Sarah McDonald ’27: Thriving with Purpose at Albany Law

Sarah McDonald ’27 came to Albany Law School with a clear goal: to pursue a career at the intersection of health law and public service. A Navy family background gave her a national perspective, but it was her experience interning with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials during her undergraduate studies at Gordon College that solidified her decision to pursue law.

“It wasn’t until my senior year internship that I started to see the connection between my work in communications, my love of healthcare and public health, and the role the legal field could play,” McDonald said. “I realized I absolutely loved the work our legal team was doing.”

When McDonald received her acceptance to Albany Law School, she was standing in a Walmart parking lot on spring break. What followed was a moment of clarity.

“When I got my acceptance from Albany Law, it was instant. I just knew and it just felt right. I don't know how else to explain it,” she said. “I was just so excited to have been accepted that I called my dad immediately. We drove to the law school, we looked at the front of it and he took a picture of me and I just saw myself being here. And it was this feeling this overwhelming sense of belonging.”

Once on campus, McDonald wasted no time getting involved. She was elected a Student Bar Association senator and became chair of the alumni committee, helping student organizations connect with graduates through events and panels.

“I immediately became a senator for the SBA representing the first year class and I became the chair of the alumni committee right off the bat through the SBA,” she said.

On top of all that, McDonald also joined the women’s rugby team, a move that surprised even her.

“I've never played rugby, but I absolutely love the team and the community that it brings. There are so many opportunities to be involved on the team. Its been a great way to connect with alumni and learn things I didn't know that I didn't know about the law. Now, I am the treasurer of the women's rugby team and work with a fantastic team of students on the executive board,” she said.

With her first year complete and the fall semester on the horizon, Sarah spent her summer interning with U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino. She credits Albany Law’s faculty, classmates, and career services team within the Career and Professional Development Center for helping her build the confidence to pursue big goals.

“I can say because of Albany Law School, I am thriving. And it’s tough, but it’s great. 10 out of 10 would recommend."