About Paul

Paul Horwitz is the Gordon Rosen Professor of Law at the University of Alabama School of Law, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He joined the faculty in 2007, bringing a experience from his previous role as an associate professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. His academic journey has led him to teach a diverse array of subjects, including law and religion, constitutional law, legal ethics, and legislation and regulation. These courses reflect his deep engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of the law. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Professor Horwitz has served as a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions. These include Harvard Law School, the University of Iowa, Notre Dame, and the University of San Diego. His time at these institutions has enriched his perspective on legal education and scholarship.

This lets the attorney share insights with students and faculty alike. His academic credentials are impressive; he holds an LL.B. from the University of Toronto, where he was co-editor-in-chief of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law Review. He also earned an LL.M. from Columbia Law School, further solidifying his expertise in legal studies. Before embarking on his academic career, Professor Horwitz worked in the judicial system. He served as a law clerk for the Honorable Ed Carnes of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

This role provided him with firsthand knowledge of appellate law and the details of legal reasoning, which he now imparts to his students. His scholarly contributions are noteworthy; he has authored two significant books: "The Agnostic Age: Law, Religion, and the Constitution," published by Oxford University Press, and "First Amendment Institutions," released by Harvard University Press. In addition to his books, Professor Horwitz has written for general-readership publications, including the New York Times, where he addresses contemporary legal issues. He is also a member of the legal blog Prawfsblawg, contributing to discussions on various legal topics. His educational background is diverse; he received a B.A. in English Literature from McGill University in Montreal in 1990, followed by an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University in 1991.

This unique combination of degrees enhances his ability to communicate complex legal concepts to a broader audience. As of February 19, 2026, Professor Horwitz is a member of the District of Columbia Bar. However, there is no publicly available information confirming his admission to the Alabama State Bar, leaving his license status in Alabama unverified. His scholarship primarily focuses on First Amendment law, particularly the intersection of law and religion. Recognized for his contributions to legal scholarship and education, Professor Horwitz continues to influence the field through his teaching and writing.

Education

Columbia Law School

LL.M. (1997)

University of Toronto

LL.B. (1995)

Columbia University

M.S. (1991) | Journalism

McGill University, Montreal

B.A. (1990) | English Literature

Experience

Gordon Rosen Professor of Law

University of Alabama School of Law
2007

Associate Professor

Southwestern Law School
2004

Associate

OMelveny & Myers
1999

Law Clerk to the Hon. Ed Carnes

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
1998

Accepted Jurisdictions

District of Columbia

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit U.S. Circuit Court

Types of Cases Handled

First Amendment law particularly the intersection of law religion

Professional Associations

District of Columbia Bar

has membership 2000 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 101 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa AL 35487