QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-141259, 333-151090, 333-155695, 333-155696, 333-155697, 333-57194, 33-96542, 333-09875, 333-25475, 333-44441, 333-69029, and 333-80077) and in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-116437, 333-100244, 333-52478, 333-80081, 333-18275, 333-19831, 333-32661 and 333-44443) of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation of our report dated February 11, 2009 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York
February 11, 2009




QuickLinks

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM