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Jonathon Kaplan

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Jonathon Kaplan
Jonathon Kaplan
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About Jonathon

Call now if you have a claim against your employer or if your civil rights have been violated.

One of California’s top trial lawyers, Jonathon Kaplan is always willing to go the distance for his clients. Well experienced in the courtroom, he has tried dozens of cases, achieving maximum recoveries for his clients. Jon’s expertise is employment law and civil rights cases. Some of the types of matters he handles in these areas are unpaid wage and overtime claims, discrimination and harassment cases, equal pay issues and wrongful termination. He draws on close to 30 years of legal experience, having worked throughout his career on other cases involving personal injury, product liability, highway accidents, consumer warranty, franchising, fraud claims, and business disputes.

 Jon wins an overwhelming number of trial verdicts for his clients. He also handles appeals, some resulting in published opinions that create law in his areas of practice. Based on his winning track record, opposing lawyers know Jon and his firm will take a case to trial to get the absolute best results for their clients.

After graduating from a top-ten law school at Duke University, Jon started his legal career with the prominent Los Angeles law firm of Lewis, D’Amato, Brisbois & Bisgaard in 1990. There, he quickly distinguished himself, rising to the level of equity partner. In 2002, he founded Kaplan Lee LLP. In 2014, the firm changed to its current name, Kaplan Weiss LLP, where Jon works alongside his partner, Yitz Weiss.

Jon was awarded an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the preeminent peer review rating for attorneys’ legal skills and ethics.  In recognition of his professional accomplishments, Jon was named one of the State’s top 20 lawyers under the age of 40 by California’s leading legal newspaper, The Daily Journal. He has also been consistently named one of Southern California’s "Super Lawyers" an honor bestowed upon a select group of elite lawyers who have achieved the highest degree of peer recognition and achievement.

Jon frequently speaks publicly on a wide variety of legal subjects. He has spoken on employment law matters at various professional conferences and lectured in forensic psychiatry at a leading Los Angeles medical school.  He also has served as a court-appointed arbitrator and mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Jon is committed to his community and has devoted countless hours to civic and charitable causes. He has sat on the boards of many prominent civic, charitable and educational organizations, as well as steering committees for national political candidates.

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Practice areas

Civil rightsEmployment and labor
  1. Employment and labor: 75%

    We represent clients with disputes against their employers. If you have not been paid, forced to work overtime, discriminated against or harassed in the workplace, or wrongfully terminated, then call us for help.

    30 years, 500 cases

  2. Civil rights: 25%

    If you have been discriminated against by any business establishment in California because of your age, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, we can help enforce your civil rights.

    30 years, 200 cases

Photos and videos

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Contact

Kaplan Weiss LLP

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES OFFICE
355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2450
Los Angeles, CA, 90071

Website
www.kaplanweiss.com 

      Kaplan Weiss LLP

      SOUTHBAY OFFICE
      400 Continental Blvd 6th Floor
      El Segundo, CA, 90245

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      DCGood Standing199202/11/2021
      CAActive199005/12/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers50
      Legal guides2
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2008
      Top 20 Under 40California Law Business2001
      AV RatingMartindale-HubbellN/A
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Founding PartnerKaplan Lee LLP2000 - Present
      Associate, Non-equity Partner, Equity PartnerLewis D'Amato Brisbois & Bisgaard1990 - 2000
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      UCLA School of Medicine, Psychiatry DepartmentGuest Lecturer, Forensic PsychiatryN/A
      Greater Griffith Park Neigborhood Council, City of Los AngelesReligious Communities Representative, Vice President2003 - 2005
      Aids Healthcare FoundationMember, Board of Directors1999 - 2006
      Duke University School of LawMember, Future Forum, Board of Visitors1993 - 1997
      Emory UniversityMember, Board of Governors1991 - 2007
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Los Angeles Daily JournalDoing Business in the Soviet UnionN/A
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Duke University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1990
      Duke University School of LawLL.M - Master of Laws1990
      Emory UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1987
      Emory UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1987
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      UCLA / USC Forensic Psychiatry ProgramThe Twinkie DefenseN/A
      UCLA / USC Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship ProgramMalingeringN/A
      UCLA / USC Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship ProgramThe Insanity DefenseN/A
      UCLA / USC Forensice Psychiatry Fellowship ProgramAdmissibility of Expert Witness Testimony: The Daubert Standard and Kelly/Frye TestN/A
      ATLLP Monthly MeetingThe Lemon LawN/A
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      Brown-Williams, et al. v. Bentley Motors, Inc., et al.Defense verdict upon retrial.
      Doppes v. Newport Auto Center, et al.Defeated fraud, civil penalty, punitives claims
      Curtis v. LaJolla MotorsDefense Victory
      Corey v. American Honda Motor Co.Complete Defense Judgment
      Gale v. BMW of North AmericaJury Defense Verdict
      Tri-West Leasing v. BMW of North AmericaDefense Judgment
      Escarcega v. BMW of North AmericaComplete Defense Verdict
      Abrams v. Five Star RoofingJury Defense Verdict
      Psenner v. AndrewsVictory for Plaintiff
      Golden Eagle Refinery v. Associated InternationalSummary Judgment for Client
      Golden Eagle Refinery v. Associated InternationalSummary Judgment for Client
      Msrian v. Kia MotorsDefendant Prevailed

      Reviews

      (7)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
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      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
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      1 Star
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      Review Jonathon Kaplan

      Trusted Legal Advisor

      Posted by

      I regularly consult Jon for legal advice on business and other matters. His advice is always well thought out, insightful and of great assistance. I highly recommend him.

      Top Lawyer

      Posted by

      Jonathon Kaplan is the perhaps the best attorney of the many we have hired.

      Complex case

      Posted by

      Jon and Yitz make a good team. They handled my case efficiently and with their experience and patience we obtained a positive outcome. I highly recommend them.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Dog Bite

      Posted by

      I highly recommend Mr. Kaplan for your legal issues. Recently I was the victim of a dog bite that was highly painful and has left a permanent scar. The dog kennel who was at fault for letting out the wrong dog (who bit me), was adamant about not helping me with my medical bills until Jon stepped in. He was able to get a fast settlement which covered all of my medical bills and I was able to pocket some cash for my pain and suffering. Thanks Jon, for all your help!

      Jon stopped my cases before they got to court.

      Posted by

      I've retained Jon on two occasions--both in response to a harassing neighbor. Although the cases were very likely headed to court he managed to stop them before they got there. He handled it brilliantly, and managed to work out a plan with the plaintiff's attorney which remedied the situation as quickly as possible. I couldn't be happier.

      Literally SINGING praises!

      Posted by

      Jonathon went after a very bad person who had literally stolen money that was invested in me and my talents. To make matters worse, the perpetrator succeeded in convincing me that my talents didn't warrant the investment (money that I had raised and placed in his hands), and had so psychologically abused me that I actually STOPPED singing--this after making my living as a singer! Jonathon went after him and not only succeeded in getting the money back, but the perpetrator left with his tail between his legs after severe admonishment from the litigator. Jonathon PROVED beyond ANY doubt that this guy was an evil liar who had ill intent from the beginning. Finally seeing how badly I'd been mistreated for the first time, (and that virtually everything that came from the perp's mouth was a bold faced lie), Jonathon's victory on my behalf gave me the confidence to sing again. I owe him my career and will ALWAYS be grateful to him. He is an AWESOME attorney and a wonderful human being to boot! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him!

      Our Favorite Lawyer

      Posted by

      Our company hires a host of lawyers. Jon Kaplan is definitely the most service oriented and gets us the absolute best results. He is always a pleasure to work with on any matter.

      Attorney endorsements

      (14)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Susan Murphy, Employment and labor Attorney on Dec 29, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer - I admire his standing in our community, being as my firm leans towards real estate law, I have found Mr. Kaplan to be reliable and Knowledgeable source in his area of practice

      Gary Kim, Employment and labor Attorney on Dec 29, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I truly admire Jonathan's expertise in employment law. As an immigration lawyer, I face employment law matters with my clients, and Jonathan has been very helpful. I highly recommend Jonathan to those in need of employment law assistance.

      Douglas Borthwick, Litigation Attorney on Nov 14, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Bailey Farrin, Litigation Attorney on Jan 17, 2014
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I highly endorse this lawyer. I worked with Mr. Kaplan on a legal matter and found him to be thorough, creative and aggressive. He also has a good sense of humor and is fun to work with! Mr. Kaplan truly cares for his clients.

      Keith Kassan, Litigation Attorney on Dec 30, 2013
      Relationship: Worked for lawyer

      Jon Kaplan is a well educated and exceedingly competent, experienced and principled litigation/trial attorney who represents both corporations and individuals. [see, http://www.kaplanlee.com/practice-areas/]

      Jonathan Weinman

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Michael Rubinstein, Employment and labor Attorney on Nov 19, 2013
      Relationship: Co-worker

      I first met Jonathon Kaplan several years ago while in law school. I was immediately impressed with his command of the law, and his ability to discuss legal matters he'd studied several years ago. I am proud to work alongside him at Kaplan Lee. He is hands down of the best employment litigators in California, and I enthusiastically endorse him.

      Christopher Leroi, Elder law Attorney on Aug 14, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Excellent attorney. Mr. Kaplan continues to provide valuable advice on Avvo each time that he responds to a question. Although I have been licensed and practicing for 24 years, including time spent as a judge and magistrate, I continually learn from his answers about different aspects of the law. I would recommend him to everyone.

      Marcus Hill, Litigation Attorney on Oct 29, 2012
      Relationship: Friend

      I endorse this lawyer. We went to Duke University Law School together and both then practiced in Los Angeles, CA, for five years. Mr. Kaplan has a sharp eye for detail, is very personable and aggressive when it comes to advocating for his client! If I needed an attorney to fight for me, I would hire Jonathon Kaplan!

      Brett Blumstein

      Jon Kaplan is the person I go to when I want to discuss legal issues with an attorney I can trust. He is extremely knowledgeable on many areas of the law and he always has his client's best interest in mind.

      James Imbriale, Litigation Attorney on Aug 14, 2012
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      Jon Kaplan is a super smart and extremely capable trial lawyer. He has a very natural and effective way of communicating his client's position to a jury. His clients obtain great results because of his this rare skill even among trial lawyers. I endorse this lawyer.

      Yitz Weiss, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 28, 2012
      Relationship: Worked for lawyer

      I came to work for Mr. Kaplan because I knew him to be one of the finest lawyers in the State. He's knowledgeable, creative and results oriented and adheres to the highest standards of practice.

      Christine McCall, Litigation Attorney on Jun 21, 2012
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      An outstanding response here on Avvo caused me to take a look at the collection of Mr. Kaplan's Q and A responses here on Avvo. And I am so glad that I did. Mr. Kaplan is gifted with the rare ability to provide concise, straight-forward and comprehensive explanations and guidance in complicated and abstract legal matters. He clearly has an extraordinary command of the legal subjects he posts in. He is one of the very best of Avvo's Q and A participants.

      Paul Lee, Litigation Attorney on Feb 25, 2010
      Relationship: Co-worker

      Jon is an amazing litigator and trial attorney. He has tried numerous cases to virdict in favor of his clients, including many very difficult cases. He has excellent oral and written skills, and possesses an incredible knack for knowing when to aggressively litigate a matter and when to try to resolve it. I endorse him without qualification.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates$300-$500/hour
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        45 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
        25%-40%
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
        Sometimes
      • Pro-bono Many lawyers provide free legal help to low-income clients. The percent listed indicates how much of a lawyer's practice is pro bono work.
        10%
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card