About

JONATHAN ALAN McDONALD is a trial attorney who has a diverse array of legal experience from civil rights to toxic torts in addition to hundreds of criminal trials. He has a reputation as one of the most prepared and aggressive trial attorneys in Philadelphia and has repeatedly achieved favorable verdicts despite the odds being heavily stacked against his clients. Mr. McDonald utilizes prompt investigation, an extensive motions practice and the ability to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses in his opponents’ cases. He is a kind and compassionate counselor who is capable of smoothly navigating his clients through difficult times and unflinching advocate who will stand in defense of their interests whenever they are threatened.          Mr. McDonald graduated from Widener University School of Law with certificates of specialization in Trial Advocacy and Criminal Law of Law. He was a Dean’s list student and a member of the Moot Court and Trial Advocacy Honor Societies. Upon graduation, Mr. McDonald was awarded the James J. Manderino Award by The Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, representing Widener University School of Law as the top graduate in the area of trial advocacy. Mr. McDonald is also an alumnus of Lehigh University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in International Relations and minors in Economics and Spanish. He is fluent in Spanish and has worked extensively in Spanish speaking communities in Colorado, Miami and Philadelphia. Mr. McDonald was a member the Defender Association of Philadelphia for five years, half of which he was assigned to the Major Trial Division.  As a Public Defender, he gained extensive experience in preliminary hearings, municipal court trials, juvenile defense, and adult felony cases.  The majority of his practice exclusively dealt with the most serious felony cases: armed robberies, arson, rape, kidnapping and attempted murder.  He also developed a robust motions practice to get his clients out on pre-trial release and to suppress evidence where their rights were violated.  His state appellate work has reversed erroneous trial court decisions. He also worked the Federal Community Defenders in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania where he conducted research and writing for death row inmates who were denied fair trials.   Mr. McDonald has previous civil litigation experience involving car accident liability, personal injury, wrongful death, asbestosis/mesothelioma cases, and complex contract liability.  He worked on 1983 claims where prison medical providers were deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of inmates.  

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Litigation

Language

Spanish English

Contact

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