Patrick Gillen

Associate Professor of Law

American Legal History Appellate Advocacy Civil Litigation Civil Procedure Civil Rights Law Constitutional Law Evidence Federal Courts Judicial Process Law & Religion Legal History Religious Liberty

Professor Patrick T. Gillen teaches constitutional law, evidence, and legal history at Ave Maria School of Law. A former civil litigator and federal judicial clerk, his scholarship and teaching focus on constitutional law, civil liberties, federal courts, and the historical foundations of American law.

Phone: (239) 687-5397
Office: Administration Building

Biography

Professor Patrick T. Gillen is a member of the faculty at Ave Maria School of Law, where he teaches Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Moral Foundations of Law. His academic interests include constitutional law, civil liberties, federal courts, American legal history, and the philosophical foundations of law.

Professor Gillen earned his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School after receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Providence College. He later completed a Master of Arts in American History at Fordham University and earned a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Notre Dame.

Before entering legal academia, Professor Gillen practiced law for 14 years. His legal experience included serving as a judicial clerk for Judge Daniel A. Manion of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and Judge Robert D. Potter of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

Professor Gillen also practiced in the area of civil litigation, focusing on constitutional law and civil liberties matters.

At Ave Maria School of Law, Professor Gillen has taught a broad range of courses, including Constitutional Law, Evidence, Moral Foundations of Law, Civil Procedure, Federal Courts, Appellate Practice, Florida Constitutional Law, and American Legal History.

His teaching and scholarship reflect a strong interest in the historical development of constitutional principles, the American legal tradition, and the relationship between law, morality, and civil society.

Education

  • Ph.D., American History, University of Notre Dame
  • M.A., American History, Fordham University
  • J.D., Notre Dame Law School
  • B.A., Providence College

Professional Experience

Professor Patrick T. Gillen practiced law for 14 years before joining the faculty at Ave Maria School of Law. His legal experience included serving as a judicial clerk for Judge Daniel A. Manion of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and Judge Robert D. Potter of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

In private practice, Professor Gillen focused on civil litigation involving constitutional law and civil liberties matters.

At Ave Maria School of Law, Professor Gillen teaches Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Moral Foundations of Law. He has also taught Civil Procedure, Federal Courts, Appellate Practice, Florida Constitutional Law, and American Legal History.

Honors & Professional Affiliations

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Michigan (since 1992)
  • North Carolina State Bar (since 1997)

Academic & Professional Focus

Professor Gillen’s scholarship and teaching integrate constitutional interpretation, American legal history, civil liberties, and the relationship between law, religion, and the American constitutional tradition. His interdisciplinary academic background in both law and history informs his approach to constitutional analysis and legal education.

Courses Taught

  • American Legal History
  • Appellate Practice
  • Civil Procedure
  • Constitutional Law
  • Evidence
  • Federal Courts
  • Florida Constitutional Law
  • Moral Foundations of Law

Media & Speaking Topics

American Constitutional History, Civil Liberties, Constitutional Interpretation, Constitutional Law, Constitutional Originalism, Federal Courts, Law & Religion, Originalism