Legal Definitions - ad interim

Ad interim is a Latin phrase that translates to "in the meantime" or "temporarily." It describes an action, appointment, or arrangement that is provisional and intended to last only until a more permanent solution or decision can be made.

• Example 1: Corporate Leadership Transition

  When the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a major technology company unexpectedly resigned, the board of directors appointed the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as CEO ad interim while they conducted a thorough search for a permanent replacement.

  This illustrates "ad interim" because the COO's appointment was temporary. They were tasked with leading the company only for the interim period, ensuring continuity until a new, permanent CEO could be identified and appointed by the board.

• Example 2: International Diplomatic Post

  Following the sudden recall of a nation's ambassador to a foreign country, a senior diplomat already stationed at the embassy was designated as the chargé d'affaires ad interim to maintain diplomatic relations and manage embassy operations.

  In this context, "ad interim" signifies that the diplomat was temporarily heading the embassy. Their role was provisional, ensuring that essential diplomatic functions continued without interruption until a new, permanent ambassador could be officially appointed and arrive to assume their duties.

• Example 3: Project Management Oversight

  After the lead project manager for a critical infrastructure development project went on extended medical leave, the company assigned a senior engineer to take over the project management responsibilities ad interim to keep the project on schedule.

  Here, "ad interim" highlights the temporary nature of the senior engineer's expanded role. They were stepping into the lead position only for the duration of the original project manager's absence, ensuring the project's progress was not halted during this interim period.