Roberta Kaplan, Celebrated Lawyer, Exits Firm Amid Workplace Culture Concerns
Roberta Kaplan, a renowned lawyer known for her pivotal role in securing marriage equality for gay Americans and her high-profile legal battles against former President Donald Trump, has abruptly exited the law firm she founded, Kaplan Hecker & Fink. The departure, announced on Wednesday, follows months of mounting internal concerns about Ms. Kaplan’s treatment of her colleagues, leading to her removal from the firm’s management committee and ultimately, her decision to leave.
Key Takeaways:
- A Powerful Figure Steps Down: Roberta Kaplan, a prominent figure in the legal and political spheres, has left the firm she started in 2017, marking a significant shift for both her and the firm.
- Workplace Culture Concerns: Kaplan’s departure is attributed to internal friction stemming from allegations of unprofessional conduct towards colleagues.
- A New Chapter: Ms. Kaplan intends to start a new boutique law firm, indicating her ambition to continue her legal work in a different environment.
- Impact on the Firm: Kaplan Hecker & Fink will be renamed Hecker Fink, signaling a new era for the firm as it navigates the aftermath of Ms. Kaplan’s departure.
A Rising Legal Powerhouse:
Ms. Kaplan gained widespread recognition for her legal prowess, particularly within the realm of civil rights law. She rose to prominence representing same-sex couples in the landmark United States v. Windsor case, which paved the way for the national legalization of gay marriage. In recent years, she has emerged as a formidable adversary to former President Trump, representing E. Jean Carroll in her successful defamation lawsuit against him, resulting in an $83 million verdict earlier this year.
Building a Different Law Firm:
Upon leaving the established corporate law firm Paul, Weiss, Ms. Kaplan envisioned a new kind of high-end legal practice. She founded Kaplan Hecker & Fink, specifically establishing it as a progressive firm, driven by a mission to confront misconduct and challenge powerful figures, all while fostering a more equitable and less traditionally masculine work environment. The firm quickly grew to a staff of around 60 lawyers, gaining renown for winning high-profile cases.
#MeToo Advocacy and the Rise of Internal Friction:
Ms. Kaplan’s commitment to confronting social injustices, specifically against women, was readily evident in her firm’s work and her personal advocacy. She embraced the #MeToo movement and became a prominent figure in the legal battles that accompanied it. Her advocacy extended to lobbying for legislative changes that would strengthen protection for survivors of sexual harassment. Despite these successes, internal tensions within her law firm began to simmer. Several colleagues reportedly raised concerns about Ms. Kaplan’s behavior, alleging that she had insulted employees, made inappropriate comments on their appearance, and threatened their careers. Ms. Kaplan’s legal team vehemently denied these accusations, arguing that the firm took accusations of misconduct seriously and that the "colorful language" employed by some lawyers is par for the course in the legal profession.
A Turning Point:
The 2020 allegations of sexual harassment against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo fueled further internal friction. Ms. Kaplan’s involvement in advising Mr. Cuomo on how to handle the crisis was met with strong criticism from survivors and advocates, prompting her resignation as chairwoman of Time’s Up. This incident appears to have significantly escalated tensions within the firm.
Future Uncertainties:
While Ms. Kaplan departed with the intention to start her own firm, the future of both Kaplan Hecker & Fink and Ms. Kaplan’s career remain to be seen. The firm, now known as Hecker Fink, will have to navigate the ramifications of Ms. Kaplan’s absence while maintaining the momentum it has gained. Meanwhile, Ms. Kaplan faces the task of rebuilding her career and navigating the legacy of her departure. This incident highlights the challenges of balancing professional success with maintaining positive workplace dynamics.
