Rebecca DiLoreto

Rebecca DiLoreto is a Professor at the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, University of Kentucky. She serves as the supervising attorney for the Institute for Compassion in Justice Externship and teaches Family Law and Children and the Law. As Executive Director of the Institute for Compassion in Justice, she focuses on integrating compassionate approaches into legal and justice systems. Prior to her academic roles, she had a 24-year career at the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA), including serving as Post Trial Division Director and founding the Lexington Public Defender’s Office. She also led the Children’s Law Center, Inc. as Litigation Director, advocating for youth in juvenile, family, and circuit courts across Kentucky.

• Affiliations: Institute for Compassion in Justice, Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA), Children’s Law Center, Inc.

Her research and advocacy emphasize reforming legal systems to better protect children and marginalized populations. She has extensive experience in criminal defense, juvenile justice, and safeguarding children’s legal rights through litigation and policy work.

Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, her roles at DPA, Children’s Law Center, and the Institute for Compassion in Justice reflect sustained engagement with systemic legal reforms and interdisciplinary collaboration. She mentors students through the Externship program and has advised on cases involving youth and family law.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute for Compassion in Justice, fostering partnerships between legal academia and justice system stakeholders to promote equity and empathy in practice.