The former chief of staff and legislative counsel to the New Jersey State Assembly majority whip has joined the ranks at McCarter & English LLP.

In an Aug. 10 press release, the Newark-based law firm welcomed Kenneth McPherson III as special counsel in the Real Estate Practice Group and as a member in the Government Affairs Practice Group.

As part of his practice, McPherson advises developers, businesses and property owners on local and state approvals necessary to move commercial and mixed-used projects from planning through development. He primarily focuses on navigating municipal land use and development matters, affordable housing initiatives, state economic development incentives and regulatory issues affecting projects in New Jersey.

McPherson also works with clients to obtain property tax exemptions and payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, programs.

McCarter & English Real Estate Practice co-Chair Simone Wilson-Brito said, “Ken’s arrival strengthens our ability to help clients navigate the increasingly complex land use and zoning and economic incentives approval processes critical to successful real estate development projects throughout New Jersey. His experience guiding projects through municipal approvals and regulatory requirements complements our existing capabilities and allows us to provide even broader strategic counsel to developers, property owners, and businesses.”

Through his government affairs work, McPherson represents clients in securing state and municipal licensing approvals for cannabis and alcoholic beverage operations, as well as addressing public records compliance, municipal ordinance violation matters and regulatory issues impacting transactions.

More about McPherson

McCarter & English Government Affairs Practice Partner Bill Palatucci shared, “Ken’s background really lies at the intersection of land use, development, and government affairs, providing clients with a practical perspective on navigating regulatory challenges. His experience complements our growing government affairs team and adds to our ability to advise clients on matters involving state and local government.”

McPherson’s background also includes serving as a member of and later counsel to the West Orange Planning Board. He has also sat on the Morristown Rent Leveling Board, the Morristown Environmental Commission and the Morristown Housing Authority.

A graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law and Seton Hall University, McPherson said, “What attracted me to McCarter was the opportunity to continue growing my land use practice while expanding my work in government affairs alongside lawyers I have long respected.”

He added, “The firm’s collaborative culture makes it easy to draw on the experience of colleagues, allowing us to deliver strategic, practical solutions for clients facing increasingly complex challenges.”