Dennis G. Cowan

Dennis G. Cowan is a former managing partner of the firm who currently serves as Plunkett Cooney’s Governmental Affairs Practice Group Leader and Co-leader of the Transactional Law Practice Group.

Mr. Cowan focuses his legal practice on obtaining governmental approvals for clients at the local, county and state levels. He has particular experience advocating on behalf of clients seeking zoning, site plan and other land use approvals. Mr. Cowan also represents clients before state administrative boards, as well as with the Michigan Attorney General's office. Additional areas of expertise include business and banking law.

In more than 30 years of practice, Mr. Cowan has been involved in some of the state’s largest and most significant business deals. Whether assisting with a bid to build a casino in Detroit, securing approvals for multi-million-dollar developments in suburban communities or assisting the creative financing package that made Detroit’s bankruptcy “Grand Bargain” possible in 2014, Mr. Cowan works tirelessly for his clients.

In December 2001, he 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 extensive experience as a public official, Mr. Cowan offers a unique perspective in advising clients on legal issues related to all levels of government.