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Jonathan Alan McDonald
also known as Jon McDonald
About Jonathan
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-350 per hour
Contingency
35%-35%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 15 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Jonathan Alan McDonald
1325 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19109
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Jonathan Alan McDonald's Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by Beth | October 19, 2015 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Excellent co-counsel!
Mr. McDonald and I had a mutual client for issues where I am (Florida) and where Mr. McDonald is located (Pennsylvania). Mr. McDonald sought me out and brought me into the case, and it was a very pleasant experience. Mr. McDonald is extremely smart and very well organized, and took the time to beco...
Jonathan Alan McDonald's Lawyer Endorsements
"John is an experienced trial attorney that provides premiere legal representation. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. McDonald is an outstanding attorney. He knows his way around the courtroom and is not afraid to take tough cases to trial. I strongly recommend him for his trial skills."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jonathon has always impressed me with his passion for trial work. This is evidenced by his throrough preparation as well as his genuine concern for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jonathan is a very talented and dedicated attorney. He always fights hard to get the best possible outcome for his clients."
"Jonathan is an excellent, well-prepared attorney. I had the pleasure of spending a week on trial with him. He had an incredible attention to detail, and represented his client well. I look forward to future opportunities to work together."
"Jon is an excellent lawyer. He is detailed, prepared, and dynamic in court. I am always impressed by his trial work."
"Jonathan McDonald is terrific trial attorney with a long track record of success at the Defender Association. He makes great personal connections with his clients and their families. He is aggressive in his motions practice, does a superb job in negotiating pleas, presenting mitigation and most importantly winning at trial."
"A benchmark of excellence. I have known and worked with Jon for years. He is tenacious and committed to always getting the best results for his clients, regardless of the obstacles that might stand in his way. Jon is one of the very best attorneys I have known and I would never hesitate in seeking his counsel."
"Jon is a highly skilled trial attorney who knows how to get the best results for his clients. I worked closely with him for a number of years and can honestly say he is hard-working, dedicated, a tough fighter, and knows how to win."
"Jon is a superb attorney. I had the pleasure of opposing him in criminal matters. Jon is prepared, intelligent, and a gentleman. His advocacy abilities are top notch. I highly endorse Jon McDonald."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2009
James J. Manderino Award for Best Overall Trial Advocate, Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
2009
National Recognition for Oral Advocacy, Order of Barrister's
2009
Pro Bono Honors Recognition, Widener University School of Law
2009
Certificate of Specialization in Criminal Law, Widener University School of Law
2009
Certificate of Specialization in Trial Advocacy, Widener University School of Law
2008
Semifinalist, Widener University School of Law Moot Court Honor Society
2008
Finalist, Widener University School of Law Trial Advocacy Honor Society
2007
Quarterfinalist, Widener University School of Law Moot Court Honor Society
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Partner, McDonald Wilson, LLC
2015 - 2017
Partner, McDonald Wilson & Morlok, LLC
2010 - 2015
Majors Trial Attorney, Defender Association Of Philadelphia
2009 - 2010
Attorney Trainee, Miami Dade Public Defenders Office
2009 - 2009
Legal Intern for the Capital Habeas Unit, Federal Community Defender Office For The Eastern District Of Pennsylvania
2008 - 2009
Certified Legal Intern, Widener's Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Clinic
2008 - 2008
Legal Intern, Defender Association Of Philadelphia
2007 - 2008
Legal Intern, Marks, O'Neill, O'Brien & Courtney
2005 - 2006
Regional Outreach Coordinator for "CHP+", Maximus, Inc.
2004 - 2005
Assistant Director of Mentor Program, Buddy Mentors
2003 - 2004
Administrative Representative, Edwards Immediate Care Center
Associations
2018 - Present
Widener Law School Intensive Trial Advocacy ProgramInstructor
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationABA Member
2007 - 2009
Student Bar AssociationExecutive Board Recording Secretary
2006 - 2007
Student Bar Association1L Representative
2006 - 2008
Widener Law Rugby ClubOutside Center
Sample of Legal Cases
Com v. Gregory Hacket (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty of lead charges, guilty of misdemeanor only
Com v. Flowers (Indicting Grand Jury)
Nolle Prosequi
Com v. Rashad Heard (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty of all charges
Com v. Dexter Johnson (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty all charges
Com v. Wayne Nelson (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty all charges
Com v. Kenyatta Rucker (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty all charges
Com v. Louis Rodriguez (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty all charges
Com v. Dao Son (Jury Trial)
Order Granting Motion for Judgment of Acquittal
Com v. Leon Nixon (Jury Trial)
Not Guilty
Education
2009
Widener University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
Lehigh University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
ITAP
Expert Examination
2015
Drexel Law Criminal Defense Clinic Motion to Suppress Training
Motions to Suppress
2014
Indicting Grand Jury CLE
Indicting Grand Jury
2013
State Probation & Parole CLE
State Probation & Parole
Publications
2008
Superior Court Appeal
Com v. Antonio Baylor
2008
Superior Court Appeal
In the Interest of J.S.
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I be charged with a retail theft 10 months after it happened?
08 Jun 2015
Q&A
Can i transfer felony probation from pa to fl ?
27 May 2015