Michael L. Donner Sr.

Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Michael graduated in the top 25% of his class from the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a degree in Chemistry. In 1989, he earned a Master of Arts degree with distinction from the Naval Postgraduate School. Michael served ten years as a nuclear engineer on three fleet submarines. After his service in the Navy, he attended George Mason Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude in December 1996. Following a clerkship with a federal magistrate in Norfolk, Michael began practicing law throughout Virginia in 1997. With nearly 30 years of legal experience, Michael is a seasoned attorney with a strong focus on divorce litigation and family law. His deep understanding of family law enables him to offer strategic guidance and advocacy for his clients during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Michael has effectively represented clients in complex military divorces and family law cases, including custody disputes, support issues, and equitable distribution at both the trial and appellate levels. Beyond family law, Michael has an extensive background in civil and commercial litigation. He has successfully represented clients in complex lease disputes and issues related to employment contracts, managed disputes related to shareholder appraisal rights and stock valuation during mergers, defended companies and insurers against accident-related claims, and litigated wrongful death cases. Additionally, Michael has prosecuted and defended cases under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and Section 1983 against municipal and county governments. When not practicing law, Michael enjoys spending time with his four children and 15 grandchildren.

• Attorney

• Fairport Int'l. Exploration, Inc. v. Captain Lawrence Admiralty Salvage
• Citation: 245 F.3d 857
• Court: U.S. Supreme Court and 6th Cir.
• Serial Number: 2001308504

• Haven Women’s Shelter, Warsaw, VA

• Virginia, 1997

• Virginia State Bar Association