Jillian Donahue is a law student at West Virginia University College of Law and a recipient of the Mary Sue Schulberg scholarship.

Raised in West Virginia, Donahue has seen firsthand the vital role the energy industry plays in Appalachian communities. With generations of her family connected to coal mining and energy production, she developed an early appreciation for the opportunities the industry creates and the impact it has on local economies.

That interest evolved into a passion for energy law during law school. In the summer of 2025, Donahue worked at Jackson Kelly PLLC, where she gained practical experience reviewing energy leases and learning about the legal issues facing various sectors of the industry. She also attended EMLF’s 46th Annual Institute through the Schetroma Travel Grant Program, where she connected with attorneys and industry professionals from across the energy field.

“Energy has always meant opportunity to me,” Donahue said in her personal statement. “It would be an honor to continue my family’s tradition while also pursuing my passion for the legal profession.”

To further prepare for a career in the field, Donahue has added a concentration in Energy and Sustainable Development to her Juris Doctor studies. She hopes to use her legal career to support the industry that has long been an economic driver in her home state while advocating for the people and communities it serves.