During more than 25 years in real estate law, Kevin Cowan has seen the highs and lows of the commercial markets. His skill helps clients navigate these shifts with sound business principles: expand during the highs, hedge against the lows and protect company interests throughout. In a dynamic market like South Florida, this skill is an invaluable asset. Mr. Cowan is Co-Chairman of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. Among other awards, Mr. Cowan has been recognized as Top Dealmaker in the State of Florida for 2008 for $489 million UrbanAmerica transaction; included in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in Real Estate (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010); selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011); noted as Superior in the South Florida Business Journal (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008); and identified as a Florida Super Lawyer (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010).
Real Estate
Mr. Cowan’s depth of industry knowledge benefits companies in all phases of real estate. He counsels clients and structures contracts in development, financing, sale, acquisition, foreclosure, workouts, leases and land use. Developers rely on him, as well as finance and insurance firms like Prudential Insurance Company of America and Lehman Brothers. He also works with property owners to negotiate leases and supervise commercial lease teams.
Mr. Cowan's experience ranges from downtown office or anchor/tenant retail leases to $500 million mixed-use developments that include mega yacht marinas, hotels and retail space. He has worked on commercial ground leases and related financing, large-scale condominium developments (representing the financial partner or development partner), and institution-owned office complexes. He also advises clients with co-counsel on matters throughout the state of Florida.
Corporate Law
In addition to his legal support, Mr. Cowan uses a variety of resources to serve corporate clients. He offers extra analysis, tax counsel and planning to those who are in startups or mature ventures. His focuses on aiding individuals and medium-sized companies with negotiations, contracts and counsel for corporate, partnership and joint venture arrangements.
Clients
Representative clients include Taylor Land and Development, Flagstone Island Gardens, AXA Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, UrbanAmerica, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Lehman Brothers, Florida State Board of Administration, Bank of America, BAC Florida Bank, and domestic and foreign individuals investing in U.S. real property.
Background
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Cowan began his practice with Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker in Los Angeles, California in 1980. He relocated to Miami with Shutts & Bowen in 1983 and was elected partner in 1987. Mr. Cowan received his B.A. summa cum laude from Ohio State University and his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, where he was an Editor of the Emory Law Review. He also completed Real Estate Investment Analysis at the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School.
Education
- Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1980
Ohio State University, B.A., summa cum laude, English, 1977
Bar Admissions
- The Florida Bar
- California Bar
Languages
- Spanish
