Biography

Since 1980, Mr. Donato has represented individuals and corporate entities in complicated criminal cases in both State and Federal Court. He is a member of the American, Pennsylvania and Delaware County Bar Associations, the American Association for Justice, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and holds an A-V rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He was a founding member and past president of both the Delaware County and Pennsylvania Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Donato was privileged to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Criminal Procedural Rules Committee from 1992 to 1998. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Mr. Donato was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Villanova University in 1977, a Juris Doctor from the Delaware Law School of Widener University in 1980, and was awarded a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Villanova University in May of 1990, during which time he concentrated his writing in the field of Ethics and Personal Responsibility.

Since 1981, Mr. Donato has been a visiting lecturer at Villanova University speaking on "Use of the Insanity Defense in Criminal Prosecutions" and currently is an instructor in the Sociology and Criminal Justice Departments teaching "Sociolegal Aspects of Criminal Procedure" and "The Supreme Court and its Influence on American Society". Mr. Donato frequently lectures at continuing legal education seminars, speaks to community organizations, and testifies before legislative bodies on a variety of criminal justice issues.

Litigation Percentage

  • 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Memberships

  • Delaware County Bar Association, Member
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • American Bar Foundation, Fellow, 2004 - Present
  • American Board of Criminal Lawyers, Fellow, 1990 - Present
  • American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow, 2004 - Present
  • American Association for Justice, Member
  • Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Member
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 1990
  • Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Co-Founder; Past President
  • Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Co-Chairman, Lawyers Assistance Strike Force, 1990 - Present
  • Delaware County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Founder; President, 1986 - 1989
  • Delaware County Bar Association Committees, Member, Criminal Legal Education Rules, Trial Practices, Civil Rights
  • Pennsylvania Supreme Court Criminal Procedural Rules Committee, Member, 1992 - 1998
  • American Law Institute – Model Penal Code – (Sex Offenses), Advisor

Employment

  • Malady & Donato, Partner, 1984 - 1996
  • Prodoehl, Malady & Donato, Partner, 1983 - 1984
  • Prodoehl, James & Donato, Associate, 1980 - 1983
  • Law Offices of Eugene J. Malady, Law Clerk, 1977 - 1980
  • Office of the District Attorney for the County of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Intern, 1979
  • Law Offices of G. Bradley Rainer, Law Clerk, 1978

Education

B.S. Major: Economics

Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 1977

M.A. Major: Philosophy

Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 1990

J.D.

Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware, 1980

Get Started On Your Case Today

To Schedule an Initial Consultation With an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer, Call Our Office at 610-565-4747, or Complete the Form Below.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy