Mr. McGowan is dedicated to advocating for marginalized individuals and communities. He graduated law school with an appetite to use the law to affect positive social change, influenced heavily by his experience advocating for community members entangled in the criminal justice system. Throughout his legal education, Mr. McGowan has worked closely with individuals, including young adults and adolescents, at all stages of criminal proceedings, including reentry into the community.  These experiences informed his understanding of how bias and outright discrimination often have a generational impact on people's lives.  Mr. McGowan believes the only way to combat these destructive forces is to ensure equitable opportunities for income, career growth, and wealth for everyone regardless of race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, or ability.  By advocating for workers through the courts or through alternative means of dispute resolution, Mr. McGowan strives to empower those marginalized community members to put an end to exploitation, harassment, retaliation, and otherwise disparate treatment in the workplace.

Mr. McGowan graduated from Seattle University School of Law in December 2019.  During his time at Seattle University, he completed a dual Juris Doctorate and Master of Sports Administration program, graduating cum laude.  His business background and experience fighting for marginalized community members' civil rights make him uniquely suited to handle many types of employment disputes.  Upon graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Anita L. Farris, Snohomish County Superior Court Judge.  Working at the Superior Court at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic forced Mr. McGowan to innovate and integrate a multitude of new protocols in order to operate.  This required flexibility, patience, and a willingness and ability to assist others that informs his practice today.

Mr. McGowan joined Dethlefs Sparwasser Reich Dickerson in 2021 where he provides counsel to individuals and small businesses in a variety of business contexts including employment disputes, securities fraud, broker-dealer misconduct, and personal injury matters. He has successfully arbitrated cases involving broker-dealer misconduct, as well as contributed to the negotiated settlement of numerous disputes involving unlawful acts arising from workplace discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, and wage violations.

When Mr. McGowan isn't practicing law, he likes to play strategy games and read about history, sociology, and economics.  He also enjoys getting lots of exercise including playing sports, practicing yoga, and taking long walks with his partner and dogs.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Administrative Hearings

• Consumer Protection Litigation

• Employment

• Employment Disputes and Litigation

• FINRA Arbitrations

• General Civil and Commercial Litigation

• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

• Securities Litigation

• Wage and Hour Litigation

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science, Finance, The College of New Jersey, 2009.

• Master of Sports Business Leadership, Seattle University, 2019.

• Juris Doctor, Seattle University School of Law, 2019.

ADMISSIONS

• Washington State Bar

• United States Court Western District of Washington

AWARDS

• Graduated Cum Laude

• CALI Excellence for the Future Awards

MEMBERSHIPS

• Snohomish County Bar Association

• Washington State Bar Association