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Richard Arthur McDonald
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Richard Arthur McDonald, Appellate Attorney in Pasadena, California

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Class Action

Of CounselatStoner Carlson LLP

Pasadena, CA

Practicing appellate in Pasadena since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
3
Bar admissions

Practices in

AppellateBusinessClass ActionEnvironmentalEstate LitigationLitigation+2 more →

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Richard Arthur McDonald is an of counsel based in Pasadena, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Richard has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoner Carlson LLP.

Based in
Pasadena, CA
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
Appellate · Business · Class Action
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and Class Action matters from Pasadena, CA.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Richard Arthur McDonald: Richard Arthur McDonald is an of counsel based in Pasadena, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Richard has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoner Carlson LLP.

Areas of practice

Richard's practice areas in Pasadena

Richard concentrates on appellate, business, class action, environmental, and estate litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Pasadena, California

Richard takes appellate matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Pasadena, California

Richard takes business matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Pasadena, California

Richard takes class action matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Pasadena, California

Richard takes environmental matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Pasadena, California

Richard takes estate litigation matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Richard Arthur McDonald, appellate attorney serving Pasadena

Richard Arthur McDonald is an of counsel based in Pasadena, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Richard has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoner Carlson LLP. Richard works from Pasadena, California and takes on appellate matters across the region.

For the past 28 years, Richard has practiced land-use, real estate, environmental and administrative law in representing property owners, developers, and neighborhood associations in the entitlement of numerous projects in the San Gabriel Valley and throughout Southern California. Richard has worked on the restoration of the Constance Hotel and the YWCA Julia Morgan Building, the development of the Parsons Campus, the Colorado at Hill hotels, the Marriott Residence Inn, the Paseo Colorado, and the Crown City Medical Building in Pasadena. He has also been involved in several other hotel, medical office, and multi-family residential projects in Southern California, handling all of the CEQA, planning and zoning and other entitlements required by state, county, and city governments. In addition, Richard has successfully appeared as lead trial and appellate counsel in traditional and administrative writ of mandamus proceedings, and in complex class actions, private attorney general, commercial, real estate, insurance, and environmental litigation and binding arbitrations throughout the United States. Richard currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pasadena Center Operating Company and is the Chairman of its Governance Committee. He also serves on the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee. Previously, he served as the Vice-Chairman of the City of Pasadena's 2011 City Council Redistricting Task Force, and on the Board of Directors for the South Lake Avenue Business District and the West Pasadena Residents' Association. From 2003 to 2010, he served on the City of Pasadena's Planning Commission, including as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and on the City's Board of Zoning Appeals, including as Chairman and Vice-Chairman. He served on the Pasadena Transportation Advisory Commission from 2000 - 2003, and the 2001 City Council Redistricting Task Force. Richard is a member of Annandale Golf Club and The Twilight Club. Richard earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in 1986, where he externed for Justice Kaus of the California Supreme Court, as well as was a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society, Scott Moot Court Honors Board and 1985 Best Oralist in Moot Court Competition. Richard also has a Master's in Public Administration from U.S.C., and his B.A. from U.C. Berkeley.

Working with Richard on a appellate matter

For the past 28 years, Richard has practiced land-use, real estate, environmental and administrative law in representing property owners, developers, and neighborhood associations in the entitlement of numerous projects in the San Gabriel Valley and throughout Southern California. Richard has worked on the restoration of the Constance Hotel and the YWCA Julia Morgan Building, the development of…

Who Richard represents

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and class action matters in Pasadena and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Richard studied and practices

  • Loyola Law School

    J.D. · 1986

  • University of California, Berkeley

    B.A. University · 1979

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1986 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1986 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. in Loyola Law School and B.A. University in University of California, Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. in Loyola Law School and B.A. University in University of California, Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Richard's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Pasadena and Los Angeles County Bar Associations State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

Richard Arthur McDonald's office in Pasadena

Richard's primary office is at 301 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 320, Pasadena, CA, 91101-1921. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Stoner Carlson LLP

301 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 320

Pasadena, CA 91101-1921

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard Arthur McDonald

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Hiring guide

How to hire Richard Arthur McDonald — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Pasadena, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Richard

Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Richard Arthur McDonald

  • How much does it cost to hire Richard for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Richard offer a free consultation?

    Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in California typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Pasadena?

    Richard is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Richard?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Richard accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Pasadena, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Richard handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

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