Attorneys serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island

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John R. Gowell, Jr.

Partner

Office Phone: 401.831.8340
Location: Providence, RI
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Practice:

Bar Admissions:

Massachusetts
Rhode Island
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island

Experience:

Mr. Gowell concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, finance, banking and corporate law, and public law and finance. He has extensive experience in all aspects of real estate development and financing, commercial lending and finance and commercial and real estate loan workouts. He also has considerable experience in purchases and sales of companies, syndications, venture capital transactions, securities matters and general corporate law.

Among other things, Mr. Gowell has served as special counsel to the Governor and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation in connection with projects such as the Providence Place Mall and a major national financial services company in Smithfield, Rhode Island. As special counsel to the Governor and the Rhode Island Department of Administration, and as counsel to private developers, he has also worked on several public development and urban redevelopment projects.

Mr. Gowell is a listed bond counsel in the Bond Buyer "Red Book", and has served as issuer's counsel, bond counsel and underwriter's counsel in various public bond financing transactions.

He has represented many private developers and corporate clients in permitting, construction, leasing and financing transactions and in purchases and sales of office buildings, shopping centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other real estate assets.

Mr. Gowell has represented clients in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures of companies and divisions of companies, as well as in corporate lending transactions. He also has a significant practice representing clients with business interests in various marine industries.

Memberships:

Massachusetts Bar Association
National Association of Bond Lawyers
Rhode Island Bar Association
Chairman, East Greenwich Public Schools Facilities Committee
Brown University Civic Leadership Council
Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees
Board Member, GrowSmartRI

Additional Information:

Mr. Gowell is active in many community and charitable organizations, and is a past President of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and of The University Club of Providence. Currently, he is a member of the Board as well as Chair of the Building Committee of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School.
While at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. Gowell was a member of the Law Review.

Education:

J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1981
B.A., Trinity College, 1976

Awards:

Mr. Gowell is a recipient of the 8th Annual John Hazen White, Sr. Leadership Award. Selection is based on outstanding dedication and support of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School as well as dedication to the arts and cultural health of Rohde Island.
Rhode Island Super Lawyer in 2008 and 2007. The selection of attorneys is based on a poll and internal research done by Law & Politics Magazine and reviewed by an independent blue ribbon panel of their peers. Listed attorneys and finalists consist of the top 5% of attorneys in Rhode Island. The listing appeared in the November issue of Rhode Island Monthly and in New England Super Lawyers Magazine.

Quotes:

12/8/2008, Providence Business News - Slumping economy won’t block new school in E.G.
John R. Gowell Jr. was quoted extensively in the article highlighting his role with the East Greenwich School Building Committee and the school's ability to build during a difficult economic time.
2/18/2008, Providence Business News - As real estate market dips, new legal clashes arise
John R. Gowell Jr. was quoted extensively in the article focusing on the real estate landscape in Rhode Island.
5/1/2007, Soundings Magazine - A Welcome Mat for the Megayacht Crowd
Mr. Gowell was quoted in this story by Jason Fell.
3/12/2007, Providence Business News - Blighted waterfront land to become marina village
Mr. Gowell was quoted in this article by Nicole Dionne.
3/8/2007, EastBayRI.com - O'Neill: Build it and the megayachts will come
Mr. Gowell was quoted in this article.
3/7/2007, Newport Daily News - Developer has big plans for marina on island's west side
John Gowell was quoted in this article by Meaghan Wims, in reference to the Rhode Island marina deal.
3/5/2007, Forbes, Investors Business Daily - Fleet of 400-Foot Megayachts Headed to New England
John Gowell was quoted in this press release in reference to the Rhode Island marina deal, where O’Neill Properties Group purchased the former Hood Marina and plans to develop the state’s largest marina with room for mega-yachts, residences, shops and restaurants. This press release was picked up by both publications above.
2/1/2007, - - Chairman, East Greenwich Facilities Committee
Jay Gowell has been quoted in numerous articles regarding his involvement with the East Greenwich Facilities Committee, a committee created by the East Greenwich School Committee to to assist the committee with planning, construction, maintenance and reconstruction of school buildings and other facilities required for school purposes. Mr. Gowell is Chairman of the Facilities Committee. Some of the publications that have printed articles that Mr. Gowell has been quoted in are: The East Greenwich Pendulum, The Providence Journal, and the Northeast Independent.
1/18/2007, The East Greenwich Pendulum - Committee aims at Fall school bond referendum vote
Jay Gowell was quoted in this article by Heather Lightner. Mr. Gowell is the Chair of the East Greenwich Facilities Committee, which was formed by the School Committee to assist the committee with planning, construction, maintenance and reconstruction of school buildings and other facilities required for school purposes.
1/11/2007, The East Greenwich Pendulum - Facilities Committee taking close look at EG's school buildings
Jay Gowell was mentioned in this article for his role as Chairman of the East Greenwich Facilities Committee.
3/30/2006, The East Greenwich Pendulum - Committee studies options for Cole Middle School
Jay Gowell is the Chairman of the East Greenwich Facilities Committee and was quoted in this article by Heather M. Lightner regarding facilities improvements for Cole Middle School.
3/30/2006, Providence Journal - Board orders study of 'tired' local schools
Jay Gowell was quoted in this article by Peter C.T. Elsworth regarding the Cole Middle School. Mr Gowell is the chairman of the East Greenwich Facilities Committee.
2/7/2005, Providence Business News - "Lawmakers, Big Business Clash Over Eminent Domain"
Jay Gowell was quoted in this article. "We had to step in to intervene to keep these companies from leaving the state. It was a matter of millions of dollars."
7/30/2004, The Providence Journal - "Dow Closing Drug Plant in Smithfield"
John R. Gowell was quoted in this article by Andrea L. Stape.
8/9/2003, The Providence Journal - "Mollo gets Another Reprieve from State"
John R. Gowell was quoted in this article by Andrea L. Stape.
5/2/2003, The Providence Business Journal - "Joseph Mollo's Family Farm Has Been SPARED Now as The State Tries to Work Out a Sale Price"
Jay Gowell was quoted in this article by Andrea L. Stape.
4/27/2003, The Providence Sunday Journal - "This Thursday, Joe Mollo Could be Evicted for the Public Good"
Jay Gowell was quoted in this article by Andrea L. Stape.

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Recent Articles and Publications:

Don't let taxes decide your business' future
Providence Business News, June 15, 2009

Path to East Greenwich School Bond an Arduous Journey
White Paper, September / October 2008

Getting the most out of volunteer and charity work
Providence Business News, March 26, 2007

Speaking Engagements:

School to Career Happenings, 10.28.2008
Location: East Greenwich Public School, East Greenwich, RI
Role: Invited Speaker
Topic: Political Process of Getting a Bond Referendum on a Ballot

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