Caroline G. Donato Associate
610.840.0294
“In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.” – Albert Einstein
Caroline is an associate attorney in the firm’s Corporate Compliance, Investigations, and Criminal Defense Practice Group. She focuses her practice on a wide range of criminal defense and related civil and administrative matters. Whether as part of a team or as lead counsel, Caroline brings energetic dedication to providing effective, results oriented representation for each client.
Before joining MacElree Harvey, Caroline was a law clerk for John P. Deckers, P.A., a criminal defense attorney in Wilmington, Delaware. She was also a law clerk for the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Delaware, a certified legal intern for the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, a News Department Intern for CBS Philadelphia, a legal assistant to several criminal defense attorneys throughout Pennsylvania, and a Public Policy Intern at the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics.
During law school, Caroline served as the President of the Women’s Law Caucus, the Treasurer of the Student Bar Association, and was a member and competed nationally on behalf of the Trial Advocacy, Moot Court, and International Moot Court Honor Societies, as well as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society. Caroline was also a member of and competed locally in the American Association of Justice Society. Caroline participated in and completed Widener Law’s Intensive Trial Advocacy Program.
Throughout her legal education, Caroline was the recipient of the 2014 Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association James J. Manderino Award for Trial Advocacy, the 2013-2014 Outstanding Service Award, and the 2013 Certificate of Achievement in White Collar Crime. She received Best Oral Advocate awards in local and national Moot Court Competitions, was part of the First Place Defense Team as a finalist in the 51st Annual Academy Interscholastic Mock Trial Competition, and won Best Overall Team in an American Association of Justice Competition.
Prior to law school, Caroline studied Politics and Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. She was a member of the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Lacrosse Team and captain during the 2010-2011 season. As a Public Policy Intern for the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, Caroline focused her research on Marcellus Shale and was published in the Institute of Politics Report, Issue 45.
Memberships
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Chester County Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
- Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, Women Influencing Business Committee
Articles
Guilty: A Verdict of Fact or Injustice?
