Bernie James
School Law Updates

Professor Bernard James

Legal Expert in Education Law & School Safety | National Speaker | Author

Professor Bernard James, J.D., is a nationally recognized authority on education law, civil rights, and school safety. As a Professor of Law at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law since 1984, he has dedicated his career to shaping legal policies that impact students, educators, and law enforcement nationwide.

Education & Legal Background

  • Education: Earned his Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees from the University of Michigan.

  • Judicial Experience: Served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Judge Myron Wahls on the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Contributions to School Safety & Education Law

Professor James has been a driving force in the legal landscape of school safety and education policy. His work includes:

  • Authorship: Author of the widely used textbook "Education Policy and the Law: Cases and Commentary" (2nd Edition), a cornerstone resource for legal professionals and educators.

  • Consultancy: Consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice, co-authoring "Sharing Information: A Guide to FERPA and Participation in Juvenile Justice Programs", which addresses the balance between student privacy and juvenile justice.

  • Editorial Roles: Contributing editor for the NASRO Journal of School Safety, offering legal insights that shape national policy discussions.

  • School Safety Law Blog: Founder of the School Safety Law Blog, providing up-to-date legal analysis on school safety, student rights, and law enforcement in educational settings.

National Recognition & Thought Leadership

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: In July 2024, Professor James was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) for his outstanding contributions to school safety and law enforcement training.

  • Public Speaking & Conferences: A sought-after keynote speaker at national school safety conferences, influencing policymakers, educators, and law enforcement professionals.

Impact & Legacy

With a career spanning four decades, Professor Bernard James continues to shape the future of school safety, education law, and student rights. Through his research, publications, and training, he remains a pivotal figure in fostering safer learning environments across the country.