Compass, a prominent real estate technology company, has appointed Kathy O’Neill as its new Chief Legal Officer. O’Neill brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, notably her tenure as a senior director in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and her role as a partner at Cooley LLP.
During her time at the DOJ, O’Neill held the position of senior director of investigations and litigation, overseeing civil investigations and litigation within the Antitrust Division. Her responsibilities included managing merger and civil conduct probes across various industries, such as technology, telecommunications, and agriculture. Prior to her DOJ service, she was an assistant attorney general in New York and an attorney adviser at the Federal Communications Commission.
In September 2022, O’Neill transitioned to Cooley LLP, joining their Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the antitrust and competition practice group. Her move was part of Cooley’s strategic expansion of its antitrust capabilities, which also included the addition of partners Ethan Glass and Jeremy Morrison in Washington, D.C., and Caroline Hobson in London. O’Neill’s extensive experience in antitrust enforcement and litigation was seen as a significant asset to Cooley’s practice.
At Compass, O’Neill is expected to leverage her comprehensive legal background to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the real estate technology sector. Her appointment underscores Compass’s commitment to strengthening its legal and compliance functions as it continues to grow and innovate in the industry.