Biography Photo of Christina K McDonald

Christina K. McDonald

Christy McDonald is an employment lawyer and litigator. She is passionate about working with employers on their legal challenges and opportunities. She provides daily counseling for employers on all aspects of employment law and provides proactive advice on litigation avoidance and risk management. As a seasoned trial advocate, Christy has significant experience achieving favorable results for clients in employment and commercial cases.

Education & Credentials

Education

Michigan State University

B.A., Human Resources Management, 2006
  • High Honors
  • Honors College
  • International Business Specialization

Michigan State University College of Law

J.D., 2009
  • summa cum laude
  • Law Review, Associate Editor 2007-2009
  • Merit Scholar
  • American Inns of Court 2008-2009

Bar Admission

  • Michigan

Acknowledgements

  • Crain's Grand Rapids Business, "Notable Woman in Law", 2024
  • Grand Rapids Magazine
    • "Top Lawyers," Commercial Litigation, 2023
  • Crain's Grand Rapids
    • Notable Leaders in DEI, 2023
  • The Legal 500 United States
    • "Recommended Lawyer,"
    • Labor and Employment, 2021-2022
  • Michigan Super Lawyers®
    • Employment and Labor Law, 2023-2024
    • "Rising Star," Employment  and Labor Law, 2013-2020 
  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2024-2025

Representative Clients

  • JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA
  • Bank of America
  • Citibank, NA
  • Benteler Automotive Corporation
  • Grand Hotel
  • Steelcase

Prominent Assignments

Lead trial counsel in lawsuits pending in Michigan federal and state courts with an emphasis on employment and commercial disputes

Serve as general employment counselor to diverse multinational and regional businesses in employment matters and disputes, including ADEA, ADA, discrimination, wage and hour, FMLA, termination, and employment relations issues

Provide training to clients, industry groups, and lawyers on employment best practices and legal compliance

Draft, negotiate and enforce non-compete, management, and other employment-related and service agreements

Represent multiple Fortune 50 companies as lead counsel in complex commercial litigation pending in state and federal courts, with an emphasis on employment, labor, and contract disputes, including restrictive covenant enforcement, discrimination, wage and hour, and statutory protections

Obtained judgment as second chair trial counsel in bet-the-company shareholder litigation for insurance brokerage

Obtained favorable published opinions in Sixth Circuit Court of appeals and multiple state courts

Obtained multi-million dollar judgment as second chair trial counsel in commercial case

Negotiated favorable settlements, enforce judgments, and pursue collections in employment and commercial disputes

Professional Involvement

  • Women Lawyers Associate of Michigan-Western Region, Board Member at Large
  • Michigan State Court Forms Committee, Civil Infractions/Summary Proceedings, Appointed Member
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association, Member
  • State Bar of Michigan, Member (Labor & Employment Law, Litigation, and Real Property Law Sections)

Community Involvement

  • Family Promise of Grand Rapids, Secretary of Board of Directors
  • Annual Women Lawyers v. Judges Charity Softball Game, Committee Chair
  • Kentwood Public Schools Mock Trial Team, Volunteer Coach
  • Woodward Avenue Association “Clean the D” Community Clean-Up Effort, Volunteer
  • Lakewood Community Christmas Baskets, Annual Volunteer 

Experience

  • Summer Associate, Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Legal Extern to the Honorable David McKeague, U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Publications/Presentations

Have a question or want to connect?