Firm

Our clients include some of the sharpest, most creative minds in business. Our firm has developed a unique character to support them:

• We are the only boutique law firm with a level of sophistication in private funds on par with the larger institutional law firms. From our inception, we have represented some of the most innovative private investment funds, helping them solve complex problems and flourish in the market. You will find us ranked in Chambers, Legal 500 and IFLR1000 alongside brand-name Big Law firms.
• We do not hire our associates directly out of law school. This means that our clients never pay for junior lawyers to be trained on the job. We exclusively hire highly qualified laterals from prestigious, larger institutional law firms who are entrepreneurial-minded and wish to serve like-minded clients.
• We are, first and foremost, business lawyers. We offer frank, practical and insightful advice to help clients evaluate the totality of a situation and follow a comprehensive strategy to achieve goals and solve problems rather than focusing on discrete, segmented issues.
• We respond to our clients’ needs quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Our size and versatility enable us to combine our business acumen and sophisticated legal skills with the personal approach of a trusted advisor.

In November 1971, Fred Kleinberg, Myron Kaplan and Norris Wolff, just two to four years into their legal careers, decided to leave large, Wall Street firms to form their own law firm. Jim Cohen, an “experienced” attorney after six years of practice at two Wall Street firms, joined a few months later.

What began as four lawyers in a two-room office has grown into a nationally-recognized law firm with more than 100 lawyers and staff. In the intervening years since Kleinberg Kaplan was formed, many law firms have disappeared or been absorbed into larger firms. We remain one of the longest-lived multi-practice firms of our size in New York City. We believe this is because of our commitment to legal excellence, our entrepreneurial spirit and, above all, our dedication to our clients.

As we celebrated the 50^th anniversary of our firm in 2021, we have appreciated that we have grown alongside our clients, having served many of them for decades. Personal, long-lasting relationships are therefore fundamental to our success. Understanding our clients’ needs, businesses and goals remains our top priority.