Catherine McDonald
A member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Washington Women Lawyers, Catherine has appeared in more than 500 felony cases as a public defender (Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC), Tacoma, WA; Society of Counsel (SCRAP), Seattle, WA) achieving an extraordinary record of advocacy and a reputation for tangible results for her clients both through negotiation and litigation. Highlights of her career included one of the few acquittals under the "Three Strikes" sex offender legislation in the Washington courts, and successful representation in a highly publicized murder case.
A graduate of the University of Washington and of Seattle University School of Law, as a public defender she gained expertise in misdemeanor, dependency, and felony practice, excelling particularly in protecting her clients from the collateral consequences of criminal prosecution, such as professional licensing forfeiture, deportation, or loss of governmental programs (e.g., student loans, military eligibility, firearms permitting, etc.). Most recently, Catherine served as a continuing Legal Education lecturer in the defense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases.
Catherine is admitted to practice before the State Bar of Washington, the US District Court for the Western District of Washington, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.