Jeff Kaplan litigates high-stakes cases from their inception through appeal. He represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the country. Jeff draws on his trial experience to develop and execute complex case strategy, including across jurisdictions and with joint defense groups. He also has worked on merits and amicus briefs at every appellate level, including multiple U.S. circuit courts of appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Jeff has represented a range of global clients in major investigations and litigation, including clients in the coatings, aerospace, performance chemicals, building products, and pharmaceuticals industries. He has managed critical factual development and discovery efforts, briefed and argued motions, taken and defended fact and expert witness depositions, worked with fact and expert witnesses to prepare testimony, mediated cases, and direct- and cross-examined fact and expert witnesses at trial.
Jeff has an active pro bono practice and is involved in the community. He is part of the Firm's initiative to provide post-conviction relief to survivors of human trafficking. He has handled pro bono matters before an immigration judge and the Board of Immigration Appeals, including as part of the Firm's Border Project. He serves on the Board of Directors for Street Grace, is a Barrister in the Judge Clarence Cooper American Inn of Court, and is a member of the national Executive Committee for the Federalist Society's Litigation Practice Group. He also has served on Law360's Georgia Editorial Advisory Board and the Publications Committee for the Atlanta Bar Association's Litigation Section.
Experience
The following represents experience acquired prior to joining Jones Day.
Obtained a favorable decision for a coal company debtor in a Sixth Circuit appeal challenging the bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction.
Obtained a favorable decision for a national bank in a Third Circuit appeal involving issues of federal statutory interpretation and Pennsylvania state law.
Additional Speaking Engagements
- December 20, 2019
Civil Trial From Start to Finish, National Business Institute
- University of Kentucky (J.D. summa cum laude 2015; Order of the Coif; Special Features Editor, Kentucky Law Journal; Moot Court Board); Centre College (B.A. in Philosophy 2012)
- Georgia; Kentucky; U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Georgia, Eastern District of Kentucky, and Eastern District of Wisconsin; U.S. Tax Court; and U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Sixth Circuits
"Rising Star" in Business Litigation, Georgia Super Lawyers (2021-2024) and Kentucky Super Lawyers (2019)
- Law Clerk to Judge John M. Rogers, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (2015-2016)