By Joshua Burd
Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP has named Sean R. McGowan as the new co-chair of its real estate department.
McGowan, a partner based in the firm’s Roseland office, assumes the role alongside longtime practice leader Jack Fersko. He comes to the post with experience that encompasses all aspects of development, redevelopment, land use and zoning, real property transactions, project financing and the representation of clients in issues related to property management, landlord-tenant matters and day-to-day business counseling.
The move was effective Jan. 1.
“I am honored to be the new co-chair of Greenbaum’s esteemed real estate practice and excited to stand alongside my partner Jack Fersko, who does a tremendous job in leading one of the firm’s key departments,” McGowan said. “I look forward to learning from and working with Jack in my new role to ensure that our team continues to meet the needs of our clients and to further Greenbaum’s outstanding legacy of leadership in the real estate sector.”
In addition to his private practice, McGowan is a former vice president of development and legal affairs for a leading New Jersey-based commercial developer, where he oversaw the development of multifamily, retail and warehouse projects and assisted the company in navigating a broad range of legal and business challenges, according to a news release. Greenbaum said that allowed him to acquire a unique perspective and deep understanding of the issues faced by commercial real estate developers and redevelopers.
McGowan is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Real Property Trust and Estate Law Section and serves on several local boards and commissions, as well as on the advisory board of Citizens Bank.
“Sean is a valued member of the firm’s ‘next generation’ of very talented attorneys, and I’ll be working closely with him to lead the department and serve our clients,” Fersko said. “He has a remarkable depth of experience in all facets of sophisticated transactional real estate, demonstrates great judgment, is an excellent mentor for younger associates of the firm, and is truly dedicated to Greenbaum’s continued success and future growth.”
The firm this month also announced that it has promoted Michael J. Coskey, a member of its real estate and redevelopment and land use departments, to counsel as of Jan. 1. Based in its Red Bank office, he represents clients in real estate transactions, litigation and land use matters, concentrating his practice in the sale and leasing of commercial and multifamily residential properties and the development and redevelopment of real estate.
Additionally, Coskey represents clients before municipal land use boards and governing bodies and has experience overseeing and coordinating title disputes and drafting easements, restrictive covenants and other operational and organizational documents on behalf of business and property owners. He also has significant experience representing litigants in complex property tax appeals, including those involving casinos, office complexes, corporate headquarters, industrial facilities, oil refineries, gas stations, warehouses, hotels, banks, telecommunication facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, apartment buildings and condominiums.
Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Coskey worked for a midsized New Jersey law firm counseling governmental entities on a variety of issues arising under Title 40 and 40A, the Municipal Land Use Law, the Open Public Records Act, the Open Public Meetings Act, the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, the Green and Blue Acres Open Space programs, along with compliance under New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
