Jennifer G. Newstead holds the crucial position of Chief Legal Officer at Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). In this role, she oversees a broad range of legal affairs, encompassing corporate governance, securities compliance, regulatory oversight, litigation, intellectual property, and commercial matters.
Newstead’s Journey to Meta
Newstead joined Meta, then Facebook, in 2019, bringing with her a wealth of experience from prominent roles in public service and private practice. Before Meta, she served as the Legal Adviser for the U.S. Department of State. This high-profile position entailed leading the legal team advising the Secretary of State on complex domestic and international legal issues related to U.S. foreign policy.
Extensive Public Service Experience
Her distinguished career in public service includes key positions such as General Counsel of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice, and Special Assistant to the President and Associate White House Counsel. These roles provided her with invaluable experience navigating the intricacies of legal and policy matters at the highest levels of government.
Private Practice and Academic Background
Prior to her government service, Newstead was a partner for twelve years at the prestigious law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. There, she honed her legal skills advising global corporations on litigation, regulatory investigations, and compliance issues.
Newstead’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She earned an AB from Harvard University and a JD from Yale Law School. Following law school, she clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the United States Supreme Court and Judge Laurence Silberman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. She also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, further demonstrating her commitment to legal education and scholarship.
Conclusion
Jennifer G. Newstead’s extensive legal background in both the public and private sectors makes her uniquely qualified to lead Meta’s legal team. Her experience navigating complex legal and regulatory challenges positions her well to guide the company through the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry.
