Crystal McDonald is a trial lawyer known for her relentless advocacy, intelligence, and skill in representing people who have been injured as a result of the negligence of others. Crystal’s reputation as a zealous advocate has garnered her respect with judges, fellow attorneys, and even her opponents and insurance companies.
During her first years of practice, Crystal focused on representing children and young adults who were neglected by DSHS and the people who were entrusted to care for them. Crystal represented several clients in claims against the State of Washington for negligent monitoring of foster homes and inadequate investigations to CPS complaints. Crystal’s practice has expanded to claims involving motor vehicle collisions and insurance company disputes. She provides her clients a roadmap for their case, what to expect, and will give clients the straight-forward advice they need. Crystal is not afraid to take a case to trial. She has been described as a compassionate, personable, and caring advisor to her clients. Prior to joining Ryan Montgomery & Armstrong in 2014, Crystal managed her own law firm.
Crystal grew up in Bremerton, Washington and considers Bremerton her home. She attended Brownsville Elementary, Ridgetop Junior High, and graduated from Olympic High School. She received her Associates in Arts & Sciences Degree from Olympic College and due to her active role in student government and leadership, gave the 2003 commencement speech at the Olympic College graduation ceremony.
Crystal graduated magna cum laude from Seattle University School of Law. She received several scholarships including the Dean’s Diversity Scholarship as a result of her academic achievement and as the first person in her family to attend college.
Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, James, and their son Maverick.
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to litigation
Bar Admissions
- Washington, 2008
Education
- Seattle university, School of Law, Seattle, WA
- J.D. Magna Cum Laude – 2008
- Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA
- B.A. Magna Cum Laude- 2005
- Major: Political Science, Communications
Published Works
- Starting a Family – How you can do it while managing your practice, Trial News, 2013
- Resources for New Members, Trial News, 2012
- What I Learned in Trial, Colorado Trial Talk, 2012
Classes/Seminars
- Chair, Arbitration & Mediation, 2015
- Initial Client Contact & Case Evaluation, WSBA NLE, 2013
- What is all the Hype about Skype? Trial Revolution: Making the Seismic Shift CLE, 2012
- Being a Female Trial Attorney, Females in Non-Traditional Roles, 2012
- Delegation: When to do it, How to do it, and can you do it, Begin Your Case with the End in Mind CLE, 2012
- Panel Discussion with Attorneys and Medical Professionals, Medicine for Lawyers: Connective Tissue Injuries CLE, 2011
- Chair, Evidence: Getting in the Good – Keeping out the Bad, 2011
- Making an Impact in Low Impact Cases, Auto Cases: Be Prepared! , 2010
Honors and Awards
- Selected as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Washington, 2016
- Super Lawyers Rising Star Award, 2016
- Selected as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Washington, 2015
- Super Lawyers Rising Star Award, 2015
- Selected as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Washington, 2014
- Super Lawyers Rising Star Award, 2014
- New Lawyer Award – Ready to Soar, Washington State Association for Justice, 2013
- Pierce County Washington Women Lawyers Member of the Year, 2010
- Rated 10/10 on avvo.com
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Washington State Association for Justice, Member, 2007 – Present
- Washington Women Lawyers, Member, 2008 – Present
- Pierce County Washington Women Lawyers, President, 2009 – 2010
- Washington State Association for Justice, CLE Committee, 2013 – 2015
- Washington State Association for Justice, Professional Development Committee, 2013 – 2014
- Kitsap County Bar Association, Secretary, 2013
- Kitsap County Washington Women Lawyers, Secretary, 2012 – 2013
- Washington State Association for Justice, Vice-President of New Members, 2012 – 2013
- Washington State Bar Association Young Lawyer Committee, Peninsula Trustee, 2012 – 2014
- Washington State Association for Justice, New Member Committee, 2009 – 2013
- Kitsap Young Lawyers, President, 2012 – Present
- Washington State Association for Justice, Vice Chair, 2012
- Kitsap County Bar Association, Trustee, 2012 -2013
Past Employment Positions
- Law Offices of C.J. McDonald, Managing Attorney, 2013 – 2014
- Law Offices of J. Michael Koch, Attorney, 2010 – 2013
- Connelly Law Offices, Attorney, 2007 – 2010
