Michael W. Kaplan

Michael Kaplan specializes in public and private equity and debt financings, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions and corporate securities.  He represents funds and issuers in stock and asset deals, mergers, tender offers, leveraged buyouts and other acquisitions, and exit events including auctions, private dispositions and initial public offerings.  He also has experience in general corporate matters, including executive compensation and compliance with SEC regulations.

Mr. Kaplan was named a "Rising Star" in securities and corporate finance in the 2009 and 2010 editions of Southern California Super Lawyers.  He also was honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2009 as one of "LA's Finest," recognizing servant leadership and excellence in the greater Los Angeles business community. 

As part of his practice, Mr. Kaplan has represented private equity funds, venture funds, hedge funds and other institutional money managers such as Platinum Equity, Leonard Green & Partners, GFI Energy Ventures (Oaktree Capital Management's energy vehicle), US Renewables Group, Beach Point Capital Management, Post Advisory Group, Angeleno Group and JHL Capital, and their portfolio companies.

Mr. Kaplan provides pro bono legal services to clients including Bright Star Schools, a nonprofit organization that operates charter schools serving underprivileged communities in Los Angeles, and Etta Israel Center, a charity for youth and adults with special needs.  He also has assisted in the completion of adoptions of children in the Los Angeles County foster care system through the Alliance for Children's Rights.

Bar & Court Admissions

• 2002, California