Media Coverage
Source: The National Law Journal
Media Coverage
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
08.28.17
The National Law Journal has recognized Corporate partner Steven Kaplan as one of Washington, DC’s 2017 Rising Stars, acknowledging him as one of 40 lawyers under 40 who have earned “great influence in their practice areas in DC and beyond.” Nominees are chosen based on recommendations and other criteria such as diversity of practice groups.
NLJ’s interview with Kaplan focuses on how he establishes and maintains relationships with clients and what he has learned. For instance, Kaplan says clients appreciate when their lawyer takes a genuine interest in their company.
“I normally represent companies that are led by the founders, to whom the business is their baby,” Kaplan told NLJ. “Understanding what the company does and trying to help beyond just the legal work is noticed.”
When asked about his key to success, Kaplan suggests being helpful “even when there isn’t a direct benefit” to him, revealing that some of his most important clients have come from actions as simple as introducing two people who he thought could be useful to one another.
As for an accomplishment he’s proud of, Kaplan recounts when a new CFO for a client pushed the CEO to switch to a law firm the CFO had previously used. The CEO stuck with Kaplan.
“After working together, the CFO hired me when he started his own company,” he told NLJ. “I was thrilled to have won him over.”
At Pillsbury, Kaplan counsels clients on a wide array of complex legal issues they encounter throughout the business life cycle. He advises on convertible debt and equity financings, capital formation strategy, corporate governance, employment and compensation matters, technology licensing and transfer, and shareholder issues. He has extensive M&A experience representing buyers and sellers in multifaceted transactions, and he guides entrepreneurs through every phase of building, growing, operating and even selling successful businesses.