Julius Michaels: A Career in Legal Scholarship and Administrative Law
Julius Michaels is a distinguished legal scholar and professor known for his critical analysis of the American administrative state and the intersection of law and national security. With a career spanning prestigious clerkships and influential academic publications, Michaels has become a prominent voice in the debate over how the United States government functions and evolves in the modern era.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Michaels grew up in a household dedicated to public service; his mother was a kindergarten teacher in Jericho and his father worked as a pharmacist in Flushing, Queens. His academic journey began at Williams College, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science, earning a Harry S. Truman Scholarship during his tenure.
Michaels continued his studies as a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University, where he obtained a Bachelors in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in 2000 and a Masters in 2006. He further specialized his legal training at Yale Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2003 and serving as an Articles Editor for the Yale Law Journal.
Professional Career and Judicial Clerkships
Before entering academia, Michaels gained high-level judicial experience through two prestigious clerkships. From 2004 to 2005, he served Judge Guido Calabresi of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, followed by a clerkship for Justice David Souter of the United States Supreme Court from 2005 to 2006.
Following these roles, he worked as an associate in the National Security Law and Public Policy Group at the international law firm Arnold & Porter in Washington, DC. In 2008, Michaels transitioned to academia, joining the UCLA School of Law as an assistant professor. He was awarded full tenure in 2013 and currently teaches courses focusing on administrative law (the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government) and national security law.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Tenured Professor at UCLA School of Law.
- Education: Degrees from Williams College, Oxford University, and Yale Law School.
- Judicial Experience: Clerked for Justice David Souter (Supreme Court) and Judge Guido Calabresi.
- Major Awards: Two-time recipient of the Cudahy Award for scholarly excellence.
- Professional Affiliation: Elected member of the American Law Institute.
Scholarly Contributions and Recognition
Michaels is widely recognized for his research on regulatory and administrative law. The American Constitution Society has twice honored him with the Cudahy Award: first in 2010 for "Privatization's Pretensions," and again in 2016 for "An Enduring, Evolving Separation of Powers."
His work has sparked significant academic dialogue. In the Harvard Law Review, Professor Nicholas Parrillo noted that Michaels' arguments regarding salarization, civil service protection, and citizen participation rights are essential to the emergence of a legitimate and democratic government in the U.S.
| Book Title | Publication Year | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Coup: Privatization's Threat to the American Republic | 2017 | The risks of "pretend privatization" and threats to the administrative state. |
| Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy | 2024 | Right-wing violence, authoritarianism, and legal responses by Democratic states. |
| The Semi-United States | 2027 (Expected) | Using federalism and interstate compacts to counter federal dysfunction. |
Analysis of Written Works
In his 2017 book, Constitutional Coup, Michaels examines how the government sometimes uses privatization to avoid being labeled as the government while still exercising governmental powers. This concept, described by Aaron Nielson as "pretend privatization," is illustrated by examples such as Amtrak. While praised by Professor Sabeel Rahman as an important defense of the administrative state, the book also faced critique from Judge Jennifer Mascott, who argued that Michaels' proposal for administrative separation of powers might undermine existing constitutional mandates.
His 2024 co-authored work, Vigilante Nation, shifts focus toward the threats of authoritarianism and right-wing violence, proposing specific legal strategies for Democratic-majority states to employ. His upcoming project, The Semi-United States, aims to provide a blueprint for states to utilize federalism (the distribution of power between a central authority and constituent political units) and interstate compacts to protect democracy.
Beyond his books, Michaels is a frequent legal analyst for major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Time magazine, Foreign Affairs, CNN, and the Boston Globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Julius Michaels' primary area of expertise?
Julius Michaels specializes in administrative law and national security law, with a particular focus on the role of the administrative state and the impact of privatization on governance.
What is "pretend privatization" as discussed in Michaels' work?
Pretend privatization refers to situations where the government attempts to avoid the label of "government" to bypass certain restrictions or perceptions, while continuing to exercise actual governmental powers.
Which prestigious judicial bodies has Michaels worked for?
He served as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit under Judge Guido Calabresi and for the United States Supreme Court under Justice David Souter.
What is the focus of his upcoming book, The Semi-United States?
Scheduled for 2027, the book explores how states can use interstate compacts and federalism to fortify American democracy against federal sabotage and dysfunction.
What awards has he received for his scholarly writing?
He has twice received the Cudahy Award from the American Constitution Society for his excellence in regulatory and administrative law scholarship.