Douglas J. Janacek

Douglas J. Janacek is Co-Chair of the Real Property Group at Gibbons P.C. and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. With decades of experience, he focuses his practice on real estate development, land use, zoning, and permitting matters. He represents clients in commercial, office, and industrial projects, guiding them through planning and redevelopment approvals before local boards, state agencies, and regulatory bodies across New Jersey.

Mr. Janacek earned his B.A., summa cum laude, from Seton Hall University. He later earned his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law – Newark, where he served as Editor of the Rutgers Law Review from 1984 to 1985. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable David Landau in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, General Equity Part.

In his career, Mr. Janacek has advised clients on regulatory issues involving wetlands, coastal zones, stream encroachments, and waterfront development permits. He also played a key role in drafting the New Jersey Highway Access Management Code, one of the most comprehensive highway access regulations in the nation. In addition, he frequently writes articles and lectures at seminars on real estate development, sharing insight on zoning, permitting, and redevelopment challenges.

Douglas J. Janacek is recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, and New Jersey Super Lawyers for his work in land use and zoning. He has also been named “Lawyer of the Year” in Newark for zoning law. Active in the legal and business community, he has served on advisory boards, professional committees, and local planning boards, making him a trusted leader in real estate law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Co-Chair, Manuel Lago, LLC
• Past Director, New Jersey State Bar Association, Land Use Section
• Member, Essex County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Advisory Board, New Jersey School of Architecture
• Former Member, Tewksbury Township Planning Board
• Former Chairman, National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), Third Party Appeals Committee, New Jersey Chapter
• Member, International Council of Shopping Centers

Licensed State

• New Jersey

Education

• Rutgers School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Seton Hall University

  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges