Timothy C. MacDonnell

Timothy C. MacDonnell serves as Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Advanced Administrative Litigation Clinic (Black Lung) at Washington and Lee University School of Law, a position he has held since joining the faculty in 2008. He teaches Investigative Criminal Procedure and Advocacy, and his clinic provides legal representation to former coal miners and their families seeking federal black lung benefits.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Massachusetts, 1987
• Juris Doctor (JD), Suffolk University, 1994
• Master of Laws (LLM), U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's School, 1999
• Master of Laws (LLM), University of Virginia, 2007

Research Interests: Professor MacDonnell's scholarly work spans Administrative Law (with a focus on the Black Lung program), Criminal Law and Procedure (particularly Fourth Amendment issues), and Health Law (including patient rights and medical ethics). His recent scholarship addresses challenges in physician speech during public health emergencies and the reform of informed consent doctrines. He also investigates judicial rhetoric and the practical impact of Supreme Court decisions on law enforcement and individual rights.

Publication Trends: MacDonnell's publications demonstrate a long-standing commitment to criminal procedure and constitutional law, evolving to include timely health law topics. His articles frequently analyze Supreme Court jurisprudence through the lens of practical application, drawing on his military legal background. Recent works reflect an interdisciplinary approach, connecting legal theory with real-world problems in healthcare and administrative justice.

Advising and Grants: As clinic director, MacDonnell mentors law students in representing clients before administrative law judges. Students gain experience in case preparation, advocacy, and client counseling within the specialized context of black lung claims. The clinic serves as a vital resource for underserved communities in Appalachia. No specific external grants were mentioned in the provided sources.

Professional Background and Teams: Prior to academia, MacDonnell served 21 years in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps, holding diverse roles including trial counsel, legal advisor to the Iraqi High Tribunal, and instructor at the JAG School. This experience deeply informs his teaching and scholarship. He leads the Black Lung Clinic team, which integrates student attorneys into real-world litigation under faculty supervision.