Dedicated to Student Success

Cara Dagostino serves as Touro Law’s Assistant Dean of Academic Excellence and Bar Success, and Assistant Professor of Law, where she oversees a comprehensive support system designed to help students succeed from their first year of law school through the bar exam.

Professional Background

Dagostino began her career as a matrimonial litigation attorney, where she discovered her passion for helping individuals navigate challenging situations and ultimately thrive. She found deep satisfaction in guiding clients through difficult transitions toward new beginnings.

"What I loved about matrimonial law was seeing someone move from a place of uncertainty to finding their footing and building a new life," she explains. "I realized that providing strategic planning, personalized support, and believing in someone's potential—could translate to academia and I could use those skills to benefit large groups of students.”

After making this realization, Dagostino began her career in academia. She started as an associate director for academic advising at the undergraduate level and found that work very rewarding.  She then made the transition to law school – prior to arriving at Touro, she spent the better part of the last decade at another area law school, where she was part of a team that worked to significantly increase bar passage rates for students.

She reflects, “Seeing students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals wasn't just satisfying—it was transformative for me. Each success story ignited something within me, and soon what had started as a job evolved into a calling. Those early victories with students catapulted my interest, strengthened my resolve, and fueled a passion for helping others that continues to drive me today. I discovered that in nurturing others' potential, I was also fulfilling my purpose."

Current Role at Touro Law

Today, as Assistant Dean, Dagostino applies her expertise to help Touro Law students develop essential skills, build confidence, and create individualized paths to success. Her comprehensive approach spans the entire student journey, as she puts it: "from admission to law school to admission to the bar."

Her work combines analytical precision with compassionate mentorship. She enjoys analyzing performance data and program details while working closely with her staff to develop both school-wide initiatives and personalized interventions for students needing additional support.

Philosophy and Impact

"What makes this work meaningful is watching the transformation," Dagostino says. "When a student who initially struggled becomes comfortable navigating law school, takes full advantage of available resources, and develops into the best version of themselves academically—that's incredibly rewarding."

However, she notes that the most fulfilling moments come after graduation. "The best part of my job is when former students return after taking the bar exam to share their success stories and express gratitude for the support they received. Those moments remind me why this work matters so much."

Community Involvement

Beyond her work at the law school, Dagostino is deeply committed to creating positive environments for young people. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. This nonprofit organization works to emphasize the importance of bully-free communities on Long Island through education, increased awareness, and therapeutic outlets. Her volunteer work reflects a lifelong dedication to advocacy and supporting individuals through challenging circumstances.

"My anti-bullying work connects directly to my professional mission," she explains. "Whether I'm helping law students overcome academic obstacles or supporting programs that create safer spaces for kids, it's all about empowering people to overcome challenges and reach their potential."

Under Dagostino’s leadership, the Academic Excellence program continues to evolve to meet student needs while maintaining its core mission of empowering every law student to reach their full potential. She reminds law students that she and her team, consisting of Assistant Directors Natalie Panzera and Tom Faiella, are available to help at any time throughout the year. “Students should feel empowered throughout law school to be the best they can be. They should also feel supported and know that we are all working hard on their behalf because their success is our success. We truly want the best for each and every student that walks through our doors.”