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Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania State University, J.D. 1978
Williams College, B.A. 1975

Judicial Clerk for Hon. Merritt Lane, Jr., A.J.S.C.,(dec.)

Admitted to New Jersey Bar, 1978

After his clerkship, Mr. McGowan went to work for a private insurance defense firm founded in the 1960's by his father, the Hon. M. Raymond McGowan, A.J.S.C.(dec.). Father and son enjoyed five years of working together upon the elder McGowan's retirement from the bench. Subsequently, Martin moved to a land use firm, not only to capitalize on his Prerogative Writ background with Judge Lane, but also to handle that firm's Personal Injury caseload. As Plaintiff's Counsel, Martin obtained one of the earliest Green v. Bittner verdicts in Monmouth County on behalf of the parents of a twenty-three year old offspring killed in a tragic auto accident involving a drunk driver. Martin also represented various developers and national chains with respect to site plan and subdivision approvals in and around the Monmouth/Ocean County area.

Thereafter, Martin returned to the negligence defense field, managing an Ocean County firm's North Jersey JUA/MTF office. Martin was also personally responsible for that office's construction, premises liability and product liability files, until joining Methfessel & Werbel a decade ago.

Mr. McGowan specializes in the fields of professional liability, toxic tort, fire, premises, construction and auto liability. He is also experienced in the handling of third party coverage defense matters. Mr. McGowan has tried to conclusion well over sixty matters in his career. As Counsel to the firm, Mr. McGowan provides advice and mentoring to the younger associates in addition to managing his own trial calendar. Mr. McGowan is also a court appointed arbitrator in Monmouth County.