Melynda Barnhart

Melynda Barnhart is Assistant Professor of Law at New York Law School, specializing in human trafficking, immigration law, and criminal justice reform. Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical advocacy for vulnerable populations.

Professor Barnhart's research examines ground-level responses to human trafficking in the United States, focusing on legal protections for victims and policy implementation. Before joining academia, she directed Anti-Trafficking Initiatives at the International Rescue Committee, establishing one of the first comprehensive statewide service programs for trafficked persons in the US.

Her publications analyze the growth of state legislative involvement in combating trafficking and offer practical recommendations for improving victim protections. She has trained thousands of legal professionals, law enforcement personnel, and social workers on trafficking case management.