Margaret C. McDonald

she/her/hers

Partner

Los Angeles

Margaret is a partner in the Insurance Recovery Group, where she advises clients on a variety of insurance issues. She is an experienced litigator and has worked on a wide range of coverage disputes. Margaret has actively participated in all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation ADR to cross-examinations at trial. Her insurance experience includes representing clients in disputes involving D&O, EPL, CGL, property, and mortgage insurance, among others. Margaret also maintains an active pro bono practice and has successfully represented clients in special immigrant juvenile status and asylum proceedings.

Experience

Representative matters

Successfully defended hospitality entity against multiple motions to dismiss in COVID-19 litigation over nine-figure insurance claim
Represented mortgage servicers in a number of disputes with mortgage insurers over claims stemming from the Great Recession
Represented a variety of entities, both public and private, in environmental coverage disputes with losses ranging up to the eight figures and often involving historic insurance programs

Recognitions

  • Winner of 2025 Business Insurance Break Out Award
  • Selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch list for Insurance Law, 2023-2025, and for Commercial Litigation, 2024-2025

Credentials

Education

  • Notre Dame Law School, 2015, J.D., magna cum laude
  • University of San Francisco, 2010, B.A., cum laude

Professional admissions & qualifications

  • California

Court admissions

  • U.S. District Court - Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California

News

Media mentions

Blogs