Geoffrey McDonald

Geoffrey McDonald is an Assistant Professor at UMass School of Law, specializing in Bankruptcy, Commercial Law, Jurisprudence, and Ethical Theory. His research intersects legal philosophy, constitutional law, and socioeconomic justice, with a focus on debt and forgiveness frameworks.

• Education: BA in Philosophy (Wesleyan University), MAR in Philosophy of Religion (Yale University), JD/PhD in Religion (Ethics & Society) (Emory University), LL.M in Bankruptcy (St. John’s University School of Law)

Research Interests center on the constitutional and moral dimensions of bankruptcy, including debt justice, executive compensation litigation, and the role of forgiveness in legal systems. His work bridges technical bankruptcy law with broader ethical and philosophical inquiries.

Professional Background includes 15 years of legal practice in New York City, where he represented creditors, debtors, and trustees in complex Chapter 11 cases. For five years prior to academia, he worked as a public interest attorney in the South Bronx, focusing on eviction prevention and consumer bankruptcy.

Teaching areas include Contracts, Commercial Law, Jurisprudence, and Ethical Theory. He also previously taught legal philosophy at Emory University during his PhD studies.

Contact: gmcdonald@umassd.edu | Office: UMass School of Law 218 | Phone: 508-985-1142