Norton Rose Fulbright announced Dec. 18 that Michael Kaplan, an attorney with significant in-house counsel experience, has joined its corporate, mergers and acquisitions and securities practice as senior counsel in Denver.
Kaplan has represented private equity firms, as well as public and private companies, across multiple industries for more than 30 years. He has served as outside counsel, in-house counsel and on the executive leadership teams for several leading companies, with particular experience in the restaurant, consumer markets and aerospace and defense industries.
“We remain focused on growing our presence in the dynamic Denver market, with top-tier lawyers serving our clients in key practice areas,” Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbright’s U.S. and global managing partner, said in a press release. “Michael will be an asset to our firm, as he possesses robust general counsel experience and deep knowledge of the consumer markets industry.”
Kaplan joins the firm from the real estate developer MDC Holdings, where he served as senior vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel.
“I am excited to return to private practice and leverage my in-house counsel experience to continue to develop practical, business-oriented solutions to complex challenges,” Kaplan said in a press release. “I have enjoyed working with Norton Rose Fulbright’s lawyers for many years, and I am pleased to now be part of this impressive team.”
Before his time at MDC Holdings, Kaplan worked in-house for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, where he held several senior positions, including executive vice president, chief legal officer and chief compliance officer. His experience also includes his work at StandardAero, where he served as senior vice president, general counsel and chief security officer, as well as his time as a corporate, M&A and securities partner at an AmLaw 100 global law firm.
“Michael is a seasoned legal and business advisor with a pragmatic approach that clients will appreciate,” Scarlet McNellie, Norton Rose Fulbright’s U.S. co-head of corporate, M&A and securities, said in a press release. “His experience will enhance our corporate capabilities across a range of industries.”
Kaplan is licensed in Colorado. He received his J.D. from Stanford Law School and his bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary.