About

John M. Macdonald

John originally hails from Fort Lauderdale. After attending Northwestern University, he spent several years working as an actor in the Chicago theater community. His passion for the performance arts eventually drew him to law school and litigation, a course uniquely suited to carry over technical skills sharpened from performance studies into contributing a voice to those in need. John was drawn to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, relocating here permanently in 1990.

John has been practicing law since 1995 and is licensed in both state and federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. One of his earliest cases brought him before the U.S. Supreme Court, a transformative experience that continues to inspire his advocacy in the courtroom for fairness and due process.

As a sole practitioner, John will handle every case directly and tailor his professional services to the unique legal needs of your individual matter. He will provide you direct but thoughtful advice before making difficult decisions and will act decisively to protect your legal rights.

As a trial attorney, John spends significant time preparing for and arguing before the courts. Whether you are considering a divorce, struggling with anxieties about child custody, have experienced a job termination or have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, John is a ready and experienced advocate who will fight for you.

When not fighting to provide a voice for his clients, John can be found exploring the greater Puget Sound with his wife and their ceaselessly energetic Labrador Retriever.

EDUCATION

University of Washington School of Law, LL.M.

(Law and Marine Affairs)
1994

Seattle, Washington

University of Oregon School of Law, J.D.

1993

Eugene, Oregon
* Criminal Defense Clinic
* Ocean and Coastal Law Certificate of Completion
* Administrator; Public Interest Environmental Law Conference

Northwestern University; B.S.C.

1985

Evanston, Illinois

Published Articles

Appreciating the Precautionary Principle as an Ethical Evolution in Ocean Management, 26 Ocean Development and International Law 255 (1997).

Artificial Reef Debate: Habitat Enhancement or Waste Disposal? 25 Ocean Development and International Law 87 (1994).

State Muddies Jurisdiction Waters, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Op-Ed, April 8, 2004.

Bar Membership

Washington State Bar Association 1995
Supreme Court of the United States 1999
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 1997
United States District Court for the Western District of Washington 1995