McCarter & English today announced that Kenneth D. McPherson III has joined the firm as Special Counsel in its Newark office as a member of the firm's Real Estate Practice Group. McPherson’s practice focuses on land use, zoning and redevelopment. McPherson will also join the firm’s Government Affairs Practice Group.

McPherson advises developers, businesses and property owners on the local and state approvals needed to move commercial and mixed-use projects from planning through development. His practice focuses on navigating municipal land use and development matters, affordable housing initiatives, state economic development incentives and regulatory issues affecting projects throughout New Jersey. He regularly appears before planning and zoning boards, helping clients obtain approvals for residential, industrial, retail and senior living developments while advising on the governmental and regulatory issues that accompany those projects. He also advises clients on obtaining approvals for property tax exemptions and payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) programs.

"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," said Simone Wilson-Brito, co-chair of McCarter's Real Estate Practice Group. "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."

In addition to his land use practice, McPherson handles government affairs matters, including representing clients in obtaining 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 certain transactions, such as those involving state licensing of healthcare facilities and flood risk disclosure obligations.

Before entering private practice, McPherson served as Chief of Staff & Legislative Counsel to the Majority Whip of the New Jersey General Assembly, where he gained firsthand experience with the legislative process and state government, which continues to inform his government affairs work. During his career, he also served as a member of and later counsel to the Planning Board for the Township of West Orange and served on the Morristown Rent Leveling Board, the Morristown Environmental Commission, and the Morristown Housing Authority.

"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," said McCarter Government Affairs partner Bill Palatucci. "His experience complements our growing government affairs team and adds to our ability to advise clients on matters involving state and local government."

"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," McPherson said. "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."

McPherson received his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and his B.A. from Seton Hall University. He has been recognized in Insider NJ’s 2025 "Insider 100: Legal Power List" and is listed on the New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in Real Estate.

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