A. Donald McEachin was born in Nürnberg, Germany while his father was serving in the armed forces. Upon their return to the states, the McEachin family settled in Richmond. Donald attended St. Christopher's in Richmond. Upon graduation, he attended American University, where he received his undergraduate degree in political science. He then continued his education at the University of Virginia, where he received his law degree.

As an attorney, Mr. McEachin worked four years as an associate in the law firm of Browder, Russell, Morris & Butcher. He then moved to the law firm of Morris and Morris until 1990, when he started his own law firm with two friends and fellow attorneys. Today, McEachin & Gee is one of the most well-known and successful African-American firms in Virginia, and has recently obtained the largest civil verdict in Virginia history.

Within the community, Donald McEachin is an active member of the following organizations: Virginia State Bar, Virginia Bar Association, Old Dominion Bar Association, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Leadership Metro Richmond (Class of 1990), St. Peter Baptish Church, and a life member of the N.A.A.C.P.

In 1995 he won election to the 74th House Seat of the Virginia General Assembly. He was re-elected in 1999 without opposition. His district consists of parts of Richmond, Henrico County and Charles City County. McEachin serves on the following committees: Courts of Justice, Labor and Commerce, Militia and Police, Agriculture, and Privileges and Elections.