Bernarda Villalona

Bernarda Villalona is a Lecturer at Columbia Law School and Adjunct Faculty member with a distinguished career as a trial attorney spanning over 20 years. She founded VILLALONA LAW, PLLC, specializing in criminal and civil rights cases, and previously served as a Prosecutor in Philadelphia and Brooklyn for 16 years, including as Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Bureau and Deputy Bureau Chief of Trials. Her expertise in the criminal justice system has led to frequent appearances as a Legal Analyst on major media outlets like CNN, ABC, and Court TV.

• Education:
  • B.A., University at Albany, State University of New York
  • J.D., Boston College Law School

Bernarda teaches "Trial Practice" courses at Columbia Law School (Fall 2024 and Fall 2025). Her research interests focus on practical trial skills, criminal justice reform, and civil rights protections.