Umberg/Zipser LLP is pleased to announce that partner Phillip R. Kaplan has joined the firm.
Kaplan is an accomplished business trial lawyer with a record of handling his client’s most difficult cases. Phil has a track record of success in cases involving real estate development, securities, mergers and acquisitions, government procurement, technology, consumer class actions, product liability, insurance coverage, professional liability, and environmental litigation. Kaplan represents clients of all sizes, ranging from large business financial institutions and government entities to start ups and high net worth individuals and families. Among his many high-profile cases, Phil co-led a team on behalf of the California State Controller with U/Z’s Sen. Tom Umberg in a successful contract action against SAP Public Services Inc. over the failed implementation of a new payroll system for the state.
“I have known Phil for over 25 years, both as a friend and a colleague. I am thrilled that he is joining U/Z. Phil’s professionalism, collaborative approach and dedication to client service, and commitment to giving back to our community are in direct alignment with U/Z’s core values and culture. We are proud to welcome him as a partner at our firm,” stated U/Z Managing Partner Dean Zipser.
Kaplan commented, “I have had the opportunity to work alongside a number of U/Z attorneys in high stakes litigation, and have respected their drive, teamwork and, most importantly, their impressive results. We share a laser-focus on excellence and achieving the best outcomes for our clients. For me, this is a welcome reunion with former colleagues and a chance to blaze a new trail in a smaller, more nimble, litigation-focused firm.”
Consistent with U/Z’s commitment to community service, Phil is dedicated to serving the Orange County community and has held a variety of leadership roles with local organizations including Mercy House, the Federal Bar Association, Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Orange County Bar Association, Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County, and Public Law Center.
Kaplan has been repeatedly recognized for his legal accomplishments and his community involvement. He is a perennial selection as a Super Lawyer® and was recognized by America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators® in 2020. He has received awards for his public service, including the Anti-Defamation League’s Marcus Kaufman Jurisprudence Award for outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the community. Phil has been honored for his ongoing commitment to pro bono work. For example, he received USC’s Public Interest Law Foundation’s Paul Davis Memorial Award to the USC Law Alumnus “Lawyer of the Year” for Pro Bono Work, and the Public Law Center Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Work for the homeless.
Kaplan added, “I look forward to working with an incredible team of accomplished professionals at U/Z. I am honored to have been asked to play a role in the firm’s continued strategic growth.”
Prior to joining U/Z, Kaplan was a litigation partner at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, and most recently with Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.
In addition to welcoming Kaplan, the firm recently announced the hiring of two new associates Ethan Feng and Negah Daily, further bolstering its litigation ranks.
