David C. McDonald
Senior Attorney
612-294-2625
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Client Service Philosophy
“The key is listening to the client, developing the most compelling story based on the facts of each situation, and then maximizing the best possible outcome for the client.”
With almost 35 years of experience, David C. McDonald has practiced principally in the areas of employment law, civil litigation and environmental law. David prides himself in listening to his clients, developing the most compelling story based on a detailed analysis of the facts of each case, and zealously advocating in their best interests.
After representing management and corporate interests for most of his career, David decided it was time to take on the representation of individual clients wrongly treated in the workplace and give back to those with less power and protection from unjust employment decisions.
David successfully prosecuted a major class action lawsuit against the United States and several corporate defendants on behalf of 17 families and a Minnesota municipality for toxic tort environmental contamination. He has also successfully defended and advised a number of corporate clients on claims of sexual harassment, employment discrimination and wage and hour matters.
Education
- J.D., Law, Root-Tilden Scholarship, New York University School of Law, 1977-80
- Executive Editor, Annual Survey of American Law
- M.F.A., Creative Writing and Literature, Bennington College, Vermont, 1999-2001
- B.A., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, distinction in Political Science major, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, 1972-76
Bar and court admissions
- Minnesota
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
Professional Affiliations
- Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary, Minnesota State Bar Association, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, 1987-93
- Chair and Board Member, Ramsey County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, 1981-88
- Executive Director, World Press Institute (non-profit organization/fellowship program for international journalists, which has brought almost 600 international journalists from nearly 100 countries to the U.S. over the past 50 years), 2008 – present
- Vice Chair and Board Member, Board of Directors, Graywolf Press (one of the nation’s leading, non-profit literary presses), 1999-2006
- Member, Board of Directors, Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, 1995-98
Pro Bono
- Graywolf Press, Legal Counsel
- Leading American Attorney, American Bar Association
- Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics
- Judicial Law Clerk, U.S. District Court Judge Earl Larson, Minneapolis, 1980-81
- William Miller Memorial Award, New York University School of Law
- Aide, Mayor George Latimer, St. Paul, 1976-77
Recent Blog Posts by David
BREAKING: Jostens “Bullying” Case Must Proceed to Trial
Jostens “Bullying” Case Must Proceed to Trial View Memorandum and Order > MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (September 30, 2016) - Chief Judge John Tunhiem of the Minnesota Federal District Court this week ordered Jostens to face trial on claims raised by former Senior Creative Director Roger Becker, who was terminated in June 2014 after … [Read More...]
