Former SDNY Cybercrime Chief Dina McLeod Joins Bracewell as Partner

Published July 24, 2026

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Why it matters

Bracewell LLP has hired Dina McLeod as a partner in its New York government enforcement and investigations practice. McLeod, who spent 11 years at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, most recently served as chief of the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. In that role, she oversaw investigations and prosecutions involving white-collar crime, cybercrime, AI-related fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, digital assets, money laundering, securities fraud, trade secrets theft, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, bankruptcy fraud, FCPA violations, and national security cyber cases.

The firm characterized the hire as a strategic expansion of its white-collar defense capabilities during a period of increased client demand. McLeod's direct experience building federal cases at SDNY provides Bracewell with insider knowledge of prosecutorial strategy and investigative tactics in complex fraud and cyber matters.

The move reflects a broader trend among major law firms competing for senior prosecutors with specialized expertise in fraud and cybercrime enforcement. For clients facing government investigations in these areas, McLeod's recent tenure at SDNY—where she held authority over case prioritization and strategy—offers a meaningful advantage in understanding how federal prosecutors approach complex matters and what defenses are likely to prove effective.