Jennifer D. Newton, Esq.
Jennifer Newton is the founder and CEO of StartSmart Counsel PLLC, a boutique law firm providing fractional general counsel, legal, risk management, and compliance solutions to high-potential startups, venture capital firms, and growing businesses. With over 15 years of experience as a legal and compliance professional, Jennifer is known for her expertise in consumer financial services regulation, BSA/AML compliance, and corporate governance. StartSmart Counsel was born out of Jennifer’s vision to deliver high-quality, accessible legal representation that empowers businesses to scale without the hefty costs associated with traditional law firms.
Jennifer’s firm offers a wide array of services, from contract drafting and business formation to regulatory compliance, capital raises, and international expansion strategies for companies entering U.S. regulated industries. Her mission is to make legal and compliance support attainable for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate complex legal landscapes while remaining agile and compliant.
In addition to her work at StartSmart Counsel, Jennifer is the founder of the National Association of Black Compliance and Risk Management Professionals, Inc. (NABCRMP), a leading organization focused on fostering networking, recruitment, and professional development for Black professionals in the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) space. She also serves on the boards of the Ten North Group and the Community Justice Project in Miami, showcasing her dedication to advocacy and mentorship.
Jennifer holds a J.D. and is an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law. She is a recognized leader in her field, frequently featured in prominent publications for her thought leadership and contributions to legal and compliance practices.
When not managing her businesses, Jennifer enjoys traveling, seafood, R&B and soca music. Her passion for building sustainable and ethical business models is reflected both in her law firm’s work and her efforts to uplift Black professionals in the GRC industry through NABCRMP.