A Focus On The Basics

My late father was a small businessman; my mother worked part-time at Neiman-Marcus. My dad’s constant admonition still resonates with me every day: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” And my mother’s intelligence, warmth, and compassion taught me the importance of recognizing the contributions of others.

I take what I learned from my parents to heart as I run for Mayor of Houston. I will tackle the thorny issues that frustrate Houstonians every day: crime, traffic and potholes, garbage, and the maddening difficulty of dealing with the City bureaucracy. I’ll tackle these problems head-on and make progress to help our City move forward. I don’t promise to “solve” these problems overnight or “fix” them forever. But I won’t get distracted by petty arguments or rhetorical disputes as we focus on what needs to get done.

I will strive to be a Mayor who does things right, a Mayor you can be proud of, a Mayor who focuses on the essential services that impact all of us every single day.

About Lee Kaplan

After graduating from law school with honors at the University of Texas, and receiving a coveted clerkship with a federal judge, I joined a large Houston firm and made partner.

Later, two friends joined me as we formed our own small trial litigation firm. Twenty-seven years later, our firm has 50 employees and has earned a reputation for attracting talented and trustworthy lawyers.

Key Issues

  • Deterrence and prevention of crime
  • Educated, properly trained and fairly compensated police officers
  • Keeping our City clean
  • Improved city planning and street repairs to reduce traffic
  • Streamlined permitting processes
  • Attracting businesses to create more high-quality jobs
  • Providing quality opportunities for youth

Follow Lee for Updates

Our law firm achieves more national recognition. I am very proud of our lawyers and staff.Chambers USA has again recognized SKV as one of the top trial firms in the nation, honoring the firm with top rankings for “Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations” (Texas) and “Litigation: General Commercial (Houston & surrounds). The Chambers’ profile describes the firm as a “formidable” and “highly skilled litigation boutique” with an “excellent pedigree in trial work…expertise in investigations and white-collar criminal cases,” and experience handling “high-profile commercial matters… The team works collaboratively to advance their clients' interests…does an incredible job for its clients.” Chambers USA also recognized seven SKV partners as among the top litigators in Texas and the nation. SKV partners honored include: Dane Ball, David Isaak, and John Kinchen for Texas (Statewide) Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations; Michelle Shamblin Stratton for Texas (Statewide) Litigation: Appellate; and Craig Smyser, Larry Veselka, and Lee L. Kaplan for Texas (Houston & Surrounds) Litigation: General Commercial. Congratulations to our individual honorees, thank you to Chambers for these recognitions, and thank you to our clients for their trust in handling these important matters on their behalf. ... See MoreSee Less
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I was privileged to attend Princeton and now, decades later, our Reunion. Got to see longtime friends, catch up on our careers, and find out what our children are doing. ... See MoreSee Less
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Diana and I were guests of Ileana Blanco and her firm DLA Piper for the 35th annual Gala of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston. The star-studded event including many prominent lawyers raised well over $200,000 for HisBA. Among the speakers and honorees was Sonia Galindo, the EVP, GC and Secretary for KBR, Inc. and UH Law Professor Sandra Guerra Thompson The modesty in their remarks was appealing but entirely unpersuasive. I know of Prof. Thompson's diligent work as a Deputy Monitor for the federal consent decree in the Harris County misdemeanor bail case. HisBA gives numerous scholarships to law students as well as high school students. Many recipients have said they could not have furthered their education without this aid. The lesson taken from the Gala is that Houston needs everyone's contributions to be a successful city. For Houston, especially its legal community, to be outstanding and to provide leadership, we must include everyone. ... See MoreSee Less
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Native Houstonian, Successful Small Businessman, and Active Community Leader, Lee Kaplan is running for Mayor to do what is RIGHT for Houston. ... See MoreSee Less
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On May 17 I attended a business networking event at the IAG Icehouse. Leela Madan, a prominent IP attorney, hosted. Everyone I met is registered to vote. ... See MoreSee Less
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Wednesday Diana and I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new and expanded shelter facility being built by the Houston Area Women's Center. It will triple capacity to serve 360 women and children. Diana is a former Chair of the HAWC Board and this is one of our favorite nonprofits. I urge you to visit the website at hawc.org ... See MoreSee Less
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Standing For All