Meet a Colleague: Jane McDonald Jane McDonald has worked at W&L Law since 2005, holding positions in the Office of Career Strategy and currently in Faculty Services.

By Law Communications
May 21, 2025

Jane McDonald has worked at W&L Law since 2005, holding positions in the Office of Career Strategy and currently in Faculty Services. She lives in Rockbridge Baths on her family’s commercial turkey and cattle farm with her husband, Jon. They have five children: SaraJane (26), James (22), Jay (17), and twins Angie and Ella (14). Originally from Richmond, VA, Jane spent her formative years in the Augusta County area. 

Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
My favorite spot is the walk from the Law School to Elrod Commons—especially in the fall when the leaves are vibrant with autumn colors. The wooden footbridge appears especially beautiful during that time.

Q. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy a variety of hobbies, from working in the garden to restoring my ’92 – 25th Anniversary Camaro and, most notably, working with my cattle. Over the past couple of years, I’ve started a small herd of British White Cattle, a lesser-known breed in these parts. While we have about 300 head of Angus and Crossbred Angus momma cows, the British White Cattle have become my personal interest or hobby breed. Their gentle temperament and easy handling have made them a rewarding hobby for me. I’m now a dual member of the British White Cattle Association of America and the American British White Park Association, and I’m excited to continue learning more about this great breed while growing my herd. I’ve become very attached to the “Queens” – Pearl, Dove, Vanna, Magnolia & Lily – and I’m very excited for the arrival of their calves this fall.

Q. Book/Podcast/TV Show Recommendation?
I love a good crime drama and have been hooked on several series lately, including “Will Trent,” “High Potential,” “Found,” and “Grosse Pointe Garden Society.” There’s just something fascinating about the investigative process, the layers of mystery, and the psychological depth behind each case. I also enjoy diving into true crime podcasts and docuseries—real-life mysteries can be just as compelling as the fictional ones. Whether it’s a cold case or a courtroom drama, I’m always intrigued by the puzzle and what drives people to do what they do.

Q. Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by hardworking parents, like myself, who manage to balance full-time work, family life, and self-care. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle it all, which makes me appreciate the resilience of those who manage it so well. I’m continually impressed by those who seem to have found a way to make it work, and they motivate me to keep striving for better balance in my own life. Even after 26 years of being a parent, I still haven’t figured out the magic sauce — I’d even welcome unsolicited advice, especially now with three teenagers at home. Send help!

Q. If you could have coffee or tea with one person, who would it be and why?
I’m taking the liberty of tweaking this a bit—if I could share a drink with one person, it would be a tough choice, so there would be two: my father, who passed in 2014, and he’d have a cup of black coffee, and I, sweet tea, and my best friend, Shelia, who passed in 2018, and we’d have salt-rimmed frozen margaritas. Both were lost to aggressive cancers. I’d love the chance to share all the things they’ve missed – but if we were just together, that would be enough. Both were hard-working, loving, and influential in their families and communities. They left us too soon, and I miss them deeply.

Q. What is an accomplishment you are proud of?
One accomplishment I’m proud of is earning the title of Master Herpetologist. I’ve always been an avid bug and reptile nerd, and during COVID, when nobody was going out for lunch, I used my lunch hour to take online courses in Entomology and Herpetology. It’s similar to the Master Gardener certification, but for reptiles and amphibians! Because of this, I’ve become the go-to person on the 4th Floor of Lewis Hall for all things pest-related—including identification, and the occasional rescue and removal.

Q. Favorite food/restaurant/drink?
I absolutely love authentic Mexican food — it’s my go-to cuisine! Pair it with a good frozen margarita, and I’m in heaven. And honestly, I could probably eat my weight in guacamole!

Q. Most used/enjoyable app on your phone?
Honestly, Facebook is the most enjoyable app on my phone. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite, but I’ve been a loyal user since 2007! While it can be divisive at times, it keeps me connected with distant family and my high school classmates. I also rely on it to organize our class reunions and keep everyone in the loop about upcoming gatherings and events. On top of that, I manage social media content for several organizations I’m part of, making it an essential tool for keeping members and followers engaged and informed.

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