Ann O’Leary: Innovative Leadership in Government and Policy Development

Ann O’Leary is the driving force on the frontlines of American public policy, crisis response, and government counsel. Few have held senior positions in the upper echelons of government, private practice, academia, and public interest advocacy such that Ann has become a ‘go to’ counsel for entities requiring sophisticated strategic guidance on how to navigate the increasingly contentious intersection of law, politics, and social movements. As a Partner at Jenner & Block LLP and co-chair of the firm’s Government Controversies and Public Policy Litigation Practice, Ann counsels clients with unparalleled skill and composure as they deal with some of the nation’s most difficult policy dilemmas, controversies, and crises. Ann’s practical approach, authoritative policy command, and her deep-rooted commitment to protecting the greater public good make her a nationally recognized leader in advancing a more just and sustainable society from all sectors of civil society.

Impressive Background and Education

Stemming from a commitment to education and service, Ann obtained her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College where she developed her interest in social justice and civic advocacy. She went on to Stanford University where she earned a Master’s degree in Education Policy and later a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law; this provided Ann with the analytical discipline and strategic mindset to shape the influential leader she is today.

Key Positions in Government and Policy Innovation

Ann O’Leary served in key roles in state government and on the national stage, where she garnered a reputation for strategic leadership and innovative solutions. Perhaps most notably, Ann was California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Chief of Staff, where she oversaw ground-breaking efforts to respond to and manage through unprecedented historic wildfires, utility company bankruptcies, statewide teacher strikes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her outstanding leadership and collaboration during these crises proved critical to California’s complex emergency response and recovery efforts throughout the state, ensuring coordination among agencies and stakeholders while also keeping vulnerable communities front and center on vital flexibilities.

Ann’s expertise also spans national government service. She served as Senior Policy Advisor to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, leading her efforts on economic security, paid family leave, and the Care Economy. As Co-Executive Director of the Clinton-Kaine Transition Project (alongside Laura Curian and Charles Herrick), Ann led efforts in preparing for the transition of power to the new Democratic administration from Election Day to Inauguration. Ann’s strong voice on important issues and collaborative working style make her an effective advisor to government leaders at all levels and party affiliations as well as private sector executives.

Specializing in Crisis Management and Policy Development

Ann O’Leary’s experience in leading in times of uncertainty and crisis is unmatched. She has been at the forefront of managing some of the most challenging crises that governments and organizations have faced in the last decade, from natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks to economic crises and reputation assaults. She works with her clients on highly complex challenges including rapid response planning, stakeholder relations, legal risk analysis, effective communications, and ultimately preparing them to make tough decisions decisively and ethically.

Beyond her crisis work, Ann is a thought leader on public policy innovation. As a Fellow at The Century Foundation, Ann is focused on advancing paid family leave and strengthening the Care Economy. Her research and writing, as well as her advocacy work, have helped shape national dialogue around workforce development, responding to economic crises, and building stronger social policies. There she was awarded as one of Politico’s Top 50 Visionaries for shaping the future.

The Care Economy and Social Justice Focus

A theme of Ann’s career is her focus on building a more inclusive and equitable society. She has been a champion for policies that help working families, support early childhood education, and increase economic opportunity. As co-founder of the Opportunity Institute, Ann led efforts to close achievement gaps, expand access to quality education, and support community-driven approaches to ending poverty. Ann has made powerful inroads on things such as paid family leave and the Care Economy via advocacy that impacts policymaking at the state and federal level. Her advocacy and leadership have helped drive legislative change, secure child care and elder care program funding streams, and foster cross-sector coalitions of broad stakeholders from the public, private, and non-profit fields. Ann’s leadership continues to drive national impact on economic security, mobility, and social equity issues.

Leadership in Law, Academia, and Non-Profit Spheres

Ann’s work goes beyond government to the practice of law, academia, and non-profit leadership. At Jenner & Block LLP Ann counsels government, corporations and nonprofit organizations on their most significant legal, regulatory and policy matters. Ann has a results-oriented, hands-on practice tailored to advance her clients’ specific priorities.

Academically, Ann is a former lecturer at Stanford Law School and at UC Berkeley School of Law, where she teaches the next generation of lawyers and policymakers. Ann has developed courses in public policy, crisis management and social impact law and taught students who now are pursuing public service and justice-oriented careers. Ann’s nonprofit engagements, including leading the Opportunity Institute and partnering with foundations, also reflect her commitment to advancing the public good at all levels.

Recognition, Values, and Thought Leadership

Her accolades are numerous: Not only was she named by Politico as one of the 50 People who Matter most in politics and policy, but she is regularly called upon by media around the country to provide expert perspective and insight to policymakers and industry leaders dealing with real-world issues on the economy and its impact on middle-class families. Governor Gavin Newsom put it best when he called Ann, “a national leader in the fight for working families and a best-in-class crisis manager.”

Ann’s approach is driven by integrity, empathy, and a desire to build consensus through collaborative problem solving. She has established herself as an influential thought leader on public policy issues through published research, speaking engagements, and frequent participation in national media and forums addressing economic justice, education, and crisis management. Ann is a trusted voice on many of the major challenges governments, businesses, and communities are facing today.

How to Engage and Connect

Ann O’Leary provides professional services as a Partner at Jenner & Block LLP. In that role, she delivers strategy consulting, legal advice, crisis management and thought leadership to government agencies, companies, non-profits and academic institutions. Engagements are scoped to fit the needs of the client and are priced according to the level of work and complexity involved (typically on a retainer or project basis). She meets with clients for an initial consultation upon request; recommendations are provided by Ann in bespoke proposals for organizations seeking assistance with government controversies, policy development or crisis response.

To contact Ann O’Leary or schedule an engagement or consultation email [email protected]; call (917) 346-9882; or visit https://annoleary.com/. For direct inquiries, message Ann through this website, or connect with Ann at linkedin.com/in/ann-o-leary-2a6a6b6/. The office address is 150 E 58th St Fl 96 New York NY 10155.

For more information about Ann’s background and professional journey, visit the About Ann O’Leary page. If you are interested in the range of services Ann provides, see Services Offered.

Why Ann O’Leary

Anchored in decades spent working at the highest levels of government, law, and social policy, Ann O’Leary brings unparalleled experience, vision and results to every client engagement. Demonstrated crisis and change leadership, deep policy expertise and commitment to equity make Ann the go-to partner for organizations who seek to avoid or discharge complex legal or policy issues. Whether you are a government agency, business, non-profit or school system, Ann can provide strategic counsel to help you manage uncertainty, implement lasting change and realize a stronger future for your organization(s) and stakeholders.