Ms. Donnelly attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for her undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2013.  She continued her education at the John Marshall Law School, graduating with her law degree in 2017.  

Ms. Donnelly was a clinical intern for the Domestic Violence Clinic while in law school.  She assisted clients with obtaining temporary restraining orders and orders of protection.  Ms. Donnelly was also responsible for researching and creating a debt relief pamphlet for the Domestic Violence Clinic that would assist clients with various financial concerns, including but not limited to foreclosures, bankruptcy, and partitions.

Ms. Donnelly was admitted to the Illinois Bar in May 2018.