Kaplan Named to St. Louis Magazine's Business 500 List for a Second Year

03.09.2026

Stinson LLP Partner Michael Kaplan is recognized for the second consecutive year in the 2026 edition of St. Louis Magazine's St. Louis Business 500 list. The list highlights some of the most influential, impactful and innovative leaders from the city’s metropolitan area.

In the Q&A feature, Kaplan reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and leadership approach. After spending a summer at a litigation-focused firm following his first year of law school, Kaplan realized his interests were firmly rooted in corporate practice. "That summer confirmed my thoughts and was extremely valuable in that it gave me clarity about the kind of practice I wanted to build," he says. "Sometimes the risk isn't doing something bold – it's stepping outside your comfort zone just enough to confirm what you really want to do."

That clarity continues to inform how he leads within the firm and advises clients. Kaplan encourages early career attorneys to focus on developing strong technical skills while staying mindful of the broader business context. "There are always ways to contribute beyond your core role," he says, whether by mentoring others, serving on a committee or solving a problem no one else has taken on. "These are all ways to show that you are ready for a more formal leadership role when the time is right."

Kaplan also credits Stinson's collaborative culture as a defining strength. "The truth is, everyone in our firm and St. Louis office deserves recognition," he says. "I'm proud to work alongside people who are not only extremely smart and capable, but generous with their time and support." He often tells prospective associates and lateral partners that while the work is demanding, "the work we do isn't easy, but Stinson is an easy place to work."

Kaplan's practice focuses on corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, taxation and estate planning. He advises clients on corporate structure, governance and operations, negotiates transactions involving stock purchases, mergers, asset acquisitions, joint ventures, buyouts, recapitalizations, spin-offs and reorganizations, and provides individual and business tax planning services. His estate planning work encompasses business succession and post-mortem tax strategies. Kaplan also serves as managing partner of Stinson's St. Louis office and is a member of the firm's board of directors.

Read the full feature.