Dennis G. Cowan

Dennis G. Cowan currently serves as Plunkett Cooney’s Business Law Department Leader.  He focuses his individual practice primarily on assisting clients in obtaining governmental approvals at the local, county and state levels.  Mr. Cowan specializes in advocating for clients in their zoning, site plan and other land use requests.  He has also represented clients before state administrative boards.

In December 2001, Mr. Cowan completed 14 years of service on the Royal Oak City Commission.  After six years as a City Commissioner, he was elected and served four consecutive two-year terms (1993-2001) as Royal Oak Mayor. As a result of his experience as a public official, Mr. Cowan offers a unique perspective in advising clients on legal issues related to all levels of government.

In 2004, Mr. Cowan was elected Chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party for a two-year term.  He was re-elected to that post and will serve through the 2008 election year.

Representative Client Work

• Coordinated municipal approval efforts of $350,000,000 hospital project.
• Represented corporate clients during State Attorney General investigation.
• Represented national gaming operator in Detroit casino bidding process.
• Provides regular advice and counsel on land use matters for bank branch expansion program.
• Represented commercial landowners in annexation process and litigation.
• Headed legal team in client effort to stop state-wide ballot proposal.

Professional Affiliations

• Oakland County Bar Association
• State Bar of Michigan (Real Property Law, Corporation and Business Law, and Public Corporations Law sections)
• American Bar Association (Corporate, Banking and Business Law Section)  

Public Service

• State of Michigan Building Authority (2002 – 2006)
  (Appointed by Governor Engler, March 2002)
• Member, Attorney General Mike Cox Transition Team (2002)
• Mayor, Royal Oak, 1993 - 2001
• City Commissioner, Royal Oak, 1987 – 1993
  Mayor Pro Tem, 1989-1991
  Member, Chamber of Commerce Liaison Committee
  Member, I-696/Woodward Developer Selection Committee
• Member, Royal Oak Plan Commission, 1993 - 2001
• Chairman, Royal Oak Solid Waste/Recycling Committee (1990-1991)
• Vice Chairman, Woodward Avenue Action Association (1999-2001)
• Member, State of Michigan Site Review Board
  (Appointed by Governor Engler, March, 1993)

Community Involvement

• Chairman, Oakland County Republican Party (2004-Present)
• Walsh College Foundation (Board of Trustees, 2004-Present)
• Ticker Club, Inc. – Children’s Hospital of Michigan (Board of Directors, 1987)
• Notre Dame High School Alumni Association
• Royal Oak Children’s Choir (Board of Directors, 2002-2005)
• Royal Oak Optimist Club
• Royal Oak Youth Assistance Committee
• Boys’ and Girls’ Club of South Oakland County (Board of Directors, 1989 - 2001)
• Walsh College Presidents Advisory Council (2002-Present)
• University of Massachusetts Alumni Association
• Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites  

Publications, Lectures and Awards

• “Powering your Community’s Future/How to Ensure the Best Utility Infrastructure,” Michigan Municipal League Annual Convention, Dearborn, MI, September, 2002
• “Home Rule for Cities and Senate Bill 653,” Michigan Municipal League Legislative Conference, February 1996
• “Dealing With Governmental Entities in the Buying and Selling of Real Estate,” Homeward Bound Seminar, Real Property Section, State Bar of Michigan, Grand Rapids and Troy, November, 1990

News

• Plunkett Cooney Attorneys Named 2007 Michigan 'Super Lawyers'