Richard Arthur McDonald
Stoner Carlson LLP | Carlson & Nicholas, LLP • Pasadena, CA
L Use ZoningBusiness LitigationClass ActionsGeneral PracticeInsurance
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Contact
Email
rmcdonald@carlsonnicholas.com
Phone
Address
140 S Lake Ave Ste 251, Pasadena, CA, 91101-4722, US
Professional
About
Richard Arthur McDonald is a seasoned attorney based in Pasadena, CA, specializing in a diverse array of legal fields, including business litigation, class actions, general practice, insurance, personal injury, and real estate. As a key member of Stoner Carlson LLP and Carlson & Nicholas, LLP, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his clients, representing property owners, developers, neighborhood associations, and both midsize and large companies across Southern California. Renowned for his expertise in land-use, zoning, commercial, environmental, and appellate law, Richard has successfully handled numerous complex business litigation cases and class actions. He serves as lead trial and appellate counsel in traditional and administrative writ of mandamus proceedings, arbitrations, and private attorney general actions. His comprehensive land use practice includes managing all CEQA, planning, zoning, and entitlement processes required by local, county, and state authorities. Richard's notable projects in Pasadena feature significant developments such as the restoration of the Constance Hotel and the YWCA Julia Morgan Building, as well as the Marriott Residence Inn and the Crown City Medical Building. His litigation accomplishments include successfully prosecuting a CEQA and land use trial against the City of Brea and defending a $45 million class action lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. He has also achieved victories in high-stakes arbitrations and class actions, including a $75 million licensing case and a $40 million securities fraud action in federal court. An accomplished appellate attorney, Richard boasts several influential decisions in California, including Harper v. 24 Hour Fitness and Mount Olympus Property Owners Association v. Shpirt. Richard earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in 1986, where he externed for Justice Otto Kaus of the California Supreme Court. He also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, alongside studies at Worcester College, Oxford University.
About L Use Zoning Law
Land use and zoning attorneys help property owners navigate regulations affecting how land can be used and developed. They handle permits, variances, and disputes. Common matters include zoning variances, land use permits, development approvals, property disputes.
Credentials
Education
1986 Loyola Law School JD - Juris Doctor 1981 University of Southern California MA - Masters 1981 University of Southern California MPA 1979 University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Languages
English | Spanish
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
2016 Best of Pasadena - Best Attorney, Pasadena Magazine
Publications
1987 Practicing Law Institute: (Commercial Law and Practice, Course Handbook Series No. 420 (February 2, 1987). Processing First-Party Claims Under Special/High Risk Corporate Insurance Policies: A Method for Preventing Claims of Bad Faith 1986 The Supreme Court Project: Backgrounder No. 5 A Foray In Judicial Policy Making: The Wellenkamp Decision
Associations
2017 - Present South Lake Business District Association Board of Directors 2008 - Present Pasadena Bar Association, Real Estate and Litigation Sections Member 2011 - 2012 City of Pasadena Redistricting Task Force Vice Chairman 2009 - 2010 City of Pasadena Planning Commission Chairman 2009 - 2014 South Lake Avenue Business District Association Board of Directors
Speaking
2014 University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy Entitlement Process II – Local Government Structure, Approval Process, and Legal Framework 2009 Pasadena Bar Association Real Estate Section MCLE Program Get The Update on the Update: Pasadena’s General Plan Update 2004 Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro LLP Litigation Department Continuing Education Program Recent Developments Under BP 17200
Other L Use Zoning Attorneys in Pasadena, CA
Updated: Jun 08, 2026