About
Michael Gerhardt is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, where he contributes expertise in constitutional law, particularly on conflicts between the President and Congress. He has previously taught at William & Mary Law School and maintains an active role in public legal discourse through media commentary and congressional testimony.
- University of Chicago Law School, J.D., Order of the Coif
- Clerked for Chief District Judge Robert McRae and Judge Gilbert Merritt
Gerhardt's research centers on constitutional law, with a focus on presidential power, impeachment, separation of powers, and Supreme Court precedent. His work bridges historical analysis and contemporary constitutional challenges, especially in times of political crisis. He has authored seven influential books and over 100 law review articles, shaping scholarly and public understanding of executive authority.
His publications, spanning from the late 1980s to 2021, reflect a consistent engagement with foundational constitutional questions—particularly the limits of presidential power, the mechanics of impeachment, and the role of precedent. Keywords across his works include Constitutional Law, Presidential Power, and Legal History, with subfields ranging from emergency powers to judicial review of executive actions. His scholarship combines doctrinal analysis with historical narrative, offering deep insights into America's constitutional framework.
Notable honors include:
- Inductee, American Law Institute (2016)
- His book The Forgotten Presidents was named one of the best non-fiction books of 2013 by The Financial Times
Gerhardt has been a leading constitutional adviser, testifying over 20 times before Congress, serving as special counsel during multiple Supreme Court confirmations and impeachment proceedings, and advising the Library of Congress on the official U.S. Constitution Annotated. He has not publicly listed advisees, but his influence extends through his publications, media appearances, and advisory roles. He has also contributed to public understanding through op-eds in The New York Times, Washington Post, and SCOTUSblog.
He has been a key figure in major constitutional events, including the Clinton and both Trump impeachments, where he served as an expert commentator for CNN, Fox, and MSNBC, and as special counsel to Senator Patrick Leahy during the second trial. His role in revising the United States Constitution Annotated for the Library of Congress underscores his national impact.
