Bernard P. Perlmutter

Bernard P. Perlmutter is a Professor of Law and Director of Law Clinics at the University of Miami School of Law. He is a leading scholar in children's rights, therapeutic jurisprudence, and juvenile justice reform, with a strong emphasis on clinical legal education and advocacy for youth in foster care and dependency systems.

His research focuses on amplifying youth voice in legal and policy arenas, protecting minors' confidentiality rights, and challenging dehumanizing practices such as the shackling of juveniles in court. He has published extensively on these topics, with articles appearing in prominent law reviews such as the Albany Law Review, Barry Law Review, and Nova Law Review.

The trajectory of his scholarly work demonstrates a consistent commitment to procedural justice, child autonomy, and systemic reform in child welfare and immigration law. His publications often draw from clinical experiences, highlighting the role of law clinics in advocating for vulnerable youth and influencing policy change.

Among his notable contributions are works on Special Immigrant Juveniles, the right to psychotherapist-patient privilege for minors, and the use of storytelling as a tool for reform. He has also co-authored significant legal scholarship, including a 2001 article on due process rights for foster children facing psychiatric commitment.

• Professor of Law, University of Miami School of Law
• Director of Law Clinics

He mentors future lawyers through clinical programs and contributes to national discourse on children’s rights and therapeutic legal practice. While no formal awards are listed in the provided text, his leadership in law clinics and sustained scholarly output reflect a distinguished academic career.

Perlmutter’s work is deeply interdisciplinary, integrating insights from psychology, social science, and constitutional law to advance the rights and dignity of children in legal systems. His scholarship continues to influence both practice and policy in juvenile justice and child advocacy.