ILN-terviews: Gary Kaplan, Howard Rice
Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network. For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Gary Kaplan of Howard Rice Nemerovski Canady Falk & Rabkin in San Francisco, California.
In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I advise individuals and families on international business and tax matters.
Who would be your typical client?
In addition to individuals and families, I represent family-owned cross-border businesses and family offices.
What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
I'm sincere and soft-spoken, but highly competitive when pursuing clients' interests.
What has been your most challenging case? Why?
Working with a wide variety of clients, from nervous to brazen, in connection with the Internal Revenue Service's initiatives to combat U.S. persons' undisclosed offshore bank accounts.
What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Being asked to participate in an ILN-terview.
What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Sports and films.
What would surprise people most about you?
I held the world record for marathon golf (73 hours without a break) or perhaps that I stowed away on a cruise ship.
What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
The ILN has given me opportunities to visit countries throughout the world and amaze my clients by knowing top legal talents globally. The single most memorable experience was playing softball in New York's Central Park with players from 15 countries, many of whom, while athletic, had never hit or fielded a softball.
What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I would have liked professional golf (but couldn't and still can't putt) and probably would have been a stock picker, as the capital markets are a favorite hobby.
If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
I'd choose a cross between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Woody Allen.
How would you like to be remembered?
Kind, honest and funny.
(Lindsay and) Gary: Nice job communicating your brand of being kind, honest and funny. I'm glad I read that last as I was noticing your personality in your answers, including your sense of humor, then read it at the end, thinking "exactly!"
Hi Nancy - thanks so much for your comment! I'm glad you liked the ILN-terview; it's one of my favorites!