Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, is bidding farewell to its longtime general counsel, Michael O’Sullivan, who played a pivotal role in navigating the company through a barrage of high-stakes litigation. O’Sullivan’s departure, announced as amicable and set for December 31, 2025, marks the end of a transformative era for the social media giant. As Snap faces new regulatory and legal challenges, this transition has sparked widespread discussion about the company’s future. Here’s a deep dive into O’Sullivan’s exit, his impact, and what lies ahead for Snap.
Trending: Snap’s Legal Leadership Shift Sparks Buzz
The news of O’Sullivan’s departure has ignited conversations on platforms like X, where hashtags such as #SnapInc and #MichaelOSullivan are trending. Users, including @TechLegalWatch, have noted, “O’Sullivan’s exit after steering Snap through major lawsuits is big. Who’s next to handle their regulatory battles?” The announcement comes amid a wave of executive changes in the tech sector, amplifying interest in Snap’s next steps as it navigates a complex legal landscape.
Key Details of O’Sullivan’s Departure
Michael O’Sullivan, who joined Snap in 2015 and became general counsel in 2017, will step down on December 31, 2025, after nearly a decade with the company. According to a September 7, 2025, report by Law360, his exit is on amicable terms, with Snap praising his contributions in a securities filing. O’Sullivan oversaw the resolution of multiple high-profile lawsuits, including a $187.5 million securities litigation settlement in 2021, a $35 million biometric privacy class action in Illinois in 2023, and an $11.4 million settlement with Pennsylvania over consumer protection violations in 2023. His leadership also guided Snap through a 2024 lawsuit by New Mexico’s Attorney General, alleging child safety failures on Snapchat, which was settled in April 2025.
In 2023, O’Sullivan’s compensation surged to $9.4 million, nearly doubling from $4.6 million in 2022, reflecting his critical role during a turbulent period. Snap has not yet named a successor but is actively searching for a new general counsel to fill the void.
Voices from the Industry
Snap’s CEO, Evan Spiegel, commended O’Sullivan in a company statement: “Michael’s legal acumen and strategic guidance have been instrumental in navigating Snap through complex challenges, ensuring our growth and resilience.” Legal analyst Lisa Dunham, quoted in Bloomberg Law, noted, “O’Sullivan’s tenure was marked by deft handling of securities and privacy lawsuits, setting a high bar for his successor in a tech landscape fraught with regulatory scrutiny.”
On X, user @LegalTechInsider remarked, “O’Sullivan settled some of Snap’s biggest legal headaches. The next GC will need to be ready for battles with state AGs and federal regulators.” This sentiment reflects the industry’s recognition of O’Sullivan’s role in stabilizing Snap’s legal standing.
Background: A Legal Minefield for Snap
O’Sullivan’s tenure coincided with Snap’s rapid growth and its emergence as a target for litigation. The $187.5 million securities settlement in 2021 resolved claims that Snap misled investors about competition from Instagram during its 2017 IPO. The 2023 Illinois biometric privacy case, centered on Snapchat’s “Lenses” and “Filters” features, alleged violations of the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act, resulting in a $35 million payout. Pennsylvania’s $11.4 million settlement addressed deceptive practices in Snap Finance’s lease-purchase transactions, while New Mexico’s 2024 lawsuit accused Snap of enabling child sexual exploitation through platform design flaws, a case O’Sullivan helped settle in 2025.
These legal battles unfolded against a backdrop of intense regulatory scrutiny of social media platforms. Snap faced additional challenges, including a $1.8 million data breach settlement in 2023 and a Maryland privacy agreement over user data collection. O’Sullivan’s strategic oversight ensured Snap avoided prolonged litigation, preserving its focus on innovation and user growth.
Impact and Next Steps
O’Sullivan’s departure comes at a critical juncture for Snap, as it faces ongoing investigations and potential new lawsuits from state attorneys general over child safety and data privacy. The company’s next general counsel will need to tackle these challenges while navigating a shifting regulatory landscape, including potential federal privacy legislation and increased FTC scrutiny of tech firms.
The search for O’Sullivan’s successor is underway, with Snap likely targeting candidates with deep expertise in securities, privacy, and consumer protection law. The new general counsel will inherit a company with a strengthened legal foundation but must address Wall Street’s concerns about profitability and competition from platforms like TikTok and Meta. Snap’s stock, which saw gains in 2024, could face volatility if the transition disrupts investor confidence.
For employees and stakeholders, O’Sullivan’s exit signals a period of transition. His ability to settle major lawsuits preserved Snap’s resources, but the incoming general counsel must maintain this momentum while adapting to new regulatory pressures. Industry observers expect Snap to announce a successor by early 2026, with an interim legal team managing in the meantime.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Legal Resilience
Michael O’Sullivan’s departure as Snap’s general counsel marks the end of a tenure defined by successfully navigating a barrage of litigation that could have derailed the company. His strategic resolutions have left Snap stronger, but the road ahead remains challenging. For investors, employees, and Snapchat users, the takeaway is clear: the next general counsel will play a crucial role in shaping Snap’s future amid a complex legal and competitive landscape. As Snap prepares for this transition, all eyes are on who will step up to carry O’Sullivan’s legacy forward.