About Michael W.
Michael W. Donaldson studied law at Santa Clara University School of Law, entering the program in 2009 and receiving his J.D. in 2012. His coursework emphasized criminal law and constitutional law. Those academic choices shaped the path he has followed through public defender offices and private practice.
Donaldson’s early legal work took him into county public defender offices. In 2009 he worked at the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s office while still in law school. In 2011 he spent time with the Merced County Public Defender. Those roles gave him courtroom exposure and an education in client advocacy under pressure.
After graduation he moved into positions that mixed public service and private defense work. In 2013 he worked at Green & Hall, APC, where he continued handling criminal matters. That year added private-firm experience to the foundation he built in county defender offices.
Outside casework, Donaldson has maintained steady involvement in professional groups. He has been a member of the American Bar Association since 2015. He joined the Riverside County Bar Association and the Southwest Riverside County Bar Association in 2015 as well. Since 2016 he has been listed as a member of the California Public Defenders Association. He has volunteered with the Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association Legal Aid Project starting in 2016, doing pro bono work through that program.
His practice is based in Southern California. He maintains offices in Riverside and Temecula, and he handles matters arising under state criminal and constitutional statutes. His background includes work as a county public defender and work in private practice, and he continues to draw on both kinds of experience in representing clients.
Donaldson’s career shows a through line from law school courses in criminal and constitutional law to hands-on defense work in multiple counties and in a private firm setting. He remains active in local and national bar organizations and in volunteer legal aid efforts. He currently represents individuals in criminal defense matters from offices in Riverside and Temecula, practicing in the state of California.
