Kevin K. McDonnell – Top Attorney
Los Angeles, CA WW/Press/ – Kevin K. McDonnell, Partner at JMBM -Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, LLP is recognized and distinguished in the Top Attorneys of North America 2025-2026 edition.
Navigating the complex world of land use and construction regulation in California requires a unique blend of legal skill and technical knowledge. Attorney Kevin K. McDonnell possesses this rare combination, offering clients a distinct advantage rooted in his dual background in engineering and law. He supports developers, commercial and industrial property owners, and luxury homeowners through every stage of their projects, guiding them from initial zoning and entitlements to final occupancy.
Kevin’s professional journey sets him apart, as he is both a seasoned attorney and a registered Civil and Structural Engineer in California. His experience as a building official for the City of Los Angeles provided him with firsthand knowledge of municipal codes and regulatory processes, further enhancing his credibility and perspective when dealing with local government agencies. Before entering the legal profession, he had a successful career in engineering, gaining practical, hands-on experience in the built environment that deepened his understanding of the challenges his clients encounter. This means Kevin is not limited to interpreting the law in theory; he appreciates the physical, logistical, and structural realities of development and construction projects.
His ability to view issues through both legal and engineering lenses benefits his client representation. Over the course of his career, Kevin has handled hundreds of matters involving diverse projects such as multi-family residential buildings, commercial office towers, hotels and condo-hotels, retail and mixed-use developments, and luxury private residences. Because he is fluent in the language of both engineers and attorneys, he facilitates clearer communication, can anticipate roadblocks, and develops effective strategies tailored to each project. When disputes arise over building codes or zoning ordinances, he is able to analyze issues technically and craft persuasive legal arguments in response.
Across California’s stringent and often complicated regulatory landscape, Kevin works extensively with local governmental agencies on a wide range of land use and construction issues. He provides comprehensive support to his clients, which includes counseling on compliance to proactively prevent problems, representing them before government and regulatory bodies, and advocating in litigation and dispute resolution. Kevin’s familiarity with the workings of municipal departments, especially in Los Angeles, enables him to guide clients through complex regulatory requirements with confidence. His expertise in Zoning and Building Code applications and his track record of successful Code Enforcement advocacy ensure that projects proceed efficiently and within all necessary legal frameworks.
Kevin’s depth of professional knowledge is matched by an impressive educational record. He holds a Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law, earned in 1999, a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from California State University, Northridge, completed in 1992, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, obtained in 1986. His professional credentials include registration as a Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer in California. He is admitted to the State Bar of California and to practice before the U.S. District Court, Central District of California.
Further recognizing his contributions, the City of Los Angeles honored Kevin in 1997 with both the Mayor’s Office City Employees Appreciation Award and the Productivity Commission Productivity Award, which highlight his dedication and impact during his public service career.
For developers and property owners in California, Kevin K. McDonnell provides more than legal representation; he delivers a strategic partnership built on decades of experience from both sides of the regulatory table. His unique skill at blending engineering principles with legal strategy makes him a powerful advocate for clients facing the challenges of land use, zoning, and construction law. By ensuring compliance and efficiently resolving disputes, Kevin helps turn ambitious project visions into successful realities.
The Top Attorneys of North America, a New York based publication, distinguishes and profiles leading attorneys who have reached a recognizable degree of success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of the accomplishments within the North American legal community.
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