Krista P. McDonald

Krista is a seasoned employment litigator and trusted counselor to employers navigating complex workforce challenges.

Krista represents employers in high-stakes disputes before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Her litigation practice includes restrictive covenants and trade secrets, discrimination and retaliation claims, wrongful termination, wage and hour matters, breach of contract and business torts. She brings a detail-oriented approach to every matter, with particular strengths in persuasive legal writing — from dispositive motions to appellate briefs — and in developing and executing case strategy that favorably positions clients at every stage of litigation. Krista has significant experience arguing substantive motions, preparing witnesses and conducting examinations in state and federal courts.

Beyond litigation, Krista brings the same rigor to her counseling practice. She advises clients on the employment dimensions of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and drafts employment agreements, workplace policies and compliance materials designed to keep businesses ahead of risk. She has also represented corporate and individual clients in sensitive internal and government investigations.

Krista strives to maintain an active pro bono practice and has appeared in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, where she argued on behalf of a client appealing his sentence in a wire and mail fraud case.

Prior to joining Fredrikson, she served as an attorney at major international law firms and as a law clerk to the Honorable Michael B. Brennan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Krista is licensed to practice in Illinois; Iowa license is pending.

Education

• University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D., 2015, cum laude
• Miami University, B.S. & B.A., 2012, cum laude

Admissions

• Iowa (Pending)
• Illinois, 2015

Clerkships

• Law Clerk, Honorable Michael B. Brennan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 2019-2020

• Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award, Northern District of Illinois, 2016
• Notre Dame Law School’s Edward F. Barrett Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy
• Blackstone Legal Fellow

Professional Activities

• University of Notre Dame Law School, Intensive Trial Advocacy Program, Visiting Faculty