Michael D. McDonald

Michael (he/him) is a lawyer at Overholt Law LLP, joining the firm as an Associate in August 2025. He practices in all of the firm’s core practice areas including labour & employment, human rights, professional regulation, and privacy law, along with commercial litigation. He also practices in administrative law and public and constitutional law. Michael has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia, and has experience with the conduct of judicial review and appellate litigation.  

Michael clerked for two justices at the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and, upon being called to the bar in 2024, worked as auxiliary Crown Counsel in the criminal appeals branch of the BC Prosecution Service, and subsequently as Legal Counsel at the BC Ministry of Attorney General where he maintained a broad civil litigation and administrative law practice.

Michael adopts a client-centred approach to legal problems. He believes that a tailored interpersonal communication style with clients and opposing parties alike can resolve many legal issues before the commencement of litigation. If litigation is unavoidable, Michael leverages his strong written and oral advocacy skills to deliver the best results for our clients.

Michael actively contributes to pro bono initiatives through involvement with Access Pro Bono and QMUNITY’s 2SLGBTQIA+ legal clinic. As a first-generation lawyer, he believes deeply in mentorship and giving back to students interested in pursuing legal careers. He actively supports students as they navigate application to law school and ultimately entry to the profession. Michael has also guest lectured on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at the Peter A. Allard School of Law’s Master of Laws (Common Law) Program. He also volunteers his time as a judge in the Allard first-year moot.

Michael is a graduate of the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law. He also holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Victoria. Michael wrote his Master’s thesis on the Government of Canada’s 2017 apology to 2SLGBTQ+ communities. He has previously interned at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and worked in federal politics. He continues to volunteer in federal politics.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys cycling along Vancouver’s beautiful oceanfront, checking out the latest hit movies and tv shows, and sharing a glass of wine or some craft beer with friends.