Charles R.T. O'Kelley

Charles R.T. O'Kelley is a Professor of Law and Director of the Adolf A. Berle, Jr. Center on Corporations, Law and Society at the University of Washington School of Law. He is renowned for his expertise in corporate law and co-authorship of the widely used textbook CORPORATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS. His career spans teaching at Tulane, University of Alabama, University of Oregon, and University of Georgia, where he held prestigious chairs and leadership roles.

Education:

• B.A., University of the South
• J.D., University of Texas
• LL.M., Harvard University

Research Interests: O'Kelley focuses on corporate governance, corporate law theory, and the intersection of law with entrepreneurship and social justice. He has pioneered studies on the evolution of corporate structures, the nexus of contracts theory, and the role of law in fostering equitable economic systems. His work often critiques historical legal frameworks and advocates for modern reforms aligned with contemporary societal needs.

Publications & Contributions: Over 20 major articles and books, including THE OXFORD HANDBOOK OF THE CORPORATION and foundational casebooks. His scholarship spans corporate law history, tax policy, and institutional economics. He co-founded the Berle Center, now a global leader in corporate law research and advocacy.

Activism & Leadership: A lifelong advocate for diversity in legal education and social justice. Co-lead plaintiff in O'Kelley v. Perdue, challenging discriminatory marriage laws in Georgia. Served as Interim Dean at the University of Oregon and held leadership roles in academic and professional organizations like the American Law Institute.

Academic Conferences: Organized influential Berle conferences (e.g., Corporate Capitalism and the City of God, Law and Corporate Culture), fostering global dialogue on corporate law's societal impacts.