Melissa L. Breger

Professor Melissa L. Breger is a distinguished legal scholar and educator at Albany Law School since 2002, where she holds the title of President William McKinley Distinguished Professor of Law. Her career spans over 25 years in legal education, previously at the University of Michigan Law School. She specializes in family law, gender issues, and juvenile justice, with a focus on child welfare and social justice advocacy.

Her scholarly interests include children’s rights, gender equality, procedural justice, and the intersection of psychology and law. She co-authored the two-volume treatise *NEW YORK LAW OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE* and is set to publish *Exploring Norms and Family Laws Across the Globe* in 2022. Her research and teaching address topics such as domestic violence, implicit bias, and family violence litigation.

• Awards: Multiple accolades, including the Howard A. Levine Award, Shanara C. Gilbert Award, and Albany County Family Court Children’s Center Award, recognizing her contributions to law, teaching, and social justice.
• Clinical Leadership: Directed the Family Violence Litigation Clinic from 2002 to 2010, emphasizing practical legal training for students.

Professor Breger’s teaching portfolio includes courses on Evidence, Family Law, Criminal Procedure, and Gender & the Law. She advocates for compassionate legal services and equitable justice systems, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and survivors of violence.