Donna M. Drumm, Esq., is an attorney, Assistant Professor, and Program Director for Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, and Political Science at Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, New York. She leads academic programs that prepare students for careers in law, government, politics, public policy, public administration, advocacy, and the paralegal profession.

Professor Drumm joined Mercy University as an adjunct professor in 2012 and became a full-time Assistant Professor and Program Director in 2019. She brings professional experience in litigation, legal research and writing, law practice management, legal ethics, electronic discovery, AI, disability rights, and courtroom advocacy into her teaching, academic advising, and program leadership.

Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies and Political Science Programs

Professor Drumm directs two distinct Bachelor of Science pathways within Legal Studies:

• Mercy University’s ABA-approved Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies: Paralegal Studies, which prepares students for careers as paralegals, legal assistants, law office professionals, and other roles within the legal profession.
• Mercy University’s Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies: Political Science, which prepares students for law school, graduate study, and careers in government, politics, public policy, public administration, advocacy, international affairs, nonprofit organizations, and related fields.

The Political Science specialization combines the study of law, government, political institutions, public policy, constitutional issues, conflict resolution, and advocacy. Students develop the critical-thinking, analytical writing, research, oral communication, negotiation, and leadership skills needed for careers in public service and the legal and political professions.

The Paralegal Studies specialization is approved by the American Bar Association. The Political Science specialization is a separate academic pathway and is not an ABA-approved paralegal program.

Pre-Law, Political Science and Career Preparation

Professor Drumm works closely with students interested in:

• ABA-approved paralegal education
• Campaigns, elections, and political advocacy
• Constitutional law and civil rights
• Courts, litigation, and courtroom advocacy
• Disability rights and access to justice
• Internships in law, government, politics, and nonprofit organizations
• Legal research and legal writing
• Legal Studies and paralegal careers
• Mock trial and trial preparation
• Political science and government careers
• Pre-law studies and law school preparation
• Public policy and public administration

She helps students identify career goals, choose appropriate courses, prepare for internships, build professional networks, and explore graduate school or law school. Her mentoring connects students with opportunities in law firms, courts, government agencies, elected officials’ offices, political organizations, businesses, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations.

Courses Taught

Professor Drumm has taught courses in law, political science, litigation, and professional legal skills, including:

• Advanced Seminar in Paralegal Studies
• Aging in the Law 
• Art of Legal Reasoning
• Civil Litigation
• Constitutional Law and Public Policy
• Evidence
• Introduction to Legal Studies
• Introduction to Political Science and Political Power in America
• Law Practice Management
• Legal Research and Writing I
• Mock Trial 
• Trusts & Estates 
• Workplace Experience and Legal Internships

Experiential Learning and Student Mentoring

Professor Drumm believes students learn law and political science most effectively by applying classroom concepts to real legal, governmental, and community issues. Her courses incorporate case analysis, legal and political research, professional writing, public-policy discussions, courtroom exercises, mock trials, civic engagement, and simulations involving advocacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

She also serves as an academic advisor for students completing legal, political, governmental, and community-based internships. Through individualized mentoring, she helps students develop résumés, professional communication skills, workplace confidence, and connections between their academic studies and career goals.

Professor Drumm is committed to accessible, career-focused education, particularly for first-generation college students, working adults, transfer students, and students who may not have previously envisioned themselves pursuing law school, public service, political leadership, or a legal career.

Legal and Disability-Rights Experience

Professor Drumm’s professional background includes litigation, law practice management, legal ethics, electronic discovery, and disability accommodation advocacy. Through DrummAdvocacy, her independent professional practice, she assists individuals with visible and invisible disabilities in navigating requests for reasonable accommodations in courts, colleges, workplaces, and community settings.

She also consults with attorneys and other professionals whose clients encounter disability-related barriers. This experience informs her teaching of constitutional rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act, client-centered advocacy, public policy, and access to justice.

Professional and Community Partnerships

Professor Drumm welcomes partnerships with law firms, courts, government agencies, elected officials, political and public-policy organizations, nonprofit organizations, paralegal associations, and disability-rights groups. These partnerships can provide Mercy University students with internships, mentoring, guest speakers, networking, civic-engagement opportunities, and pathways to employment.

Prospective students, transfer students, families, attorneys, government professionals, community organizations, and potential internship partners are invited to contact Professor Drumm to learn more about Mercy University’s Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, and Political Science programs.