Richard M. Kaplan
Shareholder
Richard M. Kaplan
Civil Trial Law
CONTACT
rkaplan@wkpz.com
T: (713) 961-9045
F: (713) 961-5341

Bar Admissions

  • Texas Supreme Court
  • All Texas Courts
  • U.S.Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Courts - Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts, Texas

Certifications

  • Board Certified by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law (since 1995)

Education

  • J. D., University of Houston Law School
  • B.A., University of Texas, cum laude

Additional Information

  • “AV” Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Named Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine for 2008-2021
  • Listed as one of Houston's top lawyers by HTexas magazine.
  • He and his wife Sherrie have been married for 45 years, and have three grown children.
Richard M. Kaplan
Shareholder

Richard Kaplan is a founding shareholder of WKPZ.  For over forty-five years, he has provided legal representation in all aspects of business transactions, with a focus in real estate matters.  He has regularly assisted clients in a wide range of significant commercial transactions in the real estate, banking, and corporate areas, as well as workouts, restructuring and receiverships. His clients range from major corporations to small businesses to individuals. He has regularly represented sellers and buyers, as well as landlords and tenants in the drafting of contracts and the resolution of disputes.  Mr. Kaplan has been an advisor to many high net worth individuals, families and closely held businesses.

He is trained and certified as a mediator since 1998 and has successfully mediated all types of disputes and lawsuits particularly in the real estate area.   He has been board certified by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law since 1995.  He is “AV” Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. 

Mr. Kaplan has been recognized in the Texas Monthly’s annual publication, Texas Super Lawyers for civil trial law from 2008 through 2022.

Mr. Kaplan has been actively involved as a volunteer in the community.  He has served in numerous capacities as a board and executive committee member and committee chairs at local non-profit organizations.  He currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Beth Israel.  He previously served on the Board and Executive Committee of Seven Acres Jewish Geriatric Center.   He has also served as the foreperson of a Harris County Grand Jury.

When not working, Mr. Kaplan enjoys his time with his wife Sherrie, as well as his children and grandchildren.

Representative Experience

Representation of financial institution in defense of claims by Borrower for fraud and misrepresentation arising out of real estate loans.

Counsel for Subcontractor regarding litigation and settlement of Owner’s, General Contractor’s and Surety’s claims for defective construction involving Condominium development project.

Counsel for large regional food fast franchisor involving wide range of litigation, employment and real estate issues.

Counsel for title insurers seeking declaratory judgment against Property Owners in coverage dispute.

Representation of majority shareholder in claims brought by minority shareholders.

Representation of Bank in action brought by nationwide produce suppliers under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act for breach of fiduciary duty and fraud.

Drafted and negotiated agreements on behalf of real estate lenders and developers

Representation of Shopping Center Owner in defense of claims brought by Tenant for breach of contract.

Representation of Shareholder in defense of Claims to pierce the corporate veil, establishing personal liability for corporate debts.

Representation of shareholders in connection with claims brought by multiple nationwide produce suppliers for personal liability under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

Representation of shareholders in defense of license revocation by the Department of Agriculture under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

Representation of water district in claims for breach of contract and negligence against general contractor for installation of underground facilities.

Representation of multiple individuals in connection with dissolution of business entities.

Counsel for Board of Directors in defense of claims for breach of fiduciary duty brought by minority shareholders.

Representation of Landlord in claims against former tenant and guarantor for fraudulent transfer of assets.

Representation of oil supplier in defense of claims by former employee for breach of contract and wrongful termination.

Representation of Bank in defense of claims for forged endorsements.

Representation of Restaurant Chain in defense of non-subscriber claim by former employee.

Representation of Purchaser against Seller of property for fraud and misrepresentation.

Representation of Borrowers in lawsuit brought by the FDIC for fraud and misrepresentation.

Representation of estate executor in defense of large claim for services provided by Hospital.

Representation of Bank in dischargeability claim in Bankruptcy Court.

Representation of wholesale distributor in breach of warranty claims brought by retail dealers.

Representation of flooring manufacturer in claim for breach of warranty by Homeowner.

Representation on business brokers against Seller of radio stations for breach of contract.