Crystal McDonough Now Licensed to Practice Law in Idaho

McDonough Law Group is pleased to announce that founder and attorney Crystal J. McDonough is now licensed to practice law in Idaho, further expanding the firm’s ability to serve clients throughout the West. Crystal joins Marc Summers as another licensed Idaho attorney at McDonough Law Group and looks forward to working more closely with individuals, families, and businesses across the state. McDonough Law Group maintains offices in Meridian, Idaho and Dover, Idaho (Northern Idaho). Virtual appointments are also available for clients across Idaho.

As founder of McDonough Law Group, Crystal has built a reputation for helping clients navigate complex legal matters involving business and corporate law, tax law, energy and natural resources, and succession planning. “Idaho is a growing state with tremendous opportunities for businesses, families, and entrepreneurs,” said Crystal. “I’m excited to expand my practice into Idaho and spend more time in our Meridian and Dover offices while building relationships with clients throughout the state.”

To learn more about McDonough Law Group’s Idaho legal services or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.

Morton Law Office Joins McDonough Law Group, Expanding Legal Services in Hardin, Montana

Longtime Hardin Attorney Continues Service While Gaining Access to Expanded Resources

Morton Law Office (Natasha J. Morton, P.C.) has officially become part of McDonough Law Group, a full-service law firm with offices and licensed attorneys across the Rocky Mountain region. Natasha J. Morton, who has been practicing law in Hardin for more than 40 years, will continue serving clients as part of McDonough Law Group. The transition ensures that clients will continue to receive the trusted legal service they have relied on for decades while gaining access to a broader range of legal resources.

A graduate of the University of Montana School of Law, Natasha has built a respected practice rooted in deep community relationships and commitment to her clients. “I’m excited to join McDonough Law Group and to continue serving the Hardin community,” said Morton. “This transition allows me to offer my clients the benefits of a full-service law firm with attorneys across the western United States, while maintaining the personal service they’ve come to expect.”

The Hardin office will remain at 502 N Crow Ave, Hardin, MT, ensuring continuity and convenience for local clients. In addition, McDonough Law Group attorney Donna Bakalor will also practice out of the Hardin office and will be available for both in-person and virtual appointments, expanding accessibility and service offerings.

“We are honored to welcome Natasha to the firm,” said McDonough Law Group founder and owner, Attorney Crystal J. McDonough. “Her extensive experience and deep roots in the Hardin community make her an incredible addition to our team. We look forward to building on the strong foundation she has created and continuing to serve clients in Montana.”

With the addition of the Hardin office, McDonough Law Group continues its growth throughout the western United States. The firm has attorneys licensed in Colorado, Wyoming, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah, New Mexico, Washington, New York, Texas, and Guam, and provides services across numerous practice areas including energy and natural resources, water law, tax law, estate planning, business and corporate law, equine law, family law, personal injury, litigation, trademarks, real estate, and sports law.

Sports Law: Protecting Athletes On and Off the Field

The world of sports is not just about competition, it’s a business. From professional athletes to collegiate competitors, today’s athletes must navigate contracts, endorsements, branding opportunities, and financial decisions that can have long-term impacts on their careers, their lives and their families. At McDonough Law Group, our Sports Law practice is designed to provide practical, strategic guidance that helps athletes protect their interests and plan for the future.

Our team assists with a wide range of sports-related legal needs, including contract review and negotiation, endorsement and sponsorship agreements, business formation, and dispute resolution. We also help athletes protect and grow their personal brands through trademark registration and licensing, ensuring their name, image, and likeness are properly safeguarded. Beyond the playing field, we provide guidance on estate planning, asset protection, and long-term financial strategies tailored to each client’s goals.

For example, a college athlete entering into a name, image, and likeness endorsement deal may need help reviewing contract terms to ensure fair compensation, protect their rights, and avoid restrictive provisions that could limit future opportunities. Having experienced legal counsel involved early can make a significant difference in protecting both short-term earnings and long-term career flexibility.

Similarly, athletes who are building a personal brand may want to trademark their name, logo, or slogan. Our team can guide them through the trademark process, helping ensure their brand is protected as they grow their presence through sponsorships, merchandise, and media opportunities. This type of protection is critical in today’s evolving sports landscape.

D. Scott Slawson brings a background in sports law, including a Certificate of Specialization in Sports Law from Tulane Law School. He works with athletes on contract negotiations, endorsements, and the unique legal challenges that arise in the sports industry. With a strong understanding of both the legal and business sides of athletics, Scott helps clients make informed decisions that protect their careers and professional interests.

We also work closely with athletes on strategic tax planning. With income often coming from multiple sources, contracts, endorsements, appearances, and business ventures, tax obligations can quickly become complex. Crystal J. McDonough provides tailored tax strategies to help athletes manage their obligations, protect their assets, and plan for long-term financial stability during and after their careers.

At McDonough Law Group, we understand that athletes are not only competitors, they are also business professionals building a future. Our goal is to provide the legal foundation that allows our clients to focus on performance while we help protect and grow what they’ve worked so hard to achieve.

McDonough Law Group Adds Castle Rock Office

McDonough Law Group is proud to announce the opening of our new office in Castle Rock, Colorado. Located on the first floor at 103 Fourth Street, Suite 120, our office is conveniently situated near the main entrance of the building, with free street parking available. This new location allows us to better serve clients in Castle Rock and the surrounding communities with convenient, local access to legal services.

As a full-service law firm, we offer a wide range of legal support, including estate planning, business and corporate law, tax law, real estate, and more. Our team is committed to providing practical, straightforward guidance tailored to each client’s needs, whether you are planning for the future, growing a business, or navigating complex legal matters.

We understand that flexibility is important, which is why we offer both in-person appointments at our Castle Rock office and virtual meetings for your convenience. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to access experienced legal counsel in a way that works best for your schedule.

We are excited about this expansion and look forward to serving not only Castle Rock, but also the surrounding communities of Castle Pines, Parker, Elizabeth, Monument, Larkspur, and beyond. We invite you to reach out to schedule an appointment and learn how McDonough Law Group can support your legal needs.

Gubbels Law Office Joins McDonough Law Group, Expanding Legal Services in Castle Rock

Longtime Castle Rock Law Office Joins Multi-State Firm While Continuing Its Legacy of Community Service

After nearly four decades of serving the Castle Rock community, Gubbels Law Office has officially become part of McDonough Law Group, a full-service law firm with offices and licensed attorneys across the United States. The transition ensures that clients will continue to receive the trusted legal service they have relied on for years while gaining access to a broader range of legal resources.

Attorney Darrell J. Gubbels founded Gubbels Law Office in Castle Rock in 1986 and has been a respected member of the local legal and civic community ever since. Darrell will remain with the firm through the end of 2026, when he plans to retire after more than 45 years of practicing law. Throughout his career, he has helped generations of clients with estate planning, real estate matters, and other legal needs.

“Serving the Castle Rock community has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Gubbels. “I am grateful for the trust so many clients have placed in me over the years. Joining McDonough Law Group ensures our clients will continue to receive excellent service and expanded legal support for years to come.”

Attorney Jaime L. Stewart, who has worked alongside Gubbels for over 20 years, will continue serving clients as part of McDonough Law Group. Jaime focuses her practice on estate planning, probate, real estate, guardianship, and conservatorship matters and looks forward to continuing her work with both long-time and new clients.

With the addition of the Castle Rock office, McDonough Law Group continues its growth throughout the western United States. The firm has attorneys licensed in Colorado, Wyoming, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah, New Mexico, Washington, New York, Texas, and Guam, and provides services across numerous practice areas including water law, tax law, estate planning, business and corporate law, energy and natural resources, equine law, family law, personal injury, litigation, trademarks, real estate, and sports law.

“We are thrilled to become part of the Castle Rock community and to build on the legacy that Darrell Gubbels has established here,” said Crystal J. McDonough, founder of McDonough Law Group. “Our goal is to continue providing the same trusted local service while expanding the legal resources available to clients.”

For more information about McDonough Law Group or the Castle Rock office, please contact the office directly at: 303-688-1655.

Protecting Your Pets Through Estate Planning

For many people, pets are family. Yet when it comes to estate planning, beloved dogs, cats, horses, and other animals are often overlooked. If something unexpected happens, important questions arise: Who will take care of your pets? Where will they live? Will their new caregiver have the resources to properly care for them? Without clear planning, these decisions may be left to the courts or to family members who may be unprepared—or unwilling—to step in.

Including pets in your will or estate plan allows you to choose a trusted caregiver and clearly outline your wishes. You can specify who should take your pets, where they should live, and the type of care they should receive. This ensures your pets are placed in a stable, loving environment rather than facing uncertainty or placement in a shelter.

Funding is another critical consideration. Pets come with ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, grooming, and boarding. By setting aside funds through a will or a pet trust, you help ensure that your chosen caregiver has the financial support needed to care for your pets without added burden. Thoughtful planning can also account for pets with special medical or long-term care needs.

Your estate plan should reflect what matters most to you—and for many, that includes their “fur babies.” Taking the time now to include your pets in your planning provides peace of mind, knowing they will be loved and cared for no matter what the future holds.

Call the McDonough Law Group office to schedule a time to either create or update your will or estate plan to include your beloved pets.