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, focusing on systemic inequities in the criminal justice system, particularly the impact on Indigenous and marginalized communities in Canada.
“Deciding on an undergraduate major was a challenge because I wanted to keep my options open. However, once I discovered sociology and its insights into people and society, I was hooked—it was fascinating to learn why society functions the way it does,” she says. “But I soon found myself craving more specific knowledge, particularly about how crime influences society. This led me to fall in love with criminology, which filled the gaps I felt sociology left open. So, I decided to add criminology as my minor to delve deeper into these dynamics.”
After being diagnosed with ADHD in her third year, her grades improved significantly, leading her father to suggest law school as a new avenue.
“After discussing it with professors and extensive online research, I realized law always was my calling,” she says.
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 with no connections in the legal field, Donaldson was initially drawn to U.S. law, as more dynamic and widely discussed compared to Canadian law, and applied to several programs in the U.S. The Dual JD program at UDM Law and Windsor Faculty of Law stood out as the perfect option, allowing her to stay close to home while exploring both legal systems; and maintaining her full tuition scholarship, which required her to attend a Canadian university.
What she most enjoys about the Dual JD program is the sense of community.
“I couldn’t have gotten this far without the support from my Dual JD classmates—we genuinely care about and uplift each other,” she says. “Moreover, UDM's location in the heart of downtown Detroit showcases the warmth of Detroiters. I can't walk down the street without someone greeting me, wishing me a nice day, or blessing me.”
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.
Her career goal is to establish an all-female cross-border criminal defense firm, with the main office in Toronto, and a satellite office in Detroit, focusing on high-profile and high-risk criminal cases. Her firm would specialize in legal services to individuals facing criminal charges in Canada or the U.S., particularly for those who are not citizens of the country where they are charged.
“Ultimately, I want to contribute positively to my community in Toronto while leveraging my already growing network in the U.S.,” she says.
Creating an all-women's firm is a tribute to her late mother and to all women who continue to face professional challenges.
“Throughout my law school journey, I've observed and discussed with female classmates how often our personal and mental wellness takes a backseat to our career aspirations and academic work. Unlike our male counterparts, who seem to find time for personal activities like cooking, going to the gym, or playing video games, many women in my circle feel a constant pressure to do more, struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance,” she says.
“I’m dedicated to building a firm where women do not have to choose between advancing their careers, starting or raising a family, or neglecting their personal wellness. This firm will be a place where women can thrive professionally without sacrificing their personal commitments, empowering them to excel in both. By fostering an environment free from direct male influence, I hope to encourage a culture where enforcing boundaries between work and personal time isn't just possible, but a celebrated norm.”
While balancing 20 hours of work per week with law school duties leaves little room for extensive community volunteering, Donaldson still finds meaningful ways to contribute.
One of her favorite activities is coaching younger students for various moot competitions.
“I bring a dose of real-world flair and poise to these sessions, which is incredibly rewarding, especially seeing the young mooters leave with big smiles, thrilled about their experience,” she says. “Additionally, I enjoy the role of judge in these competitions. This past semester, I judged two moots—one at UDM and another at my undergraduate university, Laurier—and I’m looking forward to judging two more soon.”
She participates in UDM student panels to ease the minds of incoming and prospective students, answering questions and sharing insights.
“The feedback from the younger students is overwhelmingly positive—they often return to tell me how much they appreciate my perspective, confirming my advice was beneficial,” she says.
“I’m a living example of the truth that the path to success in law isn't linear, and recognizing one's unique strengths is crucial.”
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