Orwigsburg attorney Lora J. McDonald is running for Magisterial District Judge in the 2027 election.
McDonald, a lifelong Schuylkill County native with more than 30 years of legal experience, is seeking the seat in District Court 21-3-03, which serves Orwigsburg and surrounding communities.
“After more than 30 years of practicing law in Schuylkill County, I believe my experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service have prepared me for the responsibility of serving as Magisterial District Judge,” McDonald said in a news release announcing her campaign.
Her practice has covered both civil and criminal law, including criminal defense, family law, custody, child support, estates, guardianships, real estate, and personal injury.
“Throughout my career, I have represented individuals and families from all walks of life,” she said. “My experience in private practice, as an Assistant Public Defender, and in the courtroom has given me a strong understanding of the law and the importance of treating every individual with fairness, dignity, and respect.”
McDonald graduated with honors from Nativity BVM High School in 1986. She earned a bachelor’s degree in politics from DeSales University in 1990, graduating summa cum laude, and her law degree from Penn State Dickinson Law in 1993.
She started as a law clerk with Rubright, Domalakes, Troy & Miller in 1992 while in law school and returned to Schuylkill County to practice after graduating. She became a partner in 2003 at the firm, now known as Rubright, Domalakes, Troy & McDonald.
McDonald has also served as an Assistant Public Defender for Schuylkill County and as Solicitor for the Schuylkill County Treasurer’s Office. She has represented clients at hearings and trials, served on arbitration panels, and taken court appointments in guardianships and other cases.
She has taught criminal justice as an adjunct professor at Penn State Schuylkill and taught paralegal and criminal justice studies at McCann School of Business & Technology.
McDonald is a past president of the Schuylkill County Bar Association. She does pro bono legal work and volunteers through St. Ambrose Parish. Previously, McDonald coached mock trial students at Blue Mountain High School and served on the board of St. Joseph Center for Special Learning. She and her family also helped start the Purple Ribbon Epilepsy Project, which promotes epilepsy awareness and supports research.
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She lives in Orwigsburg with her husband, Rob, and their children, Riley and Bo.
“Schuylkill County has always been my home. It is where I was raised, built my career, and raised my family,” McDonald said. “Giving back to this community has always been important to me, both professionally and personally.”
“I am seeking this position because I believe our community deserves a judge who is knowledgeable, experienced, approachable, and committed to upholding the law with integrity and impartiality,” she said.
The Orwigsburg district court serves the boroughs of Auburn, Cressona, Deer Lake, Landingville, New Ringgold, Orwigsburg, Port Clinton, and Schuylkill Haven, and East Brunswick, North Manheim, South Manheim, Walker, West Brunswick, and West Penn townships.
McDonald said she plans to meet with residents across the district ahead of the election.
“As a judge, my responsibility would be to uphold the law, listen carefully, consider the facts, and ensure that every individual appearing before the court is treated fairly and respectfully,” she said. “It would be an honor to continue serving the people of Schuylkill County as their Magisterial District Judge, and I am humbled by the consideration.”
From a campaign press release
RUNNING FOR OFFICE? If you’re planning to run for office in Schuylkill County in 2027, let our readers know by sharing your announcement with them. Email your announcement and a photo of the candidate to newscanary@gmail.com.
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