Law School Graduate “Carves Space” and Provides Resources for Neurodivergent Students
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As a neurodivergent student with ADHD and dyslexia, Siena’s Pieruccini path through law school wasn’t easy. After being told not to disclose her disability and that her higher education prospects would be very limited, Pieruccini became determined to break the stigma. And with resources she created while at UIC Law, she is forging a path for other neurodivergent students to feel safe and supported in their educational endeavors.
Pieruccini founded the Divergent Law Caucus, the law school’s first organization for students with learning disabilities, and has held multiple leadership roles, including serving with the Student Bar Association and the Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution Council. Through her work, she helped foster a culture where students began to feel more comfortable disclosing and embracing their neurodivergence.
“UIC Law gave me space to turn my challenges into purpose,” she explains. “Support from staff like Anna Bolt, who advocated fiercely for students needing accommodations, made all the difference. Without that, I wouldn’t be where I am.”
Outside the law school, Pieruccini externed for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham, worked at the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, and supported legislation protecting housing rights for formerly incarcerated individuals. She also hosted a clothing drive for survivors of domestic violence, collecting over 500 bags of donations for the nonprofit Wings.
Now, as she prepares for the bar, Pieruccini has her sights set on becoming a public defender and one day launching her own nonprofit to help neurodivergent women access higher education. She also created a website, Dyslexic Daughter, that offers LSAT resources and guidance for prospective law students with learning disabilities.
“Law school wasn’t designed for people like me,” she says. “But I carved out space and I want to make sure others don’t have to do it alone. Imposter syndrome is real. But don’t let anyone convince you that you don’t belong. Your brain just works differently, and that can be your superpower.”