another high-profile lawyer to his legal team.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Lil Durk has filed a motion to add Atlanta-based attorney Brian Steel to his legal team for his upcoming murder-for-hire trial. Steel, who recently defended Young Thug in the YSL RICO trial, will join lead attorney Drew Findling in representing Durk, who is facing the possibility of life in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

Durk's case has drawn significant attention in the hip-hop community, as he is accused of paying five men to travel to California and murder his rap rival Quando Rondo, resulting in the death of Quando's cousin Lul Pab. The addition of Steel, a well-known defense attorney, signals Durk's intention to mount a robust legal defense.

The details

Durk filed a motion on Sunday (March 8) to replace his current attorney, Jonathan M. Brayman, with Brian Steel. Once the judge approves the motion, Steel will join lead attorney Drew Findling in representing Durk. Steel has gained recognition in the hip-hop community for his successful defense of Young Thug in the YSL RICO trial, where Thug avoided additional jail time through a plea deal.

  • Durk filed the motion to add Brian Steel to his legal team on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Durk's murder-for-hire trial is set to begin on August 20, 2026.

The players

Lil Durk

A Chicago rapper facing a murder-for-hire trial.

Brian Steel

An Atlanta-based attorney who has recently gained recognition for his defense of Young Thug in the YSL RICO trial.

Drew Findling

The lead attorney on Lil Durk's case, known for representing several high-profile hip-hop artists.

Quando Rondo

Lil Durk's rap rival, whose cousin Lul Pab was killed in the alleged murder-for-hire incident.

Lul Pab

Quando Rondo's cousin, who was killed in the alleged murder-for-hire incident.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Lil Durk to replace his current attorney with Brian Steel.

The takeaway

Lil Durk's decision to add the high-profile attorney Brian Steel to his legal team signals his intention to mount a robust defense against the serious murder-for-hire charges he is facing, which could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.