Kieran M. Dowling

Attorney

Kieran M. Dowling

Of Counsel :

Kieran M. Dowling brings an extensive litigation background to Castronovo & McKinney, LLC’s labor and employment practice. He focuses on protecting employee rights and navigating the complexities of workplace law, representing individuals in both federal and state courts. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York, and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Kieran has been selected by his peers to the Super Lawyer Rising Stars and Super Lawyer lists.

Kieran litigates a broad range of federal and state labor and employment disputes, including civil rights violations, whistleblower actions, and discrimination claims under statutes like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). His practice also covers New Jersey-specific statutes, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), where he handles claims of discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), age, and disability, as well as retaliation for engaging in protected activity. He also litigates claims under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) and New Jersey’s Wage and Hour Law. Additionally, Kieran litigates issues concerning restrictive covenants, including non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. He has significant experience handling civil rights claims under Section 1983, including violations of the First and Fourth Amendments, as well as claims against municipalities under Monell v. Department of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978), and claims under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act (NJ CRA).

As a seasoned litigator and trial attorney, Kieran has a proven track record of handling high-stakes employment cases from inception through to successful resolution, obtaining significant monetary recoveries for his clients. He has first and second-chaired several trials and has successfully argued before the New Jersey and New York Appellate Courts on multiple occasions. His practice includes addressing Orders to Show Cause and navigating temporary restraints hearings on urgent employment issues.

Kieran is frequently in court, appearing before judges in Essex, Middlesex, Bergen, Passaic, Mercer, and Union Counties. His commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients is highlighted by his extensive experience in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. He has mediated dozens of cases with retired judges and prominent organizations, including National Arbitration and Mediation (NAM) and Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS). As an accredited professional mediator himself, Kieran offers mediation services in the areas of labor and employment matters, contract disputes, and commercial and business disputes. He also negotiates severance agreements, ensuring clients receive fair and comprehensive terms at the conclusion of their employment.

Before joining Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, Kieran gained valuable experience at prominent litigation defense firms, which provides him with unique insights into defense strategies. He also served as a law clerk for The Honorable Margaret Mary McVeigh, the former Presiding Judge of the Chancery Division in Passaic County, and interned for The Honorable Susan D. Wigenton in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, further deepening his understanding of the judicial process and employment law.

Kieran earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He graduated with Honors from Loyola University Maryland, where he captained the Men’s Division 1 Cross Country program. He is an active member of Loyola University Maryland’s Alumni Association and mentors Loyola students beginning their career paths as lawyers. Previously, Kieran served on the Board of Officers for the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Union County, New Jersey. In his spare time, Kieran enjoys golfing, skiing, attending Yankees games, and participating in the Wounded Warrior Project’s Tough Mudder Races.

Notable Publications:

• Aurora Loan Servs., LLC v. Gross, 32 N.Y.S.3d 249 (App. Div. 2016)
• FBP 250, LLC v. Wells Fargo Bank, Nat’l Ass’n, 85 N.Y.S.3d 177 (App. Div. 2018)