Don Macaulay, Esq.
Pipeline to Practice Foundation, Volunteer Executive Director
Alma Mater: Albany Law School
ExecutiveDirector@pipelinetopractice.org | 339.309.9537
I’m a former BigLaw attorney turned businessperson and entrepreneur and served as a member of BARBRI Global’s Executive Leadership Team from 2012-2021. Before BARBRI, I founded two education-related businesses, successfully guiding both from the pre-launch startup phase to acquisition. One of those businesses became the largest independent legal education bookstore in the United States. At the same time, the other, Law Preview, pioneered the law school prep market and was acquired by BARBRI Global in 2012. In 2016, I founded The Pipeline to Practice Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving diversity in the legal profession.
Before founding my companies, I was an Associate at Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance US LLP) in New York City, with a legal practice focused on antitrust pre-merger regulatory review and securities litigation.
For over two decades, I’ve been privileged to use my skills and creativity to engage in purpose-driven work that closely aligns with my values. I am passionate about inspiring others to believe in themselves and outperform their expectations. I’ve dedicated much of my career to higher education and am best known for helping law students succeed in law school and their careers as practicing attorneys.
Get to Know Don
I think you kids today call it “Marrying Up” (and I’d agree!) — luckily, she has bad eyesight!
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 21-year old self?
I would tell myself two things:
1) “If it’s not going to matter 5 years from now, don’t sweat it”
When you’re young, you think the entire world is watching everything you do — like every success and misstep is being noticed and judged. As you get older, you’ll discover that most people are too wrapped up in their own lives to care about yours; moreover, there are very few things in your early 20’s that will have a lasting impact on your life — the key is figuring out those that will, and focusing your energy there!
2) “The world does not reward passive people.”
If you’re expecting for something GREAT to happen in your life, you better settle in for a long wait. If you want something, you need to put yourself out there and take active steps to make it happen. C’mon, even lottery winners have to get off the couch and go buy a ticket!
Got them started young combining entrepreneurism with social causes.
Excluding legal/academic accomplishments, what is your proudest achievement?
That’s simple: it’s my kids. I’m proudest to say that I’m raising three socially-conscious, empathetic human beings who understand that meaningful change rarely comes from large, sweeping actions; rather, it’s small, daily micro-improvements that will help them leave this world a better place than how they found it.
What is your favorite quote and what makes it so meaningful to you?
“A kick in the ass is a step forward.” I can credit my 80-year old mom with that beauty! As a perennial underachiever until I reached my first year of law school, it took a lot of prodding from those who loved me in order for me to finally find my path.
Lin Manuel Miranda’s opus “Hamilton” is direct evidence of how one man’s grit and creativity can positively impact our world!
Name one song you listened to “on repeat” in the past 12 months and provide some insights about why you couldn’t get enough of it?
It’s tough to pick just one. I guess I’d say, “The Ringer” by Eminem. I love how he calls out critics longing for “the old Eminem” and explains why they’ll never be happy with his new music if they can’t appreciate his evolution (or understand his genius).
If pressed for a second, I’d add: “This is America” by Childish Gambino. I’m not sure if its the “hook” or the impactful, symbol-packed music video that examines what it means to be a black person/rap artist in America today.
[Don’t let the grey hair fool you! My kids have schooled me well about the brilliance behind today’s rap music – I’m truly in awe of all the talent that’s out there!].