In celebration of Women’s Month, MacElree Harvey highlights an in-depth conversation with Criminal Defense attorney Caroline G. Donato, whose work, passion, and dedication to criminal defense continue to make a lasting impact in the legal field.
The discussion explored her journey—the challenges she has faced, the triumphs she has celebrated, and the values that drive her. Below is a summary of the questions discussed and Caroline’s insights.
What do you like best about working at MacElree Harvey?
Caroline values the firm’s unwavering support for professional growth and development. She began her career in MacElree Harvey’s business department but could not ignore her passion for criminal law. When she expressed interest in transitioning her practice from business law to criminal defense, the firm worked with her to make it possible.
A few years later, when Caroline decided to pursue her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Trial Advocacy at the Temple University Beasley School of Law, MacElree Harvey once again supported her ambitions. Around that same time, she was also promoted to Partner at just 30 years old. She believes that the opportunities available at MacElree Harvey are truly unique and not easily found elsewhere.
What advice would you give to younger attorneys who are just starting to build their client base?
“Figure out what type of law you like, and then do your best and do it with discipline. A sense of fulfillment and purpose will naturally follow, leading to a successful practice.”
Caroline believes if you start with that foundation, everything else will fall into place. What drives Caroline is practicing in a legal field that she values and enjoys, and the desire to do really good work and be a great advocate for her clients.
How do you balance the demands of your career with other personal and professional goals?
Caroline recognizes that the criminal defense private legal sector is heavily dominated by men. She learned quickly that to succeed, she had to make sure that she was always as prepared as possible. Preparation is the key to handling unexpected challenges with confidence and efficiency.
Who has inspired or mentored you in your career, and how have they influenced your journey?
Caroline appreciates the many mentors that have helped shape her career; however, she credits her parents’ influence the most. Both of her parents are successful attorneys in different practice areas. She was inspired by her father, watching him find joy in his work, and by her mother’s work ethic.
Are there ways the profession has changed or evolved to better support women attorneys?
Caroline acknowledges that the profession has made strides in supporting female attorneys but believes there is still work to be done.
What has been the most rewarding experience in your legal career so far?
Becoming a parent has enhanced everything for Caroline. She believes that becoming a mom to her daughter elevated every aspect of her practice in a way that she couldn’t have imagined before.
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Caroline remembers her first contact with MacElree Harvey was with Peter E. Kratsa regarding an opening in the business department because she had success in law school in contract negotiation competitions (“Alternative Dispute Resolution” competitions). She recalls asking Pete if she could instead work with him in the Criminal Defense Practice Group and Pete said maybe down the road, but at that time, he was the only attorney in the firm in the department.
Caroline celebrated 10 years with MacElree Harvey in August, and in those ten years the Criminal Defense Practice Group has grown to include two Partners (Caroline and Pete), an Associate (Mary E. Lawrence), Of Counsel (Joseph P. Green) and a Paralegal/Assistant (Donna L. Ageo). This is something Caroline is very proud of.
This interview provided valuable insights into Caroline’s experiences in the legal field, the challenges she has overcome, the successes she has achieved, and the principles that guide her career. Caroline’s story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of paving the way for future generations of women to follow their dreams and make a difference.
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