Patrick C. McDonnell
Attorney
Education
University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law
Juris Doctorate
2013
The University of Texas at El Paso
B.A. Mass Communication & Print Journalism
1992
Admissions
Nevada | 2013
U.S. Supreme Court | 2016
Practice Areas
Languages
English
Patrick C. McDonnell is an experienced litigator at Michaelson Law, specializing in general civil and commercial litigation in Nevada’s state and federal courts. He has successfully represented clients in a wide range of disputes and has the distinction of taking a case to federal trial.
Before pursuing his legal career, Patrick was an award-winning investigative newspaper reporter and editor, a background that honed his analytical and communication skills. He graduated cum laude from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, earning a place on the Dean’s Honor List and serving as the lead articles editor for the Nevada Law Journal. Patrick was recognized with the Carl W. Tobias Award for Excellence in Writing and received CALI awards for achieving the highest grades in Pretrial Litigation, Criminal Procedure-Adjudication, and Settling Legal Disputes.
While in law school, Patrick gained valuable hands-on experience as a mediator and as a full-time extern for Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Kenneth C. Cory, where he effectively served as an assistant law clerk. He also clerked for a local personal injury firm, a national trial firm, and a general civil practice firm, preparing him for his current role as a litigator.
Patrick’s dedication to his clients and his legal expertise have earned him significant recognition, including being named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Legal Elite, and Super Lawyers Mountain States Rising Star.
When he’s not in the courtroom, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys playing guitar, hunting, hiking, skiing, and other recreational activities.
Awards & Recognition
Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch | Best Lawyers
2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Legal Elite | Nevada Business Magazine
2018, 2020
Pulitzer Prize for Community Service | Pulitzer Prize Board
2009
Super Lawyer – Rising Stars| Super Lawyers
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Top Lawyer | Vegas, Inc.
2024
Top Rated Lawyer | Avvo
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024