Brianna Drayton, Esq.

Brianna Drayton, Esq., is an associate at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, where she practices as an M&A attorney focusing primarily on sell-side transactions and corporate governance. A first-generation lawyer originally from New Jersey and now based in Maryland, Brianna brings a thoughtful, client-focused approach to her legal practice. She also maintains a strong commitment to pro bono service, particularly through nonprofit formation and assistance with Form 1023 applications for organizations seeking tax-exempt status, with a focus on supporting small businesses and community organizations in Baltimore. Brianna is a proud graduate of Hampton University, an HBCU in Virginia, and earned a Master of Public Administration in Leadership of Public Organizations from Rutgers University–Newark. She later earned her J.D. with a Business Law Track from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. During law school, she served as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association, participated in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, worked as a student attorney in the Youth, Education and Justice Clinic, and contributed to the Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender, and Class. Her early legal experience also included roles with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Brianna's professional journey has been shaped by faith, perseverance, and the lessons gained from overcoming challenges, including experiencing personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and initially not passing the bar examination. Those experiences strengthened her commitment to mentoring and encouraging others pursuing careers in law. Her accomplishments include being recognized among The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and as a 2027 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch honoree for Corporate Law. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and takes pride in her HBCU roots, service to others, and commitment to showing up with excellence, kindness, gratitude, and purpose.