McElroy & Donaldson
Office: 21 Dryden Lane, Providence, RI 02904
Mail: 3 Cedar Meadows Drive, Smithfield, RI 02917
Phone: (401) 351-4100 • Fax (401) 421-5696
Email:  Michael R. McElroy Leah J. Donaldson

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LEAH J. DONALDSON

Attorney at Law

Leah J. Donaldson, Esq.

Legal Experience

Schacht & McElroy, Providence, Rhode Island
Partner
March 2015 – Present

General corporate and commercial practice.  Civil trials and appeals in federal and state courts.   

Motley Rice LLC, Providence, Rhode Island
Associate
November 2007 – February 2015

Assisted with case work up and settlement negotiations for thousands of injured clients in federal and state courts, including client management, case review, discovery submissions, and lien resolution. Directed a team of 20 paralegals, legal assistants, and contract attorneys. 

Roger Williams University School of Law, Bristol, Rhode Island
Adjunct Professor
August 2014 – Present 

Instruct semester-long skills course for second and third year law students (Topic: Interviewing & Counseling).  Prepare syllabus, weekly reading and writing assignments. Lead group discussions and breakout sessions allowing students to practice skills learned each week. 

Visiting Lecturer
August 2010 – May 2013 

Assisted with 6-week honors level lecture courses.  Topics included: Mass Torts vs Tort Reform, A Critical Look at Civil Litigation: Suing Big Tobacco, Asbestos Manufacturers & Other Big Companies, and September 11th Litigation: Aviation Security & Terrorism Financing

Chambers of Hon. Bruce M. Selya, U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit, Providence, Rhode Island
Judicial Extern
August 2006 –April 2007

Conducted legal research and wrote drafts for assigned opinions.  Met with Judge frequently to receive and discuss assignments.  Performed office-related and administrative tasks as assigned. 

RWU School of Law, Community Justice and Legal Assistance Clinic, Providence, Rhode Island
Student Attorney
January 2006 – May 2006

Assisted clients with child custody matters, including representation in state and family courts.  

2 King’s Bench Walk Chambers, London, England
Mini-Pupil for Barrister Monali Ralarasker
June 2005 – July 2005

Shadowed English Barrister in chambers and court.  Observed weeklong criminal trial in the Old Bailey.  Attended four-day lecture series on English legal system.
 

Professional Experience

Atlantic Southeast Airlines – Delta Connection, Atlanta, Georgia
Manager – Emergency Response 
June 2001 – August 2004

Empowered employees to respond quickly and appropriately in event of an aviation disaster. Created and maintained written response plans at corporate, divisional and local levels. 
 

Education

Roger Williams University School of Law, Bristol, Rhode Island

Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, May 2007
Grade Point Average: 3.48/4.00; Rank: 12/155; Top 8% of Class
Editorial Staff, The Roger Williams University Law Review
 

 

University of West Georgia, College of Arts and Sciences, Carrollton, Georgia

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in Women’s Studies, March 1998
Grade Point Average: 3.41/4.00
 

Bar Admissions

Admitted in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
 

Professional Certifications

Roger Williams University School of Law, Bristol, Rhode Island

Certificate in Mediation, August 2005 

University of Southern California School of Engineering, Los Angeles, California

Certificate in Aviation Safety Management, April 2002
 

Memberships

Member (Past-President), Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association
Board Member, Rhode Island Association for Justice
Member (Past Board Member), American Association for Justice (formerly ATLA)
Member, American Mensa
 

Publications & Honors

Contributing author, A Practical Guide to Discovery & Depositions in Rhode Island, First Ed., Sept 2010
Author, Female Legislators in the U.S. and Rhode Island, 16 Roger Williams U. L. Rev. 278 (2011)
Selectee, New England’s Women Leaders in the Law, 2012
Selectee, Rhode Island Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2012
Selectee, Rhode Island Super Lawyer, 2013
AV rated attorney, Martindale-Hubbell

McElroy & Donaldson - Attorneys at Law
Office: 21 Dryden Lane, Providence, RI 02904
Mail: 3 Cedar Meadows Drive, Smithfield, RI 02917
Phone: (401) 351-4100 • Fax (401) 421-5696
Email:  Michael R. McElroy
Leah J. Donaldson
Map & Driving Directions
Conveniently located close to Route 95 with plenty of free parking.
 



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