Paula Donaldson began her tenure as the Executive Director of the Practicing Attorneys for Law Students Program, Inc. (“PALS”) in August of 2011 with over 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney in New York City, working for major law firms, a government agency, and establishing and building a successful private practice.
As the Executive Director of PALS, Paula is responsible for developing and implementing the PALS mission of enhancing the skills and careers of minority law students and early career attorneys. In this role she manages and fulfills the overall administration, operations, membership, programming and fundraising of PALS.
Throughout her career, Paula has had an unwavering commitment to PALS. Initially she participated in PALS as a student at Fordham University School of Law. Later, as a practicing attorney, Paula was appointed to the PALS Board of Directors where she served as an active member and Executive Board member for many years. Additionally, Paula has been involved at the board and program levels of various professional development organizations dedicated to the advancement of minorities.
Paula’s varied professional legal experience includes, establishing and practicing as an attorney at a minority & women-owned boutique real estate law firm; practicing corporate real estate law as a senior associate at the international law firm of TORYS LLP, and working as the Director of Large Scale Development, and as the Director of New Development Programs and Initiatives at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Paula received her B.A. in Political Science from Hampton University and her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
She is a member of the New York State Bar.
