Will O'Neill is a Stanford-educated attorney and small businessman who has served the City for eight years on the Newport Beach Finance Committee (currently Chair). A California native, he received his BA from Stanford University where he lettered on the track and field team. He then received his JD from U.C. Hastings College of the Law, where he was President of his class and later President of the U.C. Hastings Board of Governors (alumni association).
Will is a partner in a local law firm, previously working at the California Supreme Court for Associate Justice Marvin Baxter (Ret.). He is also a member of the Newport Harbor Exchange Club, Chair of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (2022-2023), President of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (2023), Trustee of the Celtic Bar Association, and an active member of Mariners Church.
In 2020, Will became the youngest person to be Mayor of Newport Beach in at least the past 50 years. While Mayor in 2020, Will fought to reopen Newport Beach's world-famous beaches after the Governor shut them, helped oversee Newport Beach's successful response to COVID, and kept a steady focus on helping small businesses in the community.
His Council colleagues rewarded Will with a second term as Mayor in 2024. During this year, Will is focused on recognizing people doing great works inside of the community as Helpers.
Will's wife, Jenny, is a former elementary school teacher and USC graduate. Their two children serve as constant inspiration to model service, integrity, and determination.