Jan. 18, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Max Donohue, an associate attorney at Woods Fuller.

Name: Max Donohue

Age: 25

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls? 

Both my wife, Whitney, and I are Sioux Falls natives and O’Gorman High School grads. Whitney went to college in Brookings at South Dakota State University, and I went to college in Tucson at the University of Arizona. While deciding where to pursue our graduate education, we wanted to be somewhere where schooling was conveniently located for both of us. That convenient location ended up being Minneapolis, where Whitney attended the University of Minnesota for architecture and I attended the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Despite living in the various parts of the country that we did, all along we knew Sioux Falls was home and where we wanted to be. Between great job prospects, family and everything happening in the community, moving back to Sioux Falls felt like a perfect fit.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Generally, I want to remain in Sioux Falls because of its great economy, opportunity and family. In terms of career reasons, there is a great amount of legal work in the community in part because of its continued growth and business-friendly environment, which is a great motivator to build a career here.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite part about my job is helping clients navigate complex transactions and having the opportunity to problem-solve and learn on a daily basis. Additionally, being a transactional attorney is fun to me because we provide a service that helps individuals accomplish their goals and get where they want to go in an efficient manner.

How did you get connected to your industry?

While studying finance in my undergraduate schooling and working an internship with Bird Dog Equity Partners in Sioux Falls, I realized the large amount of legal work that is required in facilitating transactions. Given this experience and my enjoyment with learning the legal side of deal work, I decided a career in law was right for me.

Describe Woods Fuller in three words.

Disciplined. Collegial. Enthusiastic.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

For someone who does not know me, I believe the most surprising thing to learn about me is that I played college golf at the University of Arizona.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

My favorite way to give back to the community is by using my unique skills and talents to help others. Most especially, I enjoy using my experiences to invest in youth and help them become the best individuals they can be.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

My wife and I were avid Trader Joe’s fans while we lived in Minneapolis and would love to see one in Sioux Falls.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to be working alongside the many bright individuals at Woods Fuller helping clients with their business law needs.