About Donna

First-generation. First to graduate high school. Top 14 law school graduate. BigLaw success story.

I Know Your Journey Because I Lived It

As the first person in my family born in this country and the first to graduate high school, I understand the weight of breaking generational barriers. The imposter syndrome. The pressure to prove you belong.

When I walked into Michigan Law, I felt like everyone else had a roadmap I'd never seen. But I didn't just survive law school—I thrived. And then I cracked the code to BigLaw recruiting.

Now, after 10+ years of recruiting experience and a 100% success rate coaching students, I've built OneCareer to be the roadmap I wish I had.

"If I can make it from where I started to BigLaw success, so can you."

— DONNA SCAFFIDI

My Journey to BigLaw Expertise

1

BigLaw Recruiter

Ropes & Gray

Worked behind the scenes in BigLaw recruiting for summer associates, learning exactly what firms look for and how decisions are really made.

2

SEO Law Fellow

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity • 7.8% Acceptance Rate

Accepted into the SEO Law Fellows program with a 7.8% acceptance rate, gaining access to elite BigLaw opportunities.

3

Summer Associate

1L & 2L White & Case • 2L Weil, Gotshal & Manges + Scholarship Award

Secured 1L summer associate and 2L summer associate positions at two elite firms, including a prestigious scholarship at Weil, Gotshal & Manges.

4

SEO Law Mentor

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity

Mentored diverse law students through the unique challenges facing underrepresented students in BigLaw recruiting.

5

BigLaw Associate

White & Case (Tech Transactions, Capital Markets, M&A) • Gunderson Dettmer (Corporate M&A)

Practiced across multiple high-stakes practice areas at two elite firms, gaining deep expertise in corporate law.

6

Corporate Attorney

1stDibs (NASDAQ: DIBS)

Applied BigLaw training in the corporate world, understanding how legal careers translate beyond traditional law firms.

7

Independent Coach

10+ Years • 100% Success Rate

Built a coaching practice helping 200+ students secure offers at elite firms like Skadden, Latham, Fenwick, and more.

The Numbers Don't Lie

100%
Student Success Rate

Every student I've coached has secured a summer associate position in BigLaw or in-house.

200+
Students Coached

Students placed at Skadden, Latham, Fenwick, and other elite firms

10+
Years Experience

From summer associate to recruiter to independent coach

Why I Built OneCareer

Every first-generation student, every student of color, every student who feels like they don't belong— I see myself in you. BigLaw recruiting doesn't have to be a mystery. The "insider knowledge" doesn't have to stay hidden.

I built OneCareer to democratize access to the strategies, insights, and coaching that actually work. Because if someone like me—first in my family born here, first to graduate high school— can make it to Michigan Law and BigLaw success, then you can too.

"Your background is not a barrier—it's your competitive advantage."

— DONNA SCAFFIDI

Ready to Write Your Success Story?