Francesca Acocella

Francesca Acocella is the Senior Director of Student Life and an adjunct professor at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University). She is the immediate past Chair of the NYC-area Well-Being Consortium and actively researches law student mental health while pursuing a PhD in Social Welfare at Wurzweiler School of Social Work.

• Education: J.D., M.S.W., B.A. in Political Science
• Research Focus: Attorney/law student mental health, vicarious trauma, LGBTQ civil rights
• Professional Roles: Counselor at NYC Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program, former Staff Attorney at Center for Family Representation

Her work intersects clinical social work with legal education, emphasizing well-being initiatives in law schools. She has presented at the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) and contributed to publications on student affairs and family law protections for LGBTQ families.

Scientific Awards & Recognition

• AALS Student Services Section Publication (2023)
• Woodrow Wilson Writing Prize (Wellesley College)
• Multiple law school awards for LGBTQ service, public interest work, and community contributions