Tony West (attorney) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony West
|
|
|---|---|
West in 2013
|
|
| 17th United States Associate Attorney General | |
| In office March 12, 2012 – September 15, 2014 |
|
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Thomas Perrelli |
| Succeeded by | Rachel Brand |
| United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division | |
| In office April 20, 2009 – March 12, 2012 |
|
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Gregory G. Katsas |
| Succeeded by | Stuart F. Delery |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Derek Anthony West
August 12, 1965 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Relatives | Kamala Harris (Sister-in-law) Meena Harris (stepdaughter) |
| Education | Harvard University (BA) Stanford University (JD) |
Tony West, born on August 12, 1965, is an American lawyer and a former government official. He is currently a top legal leader at Uber, a well-known ride-sharing company. Before joining Uber, West held important roles in the United States government. He served as the United States Associate Attorney General, which is a high-ranking position in the United States Department of Justice. He was also the main lawyer for PepsiCo, a big food and drink company.
During his time at the Department of Justice, West helped make big decisions. For example, he was involved in the government's choice to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This law had defined marriage as only between a man and a woman. West also worked to get back billions of dollars from large banks. He helped improve safety for people in Native American communities. This included new rules in the 2013 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Tony West is the brother-in-law of former Vice President Kamala Harris. He also advised her 2024 presidential campaign.
Contents
Tony West's Early Life and Education
Tony West was born in San Francisco, California. His parents were Margaret "Peggy" West and Franklin Delano West. He grew up in San Jose, California, with his two younger sisters, Pamela and Patricia. His father was the first in his family to go to college. He worked for IBM. His mother was a teacher.
West went to Bellarmine College Preparatory, a private Catholic school for boys. He was the freshman class president and graduated in 1983.
He earned his college degree in government from Harvard College in 1987. While there, he helped publish the Harvard Political Review. In 1988, West started working on political campaigns for the Democratic Party. He helped with Michael Dukakis's presidential campaign. He also worked for the Democratic Governors Association.
West then went to Stanford Law School and earned his law degree in 1992. He was the president of the Stanford Law Review. During his summers, he worked as an intern at different law firms.
Tony West's Career Journey
After law school, West continued to work in politics. He was a chief of staff for the finance leader of the California Democratic Party. He also worked as a lawyer at a firm in San Jose from 1992 to 1993. In 1993, he became a licensed lawyer in California.
From 1999 to 2001, he was a special assistant to the California Attorney General, Bill Lockyer. Then, from 2001 to 2009, he was a partner at a law firm called Morrison & Foerster LLP in San Francisco. He also helped lead Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign in California.
West is also on the Board of Directors for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.. This group works to protect civil rights through legal action.
Working at the U.S. Department of Justice
West first joined the Justice Department in 1993 during the Clinton administration. He was a special assistant to the Deputy Attorney General. In 1994, he became an Assistant United States Attorney.
In 2009, President Obama asked West to return to the Justice Department. He became the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. This division handles many lawsuits for the government.
West led a review of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This review led to President Obama and Attorney General Holder deciding not to defend the law anymore. This was because they believed the law was unconstitutional. During his time leading the Civil Division, they recovered over $8.8 billion in taxpayer money. They also worked on consumer protection cases, leading to many convictions and recoveries of over $3.5 billion.
Becoming Associate Attorney General
On March 9, 2012, West became the Acting United States Associate Attorney General. The U.S. Senate confirmed him for the role on July 25, 2013. This is a very important job, helping to lead the entire Justice Department.
As Associate Attorney General, West led efforts to hold financial institutions accountable. These institutions had played a role in the Great Recession. His work led to some of the largest settlements in American history. For example, Bank of America paid $16.65 billion, and JPMorgan paid $13 billion. In total, the department recovered nearly $37 billion.
West also oversaw a lawsuit against Standard & Poor's Rating Services, a company that rates how risky investments are. The lawsuit claimed the company misled investors, causing billions of dollars in losses.
He also worked to improve policing. He helped reach an agreement with Puerto Rico's police department. This agreement required them to follow constitutional rules, especially regarding how they use force and treat people fairly.
West also supported legal help for people who cannot afford it. He represented the U.S. at an international conference on legal aid in South Africa. He also oversaw a case where the Justice Department supported the idea that everyone deserves effective legal help, even if they can't pay.
Helping Native American Communities
During West's time as Associate Attorney General, the Justice Department helped pass new rules in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. These rules allowed tribal courts to prosecute non-Native American people who commit domestic violence in Native American lands.
West worked with tribes to start a special project. This project allowed some tribes to use these new powers before the law officially started in 2015. Three tribes – the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Tulalip Tribes, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation – were the first to use this new authority.
West also helped create a task force to help Native American and Alaska Native children who have experienced violence.
Working at PepsiCo
In October 2014, PepsiCo announced that Tony West would join their company. He became the executive vice president of government affairs, general counsel, and corporate secretary. This meant he was in charge of all legal matters and government relations for PepsiCo around the world. He also oversaw the company's efforts to follow rules and laws.
Working at Uber
In October 2017, West announced he was leaving PepsiCo to become the General Counsel at Uber. This means he is the top lawyer for the company. He helps guide Uber through legal challenges and ensures they follow laws around the world.
In recent years, West has received significant compensation for his role at Uber. For example, in 2022, his pay package was worth more than $10.6 million.
Tony West's Political Campaigns
In 1998, West ran for a seat on the San Jose City Council. He came in second in the first election but was defeated in the final election.
In 2000, West also ran for the California State Assembly. This was for the 23rd district. He was one of six Democrats trying to win the open seat. He was defeated in the primary election.
West led the fundraising efforts in California for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
In 2016, Senator-elect Kamala Harris announced that West, her brother-in-law, would help lead her transition team. He also advised her 2024 presidential campaign. He helped shape the campaign's message to be more friendly towards businesses.
Tony West's Personal Life
Tony West married Maya Harris in July 1998. Maya Harris is the sister of former Vice President Kamala Harris. Tony West is the stepfather to Maya's daughter, Meena Harris. Tony and Maya both attended Stanford Law School in the same class. They became friends there and started their relationship after they graduated.
