Michael Knoll

Michael Knoll serves as the Theodore K. Warner Professor of Law & Professor of Real Estate at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he also co-directs the Center for Tax Law and Policy. His scholarly work bridges legal theory, finance, and economic analysis, with particular focus on the intersection of taxation and business decision-making.

Professor Knoll's research spans multiple dimensions of tax law, with recent emphasis on international tax policy, constitutional limitations on state taxation, and the relationship between tax systems and economic competitiveness. His work applies finance principles to tax questions, particularly examining how income tax laws affect business and investment decisions. Key research areas include sovereign wealth funds, private equity structures, international tax arbitrage, and the impact of corporate taxation on specific industries like the U.S. auto sector.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trend toward constitutional tax issues, particularly concerning the Dormant Commerce Clause and its implications for state tax systems. His scholarship demonstrates how tax policy intersects with federalism, interstate commerce, and constitutional limitations on state power. The articles show increasing engagement with Supreme Court cases and amicus briefs, indicating growing influence in shaping judicial understanding of tax law principles.

Professor Knoll frequently collaborates with Ruth Mason, producing influential scholarship that has been cited in major tax cases. His work with the Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative demonstrates practical engagement with current tax policy debates. His research on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), corporate inversions, and state tax systems has contributed significantly to contemporary tax policy discussions.

As Co-Director of the Center for Tax Law and Policy, Professor Knoll leads initiatives that connect academic research with practical tax policy development. His work on the Modigliani-Miller theorem demonstrates how foundational finance concepts can illuminate tax policy questions, while his scholarship on sovereign wealth funds explores the taxation challenges presented by these increasingly important financial institutions.