Kaplin S. Jones
Recognized since 2013
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Practice Areas
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Tax Law
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)](/Logos/LotY/38045/17465/30/S/Detail.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)](/Logos/LotY/38045/17465/30/S/Detail.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)](/Logos/LotY/38045/17465/27/S/Detail.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)](/Logos/LotY/38045/17465/24/S/Detail.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Tax Law](/Logos/LotY/38045/23/21/S/Detail.png)
Kaplin concentrates his corporate practice on advising clients regarding choice of entity and transactional tax planning; structuring tax-free reorganizations and like-kind property exchanges; setting up and advising tax-exempt and nonprofit corporations; handling IRS audits and appeals hearings; commencing and settling tax litigation; formulating and drafting tax opinions; and preparing IRS ruling requests. Kaplin negotiates and structures the following types of transactions: asset and property acquisitions; stock purchases and sales; cash mergers, spin-offs, and tax-free reorganizations; leveraged buyouts and stock redemptions.
He has formed hundreds of limited liability companies, partnerships, and joint ventures; structured mergers and conversions of such entities; and advised regarding tax planning, buyout provisions, option arrangements, shareholder agreements, and management and split-up issues. He consults regarding nonqualified compensation planning; drafts nonqualified and incentive stock options; develops and drafts plans involving stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, and unrestricted stock; analyzes "golden parachute" problems; prepares employment agreements and bonus formulas; and consults regarding rabbi trusts, key man insurance and other nonqualified benefits.
He has formed hundreds of limited liability companies, partnerships, and joint ventures; structured mergers and conversions of such entities; and advised regarding tax planning, buyout provisions, option arrangements, shareholder agreements, and management and split-up issues. He consults regarding nonqualified compensation planning; drafts nonqualified and incentive stock options; develops and drafts plans involving stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, and unrestricted stock; analyzes "golden parachute" problems; prepares employment agreements and bonus formulas; and consults regarding rabbi trusts, key man insurance and other nonqualified benefits.
Contact & Links
- Lawyer Page: https://www.varnumlaw.com/people/kaplin-s-jones
Location
- Bridgewater Place, Suite 1700
333 Bridge Street, NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Education
- Brigham Young University, J.D., graduated 1981
- Brigham Young University, BS, graduated 1978
- Brigham Young University, BA, graduated 1977
Bar Admissions
- Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
- Utah, Utah State Bar
- District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
Affiliations
- American Bar Association - Member
- District of Columbia Bar - Member
- Grand Rapids Bar Association - Member
- Grand Rapids Public Museum Friends Foundation - Counsel
- Grand Valley State University, Master of Science in Taxation Program - Advisory Board Member
- State Bar of Michigan - Taxation Section; Tax Council, 1998 - 2000
- Utah State Bar - Member
Headquarters:
Grand Rapids, Michigan
93 The Best Lawyers in America® awards
18 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards
![Best Law Firms Best Law Firms Badge](https://cdn.blrankings.com/best-lawyers/badge-images/national-small-generic-us.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)](/Logos/LotY/38045/17465/30/S/Detail.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)](/Logos/LotY/38045/17465/27/S/Detail.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)](/Logos/LotY/38045/17465/24/S/Detail.png)
![Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Tax Law](/Logos/LotY/38045/23/21/S/Detail.png)
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Grand Rapids (2024)
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Grand Rapids (2021)
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Grand Rapids (2018)
- Tax Law, Grand Rapids (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- Tax Law
Awards:
- Martindale-Hubbell Rating, AV® Preeminent™
Publications
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