Stephen Cowan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Cowan on December 26 after a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer. Steve’s life was marked by his exceptional work ethic, balanced with a delightful sense of humor, wit, and a rebellious spirit, alongside a deep-seated commitment to always assist and support those around him. His marriage to the love of his life, Marlene Cowan, spanned 53 beautiful years. He also leaves behind two beloved children, Emilie and Matthew Cowan (Erin), and two adored grandchildren, Ethan and Jack.

Steve, the son of Lee and Rita Cowan, was born into a Jewish family in Baltimore on May 11, 1943, and grew up in Washington, DC. He began his higher education at the University of Michigan, studying chemical and electrical engineering, but later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, due to the harsh Michigan winters. He graduated with a degree in mathematics and subsequently completed an MBA in accounting and finance, working tirelessly to finance his education. In 1966, Steve moved back to the East Coast to attend Harvard Law School.

Upon earning his law degree in 1969, Steve returned to San Francisco, initially working with Morrison & Foerster. He developed a prosperous real estate practice in the Bay Area at MoFo and Steefel, Levitt & Weiss before joining O'Melveny's new San Francisco office in 1989, eventually leading the office in 1991 and growing it from seven lawyers to 80 lawyers under his stewardship. In 2004, Steve moved to DLA Piper as the managing partner of the San Francisco office and head of California Real Estate, positions he held until his retirement.

Considered to be one of the deans of the California real estate bar, Steve was an extraordinarily gifted lawyer who was often engaged by clients to work on their most complex and mission-critical transactions, including the $1.2B sale of Embarcadero Center in San Francisco, the $2.5B financing of the Venetian Casino in Macau, and the sale of the Hawaiian island of Lanai to a private buyer, among others. He was a charter member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, elected in the first class of ACREL Fellows in 1979. He was also a founding member of the California State Bar Association, Real Property Law Section.

Steve was known for his powerful intellect, calm and cool demeanor, wit, and lightning-fast responsiveness (usually using one of the three phones that he carried with him at all times). But Steve’s legacy runs deeper than that; he was a kind and caring person who always made time to mentor, assist, and care for others. His integrity was beyond reproach. He touched the lives of many people on multiple levels, and he will be deeply missed.