Bridget Donegan

Attorney Counselor Associate

JD, MA Candidate-Professional Mental Health Counseling

I joined the OAAP after practicing law in Oregon for 12 years, first as a commercial litigator at a small firm, then in local government, and finally in criminal defense. In 2024, I enrolled in graduate school for a master’s degree in mental health counseling. I feel fortunate to be using my professional and life experiences to support our statewide legal community.

Legal work very often meaningfully affects other people’s lives—we work together in a field where what we do, and how we do it, really matters. The work can also be demanding, exacting, contentious, and high stakes. We are always facing different challenges and stresses in our lives, and inevitably at some point we find ourselves turned askew, or even upside down. Fortunately, each of us has a tremendous capacity for healing, unfolding, and growth, and we do not have to do any of it on our own. My own path includes a commitment to sobriety, and in my master’s program I am specializing in addiction counseling. I find it a true privilege to offer connection and support to people wherever they find themselves.

Outside of work, I live in Northeast Portland with my husband, our son, and our golden retriever. I love spending time with family and friends and am enjoying this season of life with a lot of children around. I have a committed meditation and mindfulness practice, I get outside on long walks and in the garden, and I am usually reading a few different books, most of which I intend to finish.