Atty. Donna J. Brown

Atty. Donna J. Brown

Donna is one of New Hampshire’s most experienced and respected trial attorneys. In her 29 years of practice she has been lead counsel in some of the most high profile cases in this state.

Manchester Manchester 40 yrs experience 40 year
Call (603) 669-4140 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Donna J. Brown at a glance

Donna J. Brown is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Manchester, New Hampshire, practicing at Wadleigh, Starr and Peters PLLC. They have 40+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1986. Admitted to practice in New Hampshire (1986). Educated at University of New Hampshire (Concord) (JD, 1986). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Manchester) (2026), Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Manchester) (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Serands clients in Manchester, NH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Donna is one of New Hampshire’s most experienced and respected trial attorneys
  • In her 29 years of practice she has been lead counsel in some of the most high profile cases in this state
  • She has tried over 150 jury trials including charges of homicide, aggravated felonious sexual assault, felony assault, domestic violence, DWI, theft, sale and possession of drugs as well as numerous motor vehicle cases
  • Donna has obtained verdicts of not guilty in numerous cases including affirmative defense cases such as self-defense, consent and entrapment
  • She has also done extensive litigation regarding racial profiling and racial disparity
  • She has appeared in courts all over the state of New Hampshire
  • Donna is also an adjunct professor at University of New Hampshire School of Law where she teaches trial advocacy to students selected to be in the Daniel Webster Scholar Program

Practice Areas Explained

Donna J. Brown's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Donna J. Brown handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Donna J. Brown is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in New Hampshire →

White Collar Crimes

Donna J. Brown is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in New Hampshire →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in New Hampshire

Practicing law in New Hampshire. Legal matters in New Hampshire are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Manchester are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New Hampshire state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New Hampshire brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New Hampshire courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional New Hampshire attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Manchester or all attorneys in New Hampshire.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Donna J. Brown

Where is Donna J. Brown's law office located?
Donna J. Brown's law practice is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The firm is Wadleigh, Starr and Peters PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Donna J. Brown handle?
Donna J. Brown focuses on criminal defense, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New Hampshire.
How long has Donna J. Brown practiced law?
Donna J. Brown has 40+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1986.
Where did Donna J. Brown go to law school?
Donna J. Brown earned their education at (JD, 1986).
How can I contact Donna J. Brown for a consultation?
You can contact Donna J. Brown directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Donna J. Brown received?
Donna J. Brown's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Manchester); Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Manchester); Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:.

Education

JD
University of New Hampshire (Concord)
- 1986

Awards

Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Manchester)
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Manchester)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — DUI / DWI Defense
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Champion of Justice Award from the NH Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Manchester)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Manchester)
- 2022
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Manchester)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Manchester)
- 2020

Bar Admissions

New Hampshire
Admitted: 1986

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