Should I Stay or Should I Go (Again)? Public Service During an Unfriendly Federal Administration

Eight years ago, career attorneys throughout the federal workforce faced an urgent question—whether to continue their public service in the federal government as a bulwark against abuse of power or leave in the face of an administration hostile to the very mission of the agencies or departments for which they worked. Some stayed. Some left. What lessons can that experience offer as the shape of the next presidential administration comes into focus? Can continued service in the federal government mitigate the worst damage? Does it ensure that ethical lawyers will be in place to serve as whistleblowers, and at what risk to their professional futures? What opportunities for public service outside of the federal government, in states and localities across the country, offer other avenues to combat the expected onslaught of damaging and dangerous federal policies?

Join ACS and a panel of attorneys including those who have served in federal and state government at various levels as we consider these pressing questions.  

Welcome Remarks

Zinelle October, Executive Vice President, American Constitution Society

Featuring

Jill Habig, Founder and CEO, Public Rights Project

Barbara L. McQuade, Professor from Practice, University of Michigan Law School

Jennifer Nou, Ruth Wyatt Rosenson Professor of Law, The University of Chicago Law School

Joe Spielberger, Policy Counsel, Project on Government Oversight

Valerie Nannery, Senior Director of Policy and Program, American Constitution Society (moderator)