From 1985 to 1990, MacDonald worked as legislative director for United States Senator Gordon J. Humphrey. In 1990, he became Humphrey’s Chief of Staff.[5]
In 1995, MacDonald became an associate in the litigation department of Hale and Door LLP in Boston. In 1997, he became an associate at Nelson, Kinder, Mosseau & Gordon, PC in Manchester, New Hampshire. In 2001, he became an associate in the litigation department of Nixon Peabody, also in Manchester. In 2005, he became a partner in the same department of Nixon Peabody, holding that role until his appointment as attorney general.
From 2004 to 2017, MacDonald served on the New Hampshire Supreme Court Board of Bar Examiners, chairing the board from 2010 to 2017.
On June 4, 2019, Governor Sununu nominated MacDonald to be Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, replacing Robert J. Lynn who faced mandatory retirement at age 70.[7] On July 10, 2019, the Democratic-controlled executive council rejected MacDonald’s nomination by a 3-2 party-line vote. Democratic Councilors accused him of being a partisan and radical conservative. MacDonald denied the accusations, pointing to the support for his nomination from prominent Democrats including former Chief Justice John T. Broderick.[8]
On January 22, 2021, after Republicans flipped the council in the 2020 elections, Sununu renominated MacDonald, and his nomination was confirmed by a 4–1 party-line vote.[9] He was sworn into office on March 4, 2021, succeeding acting Chief Justice Gary E. Hicks.[10]
Personal life
MacDonald is married to fellow attorney Jennifer Eber, with whom he has one daughter.[11] MacDonald lives with his family in Deering, New Hampshire.[6]
