John A. Owens, Jr.

Adjunct Professor of Law

Biography

John Owens Jr. is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham University School of Law. He currently serves as a Court Attorney-Referee in the New York State Unified Court System, where he is appointed to hear and determine, or hear and report on, referred matters including evidentiary hearings, framed-issue hearings, damages inquests, and post-judgment proceedings.

His work includes managing hearings, evaluating credibility, and preparing written reports and recommendations grounded in the record and governing law. Previously, Professor Owens served as Deputy Chief of the Ethics and Compliance Division at the New York City Law Department, where he provided leadership on ethics, conflicts of interest, compliance protocols, and risk management across City agencies.

His earlier career includes experience in public-sector litigation and government practice, which has contributed to a broad perspective on trial-level decision-making and professional responsibility. Professor Owens is a graduate of Fordham University School of Law and remains actively engaged with the Law School community.

His teaching emphasizes judicial reasoning, clear and neutral legal writing, ethical decision-making, and reflective professional practice, with a focus on helping students bridge academic study and real-world legal work.

Education

Fordham University School of Law School