Our Team

The government employs an army of attorneys, police investigators, public affairs officers, and forensic experts in the prosecution of criminal cases. An effective defense requires a team that can respond with expertise of their own.

Swift and McDonald, founded by Catherine McDonald and Charlie Swift, unites years of trial experience in military and federal courts with expertise in legal negotiations, expert witness testimony, and strategic media relations.

An innovative legal thinker, Charlie has honed his skills in the classroom and the courtroom, receiving a Masters with Honors (LLM) in Trial Advocacy from Temple University, and defending his clients in complex cases in the military and federal courts. Charlie’s practice developed an extensive network of expert witnesses to assist in the defense of the firm’s clients, and he also dealt with the media in high profile cases, providing clients with an advocate skilled in dealing with negative publicity.

Catherine’s organizational abilities and familiarity with police and prosecution gained in more than ten years of high volume criminal defense ensure each client’s case is thoroughly investigated and professionally presented. Catherine’s practice goes beyond the potential criminal sentence to the ancillary issues surrounding a conviction, such as professional licensing, immigration, or other issues. Her successful negotiation of more than 500 felony cases means clients who may choose to settle rather than contest their case can rely on an advocate skilled in persuasion of the prosecution.