Carter N. McDowell

Partner
305-350-2355
Area of Focus: Land Development & Government Relations
"[He] is incredibly effective in understanding sophisticated regulatory systems."
- Chambers USA source
Carter N. McDowell
Partner
305-350-2355
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
  • PRACTICES
GET TO KNOW CARTER

A former city manager as well as a planning and building director, Carter draws on his government experience when advising clients spanning from Florida to Connecticut. Carter has extensive experience with mixed-use waterfront developments, including marinas and hospitality projects.

Carter is the lawyer developers hire when their projects intersect with government. Whether it is a public-private partnership, acquiring and redeveloping property, or building a seaside resort, Carter guides his clients through every aspect of working with all levels of government.


EXPERIENCE
INSIGHTS
CREDENTIALS
  • University of Miami, J.D., University of Miami Law Review, cum laude, 1986
    University of Florida, M.A., Urban and Regional Planning, Phi Beta Kappa, 1979
    Harvard University, B.A., cum laude, 1975
  • American Institute of Certified Planners
    American Planning Association
    Builders Association of South Florida
    2011 - Present
    Dade County Bar Association
    Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC)
    Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
    Pillar Member
    South Miami-Dade Watershed Taskforce
    University of Florida
    Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Advisory Council
    Urban Land Institute (ULI)
  • Florida
  • Band 2, Chambers USA, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, 2006 - present

    Tier 1, The Legal 500, U.S. City Elite, Real Estate, 2026

    The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year - Land Use and Zoning Law, 2020 - present 

    Martindale-Hubbell™, Top Rated Lawyer in Land Use & Zoning, 2013

    The Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law, Land Use & Zoning Law, 2005 - present

    Daily Business Review, Top Dealmakers of the Year - Hotels, 2013

    Florida Super Lawyers, 2006 - 2019

    South Florida Legal Guide, Top Lawyers, 2014 - present

    Legal 500, Real Estate - Land Use & Zoning, 2007, 2009, 2011

    Builders Association of South Florida, Associate of the Year, 2007

    Builders Association of South Florida, Presidents Award, 2005

    Florida Trend's Legal Elite, 2005

    AV® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell