As an amateur race car driver, one of the most critical skills I’ve honed is situational awareness, which requires being prepared for rapid changes in the surrounding environment that often come from every direction. I believe that the best lawyers should utilize similar skills, and must always be cognizant of the big picture context and potential pitfalls that surround a particular matter, while simultaneously keeping an eye on the smaller details that will equally impact the matter’s outcome. I make this approach a priority, both behind the wheel and behind my desk.
Mr. McGowan focuses his practice in the area of real estate law. His experience encompasses all aspects of development, redevelopment, land use and zoning, real property transactions, project financing, and the representation of clients on issues related to property management, landlord-tenant matters, and day-to-day business counseling. He also serves as counsel to one of the major sewerage authorities in the state and has previously served as counsel to other public entities.
In addition to his experience as an attorney in private practice, Mr. McGowan previously served in an in-house legal capacity for a leading New Jersey based commercial developer. In his role as Vice-President of Development and Legal Affairs, he oversaw the development of numerous multi-family residential, retail and warehouse projects, and also assisted the company in navigating a broad range of legal and business challenges. Through this experience, he has acquired a unique perspective and deep understanding of the issues faced by commercial real estate developers and redevelopers, enabling him to take a business-oriented approach to his work on behalf of clients.
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Honors & Awards
- Selected for inclusion in 2024 by NJBIZ on a list called “Leaders in Law”
Please visit our Award Methodology page for a description of the standard or methodology on which these accolades are based. Attorney Advertising: No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Uniquely NJ
- New Jersey State Bar Association; Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section, Board of Consultors
- NAIOP New Jersey
- New Jersey Builders Association
- Citizens Bank, Advisory Board
- Caldwell Historical Commission
- Graduate Certificate in Construction Management from NJIT
Presentations & Speaking Engagements
- Panelist and Lecturer, Land Use and Zoning in New Jersey: From Application to AppealSponsor: National Business Institute, December 13, 2024
- Panelist, Hot Topics in Commercial Real EstateSponsor: New Jersey State Bar Association , May 16, 2024
- Panelist, 2024 Real Estate ConferenceSponsor: New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, April 18, 2024
- Panelist, Financing ProgramsSponsor: Atlantic Builders Convention, March 21, 2024
- Panelist, Legal Trends in Land Use LawSponsor: Atlantic Builders Convention, March 29, 2023
- Sponsor: Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP, April 27, 2022
- Sponsor: Strafford, February 23, 2022
- Panelist, Legal Trends in Land Use LawSponsor: Atlantic Builders Convention, October 12, 2021
Publications & Alerts
- Author, 2024 Market ForecastReal Estate New Jersey, January 2024
- Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP Client Alert, June 9, 2023
- Law360 Pulse, February 10, 2023
- Law360 Pulse, January 11, 2023
News
Departments
Education
Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D., 2005
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, B.A., 2002
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey, 2005
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, 2005
Clerkships
- Former law clerk to The Honorable Harriet F. Klein, Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County, Chancery Division (2005-2006)