At a moment when temporary or “acting” leaders abound in the American bureaucracy, Professor O’Connell examines the modern history of such officials in the U.S. government and the potentially transformative nature of their role. This year’s Bernstein lecturer helps make sense of the legal constraints under which acting federal agency leaders operate — and charts a path toward reforms for making such leaders more effective and accountable to the people they serve.

The Donald S. Bernstein '75 Lectures, started in 2005 through the generosity of Donald S. Bernstein '75, brings a significant legal scholar to campus each year.

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.