In 1977, he graduated Cleveland State University's Marshall College of Law, with a J.D. Degree.
He was admitted into the State of Connecticut Bar in October of 1977; and subsequently into the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
On October 6, 2004, he was admitted into the U.S. Supreme Court.
Attorney McDonough is currently a member of the following Associations:
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Danbury Bar Association