Denise Cespedes

Denise Cespedes is an Instructor at the Florida A&M University College of Law, where she teaches courses in legal research and writing, Florida practice, and multistate bar law and skills. She previously served as an Adjunct Professor from 2018 to 2021 and has been a full-time faculty member since 2021. Her academic and professional work centers on reproductive rights, civil litigation, and legal education reform.

Educational Background:

• J.D., Florida A&M University College of Law (2013), Summa Cum Laude, Class Valedictorian
• M.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida (2010), Summa Cum Laude
• B.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida (2008)

Her research focuses on constitutional challenges in reproductive rights, particularly in the post-Roe era, with a strong emphasis on Florida legislation. She also explores pedagogical innovations in legal writing and bar exam preparation, advocating for first-generation law students and inclusive teaching practices. Her work intersects law, technology, and civil rights, especially in digital surveillance and privacy issues related to abortion.

Her recent publications examine geofence warrants in abortion investigations and the constitutionality of parental consent laws. These works reflect a trend in constitutional and privacy law, with increasing attention on how technology impacts reproductive autonomy and legal enforcement.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Spoke on behalf of new Florida Bar inductees after top performance on the July 2013 Florida Bar Exam
• Class Valedictorian, FAMU College of Law
• Summa Cum Laude, FAMU College of Law
• Holland & Knight Scholar (Full-Tuition Scholarship)
• Certificate of Excellence Recipient
• Florida A&M University Merit Scholarship Recipient

Professor Cespedes has been actively involved in legal education workshops and national conferences. She has presented on effective legal writing pedagogy, bar exam success strategies, and CRT in legal education. She has organized panels on abortion rights in Florida and contributed to public discourse through media appearances and op-eds. Though no formal grants are mentioned, her scholarship and outreach indicate a strong commitment to public legal education and advocacy. She does not appear to lead a formal lab or research team, but her collaborative presentations and panel moderations suggest active engagement with legal education networks.