Legal News
Paige Donaldson’s first experience with the law was at age 13, giving an emotional victim impact statement in the Ontario Superior Court at the sentencing of a man who murdered her mother.
“From a young age, I was drawn to the intricacies of the criminal justice system,” says Donaldson, now a 2L at Detroit Mercy Law School. “My interest began at 13 when I attended the sentencing of the person who tragically took my mother’s life. Originally, I thought my path would lead me to law enforcement because I believed that was where I could make the most difference. However, I hadn’t considered a career in law, largely because I had no real understanding of what lawyers actually did.”
Donaldson, who hails from Scarborough, east of Toronto, has since discovered she is following in the footsteps of her late mother, who had worked as a law clerk at a major firm in Toronto.
Donaldson launched her academic trajectory at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, earning a degree in sociology and criminology.
Donaldson had attended university on a full scholarship awarded to students who have faced and overcome adversity, and this was extended to her law studies.
As a first-generation law student she was initially drawn to U.S. law. The Dual JD program at UDM Law and Windsor Faculty of Law stood out as the perfect option. What she most enjoys is the sense of community.
Donaldson has clerked at the Michigan Department of Attorney General since last May.
“It's been an incredible opportunity for real, in-court experience that’s quite rare for a 2L student,” she says. “The team in the Criminal Trials and Appeals Division is phenomenal. They’re dedicated public servants, and I deeply admire their commitment. As a Canadian and somewhat of an outsider, they’ve been incredibly welcoming, offering support and guidance throughout my time there.
“They've played a significant role in helping me overcome imposter syndrome by trusting me with responsibilities that push my boundaries, like recently allowing me to orally argue a high-profile case, the Baby Garnet case, which I never imagined doing as a student. Their confidence in my abilities has been a major boost to my own.”
The Baby Garnet case, is a cold case regarding a deceased infant found in a campground pit toilet at the Garnet Lake Campground in 1997. DNA testing has now helped identify relatives.
One of the most valuable lessons Donaldson has learned from working at the AG’s office is that being a successful advocate and lawyer is not solely dependent on having top grades.
“As someone who ranks in the middle to lower end of my class, seeing the success and impact of the attorneys here has really shown me that grades do not define your capabilities or your future in law,” she says.
Donaldson served as interim prosecutor in Luce County, in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula, where she was in court daily and had prosecutorial discretion, albeit supervised. She is now the interim prosecutor in Ontonagon County, also in the U.P., continuing to gain firsthand experience as a practicing attorney.
Eight months as a part-time caseworker for Windsor Community Legal Aid in her 1L year cemented her desire to pursue a career in criminal defense.
“Coming to law school, my primary goal was to make a tangible difference in people's lives. At Legal Aid, I had the opportunity to meet and learn about diverse individuals, providing support during some of their most challenging moments. Advocating for those who felt they had no one else to turn to was profoundly rewarding,” she says. “It’s an experience I believe everyone should have at least once in their lifetime—it’s truly eye-opening and gratifying.”
Donaldson adds her passion isn't just for the law itself, but for people who find themselves navigating through it.
“While upholding our legal systems is crucial, I place even greater importance on ensuring everyone facing legal challenges has a dedicated advocate,” she says. “My role is to highlight and challenge the flaws and inconsistencies within our legal framework. I firmly believe that regardless of the circumstances, the principles of fairness, equality, and justice are paramount for every individual. This belief drives my commitment to the law and motivates me to stand up for those who need it most.”
Donaldson admits people often ask how she could defend someone accused of serious crimes like rape or murder, given her family history.
“My response is always rooted in my fundamental belief in equal justice and strong advocacy, which overrides any personal feelings I might have. Despite my own experiences, I’m unwavering in my conviction that it's better for a hundred guilty individuals to go free than for one innocent or unfairly judged person to suffer,” she says. “I’m committed to leaving this world better than I found it, ensuring every client receives the strongest defense possible.”
Donaldson believes that starting her student experience with criminal prosecution will ultimately make her a more effective defense attorney.
“Gaining experience on both sides of the courtroom not only broadens my understanding of the legal system but also sharpens my skills in advocating for my clients, ensuring I'm well-prepared to handle any challenge that comes my way,” she says.
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