Margaret Donnelly grew up the middle child of eleven children in a house with one bathroom; her mother kept a seating chart for the dinner table which she changed regularly to keep sibling squabbles under control. Early in life Margaret learned two important lessons in how to get along in the world: to stand her ground and negotiate when necessary. Above all, Margaret's parents imbued the family with the values of honesty, fair play, and most important of all, caring for and protecting others. It is a legacy that animates her career in public service today.

Margaret received an undergraduate and graduate degree in social work from St. Louis University. She began her professional life as a school social worker.

After receiving a law degree from St. Louis University, Margaret set up her own law practice in St. Louis County. For twenty years she has been helping Missouri families solve legal problems, often in very tough situations. She was regularly appointed by judges to represent children in child abuse cases and custody disputes.

Margaret's exceptional experience working with and for families and children was noticed. Her reputation in the legal community as a diligent, prepared, careful attorney grew. She was honored by the legal community with several awards: the President's Award of Honor from the Women's Lawyers' Association in 2001; the St. Louis County Family Court Guardian ad Litem of the Year, 2002 and the Women's Justice Award in 2006.

Giving back to the community has been a significant part of Margaret's life. She was elected to the Ferguson-Florissant School board in 1986 and served until 1992, with one year as its president. In 1991 she chaired the committee establishing the first shelter for battered women and children in St. Louis County. She served as a commissioner of METRO, as a member of the Regional Airport Governance Task Force, and as a member of the Ecumenical Housing Production Corporation Board (now known as Beyond Housing, Inc.). Currently she is a board member of the Family Support Network, a member of the Richmond Heights Historical Society, the St. Louis Women's Political Caucus; and the Missouri Bar Family Law Section.

It was amid this personal and professional background that led to her eventual election to the Missouri legislature. She is a leader on health care, consumer protection and child welfare.

Margaret is in her third term in the Missouri House of Representatives. Her expertise on the state budget led to her appointment as the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee. Her other committee assignments include: Appropriations for Health, Mental Health, and Social Services; Elections; and Joint Committee on Government Accountability. Margaret brought an uncommon work ethic to the legislative process. Her dedication and leadership in taking on difficult legislative tasks and getting action stood out.

The Attorney General is often described as the "people's lawyer." Margaret's career path to this office seems a natural fit given her years of volunteer, legal and legislative work serving people. Margaret's experience, energy, legislative record of achievement, and her reputation as one who can get the job done is the kind of person Missouri needs as our state's Attorney General.

Margaret resides in Richmond Heights with her husband of 32 years, Dr. David Riedel. They have two adult children, Julia and Adam.