During eight years as Deputy Chief Counsel of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Newton represented the Corps before federal, state, and local governmental entities; before courts and other tribunals; and before private sector parties. He also assisted the Corps’ Chief Counsel in leading the Corps’ Legal Services System, comprising 400 attorneys. 

Prior to that position, Newton had spent nearly a decade as Corps of Engineers Division Counsel (North Atlantic), during which he amassed a successful record of defending the Corps and advising on the development of new Corps policies. His accomplishments include developing the acquisition strategy and contractual documents for a $1 billion Army installation expansion at Fort Drum. He also prepared environmental documentation, sustained in Court challenge, for a $100 million flood control project now in operation. 

Based on his success with the Corps of Engineers, the Transportation Security Administration hired Newton to be its first Principal Deputy Chief Counsel. Newton developed policies and standard procedures for the TSA, and served as TSA counsel for legislation, statutory interpretation, international and operational law, and field operations.