Fifty years is a remarkable milestone in any profession, but in law – where precedent, persistence, and personal trust define careers – it takes on even greater weight. For Alan Kluger and Abbey Kaplan, celebrating their 50th year as practicing attorneys isn’t just about longevity. It’s about decades of shaping South Florida’s litigation landscape, mentoring the next generation, and building a firm rooted in values of excellence, ethics, and client trust.

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From Law School to a Litigation Powerhouse

Alan and Abbey first met in law school and formally joined forces in 1987, sealing their partnership with nothing more than a handshake and a shared vision. By 2009, they launched the current incarnation of Kluger Kaplan in the middle of a recession. Their goal was bold: build a litigation-only boutique that could go head-to-head with BigLaw and win.

Today, Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen, & Levine, P.L. is home to nearly 40 attorneys and has become one of Florida’s top litigation firms, taking on and prevailing in some of the region’s most complex and high-stakes disputes.

Two Styles, One Vision

Alan and Abbey often describe themselves as “yin and yang.” Alan, once known as a bulldog litigator, has evolved into a trusted advisor who knows when resolution serves a client better than trial. Abbey, reflective and steady, has always championed the importance of firm culture and long-term client relationships. Together, their balance has been the firm’s secret sauce: aggressive when needed, pragmatic when required, and always client-focused.

Over the decades, the firm has earned national recognition in areas ranging from commercial disputes and real estate litigation to class actions, probate and estate litigation, and family law. Their approach remains consistent: meticulous preparation, thoughtful advocacy, and unwavering respect for clients.

Abbey often says the firm’s growth has never come at the expense of its values. Professionalism, ethics, and client-first service remain at the core of everything they do.

Adapting Through Change

Without question, the practice of law in 2025 looks very different from 1975. Alan and Abbey have led their teams through economic recessions, seismic shifts in technology, and an unprecedented pandemic that upended how law firms operate. During COVID-19, the firm’s ability to adapt quickly to remote hearings and Zoom trials allowed it to seamlessly expand its reach far beyond Miami, proving that high-quality advocacy can transcend geography.

Looking ahead, Kluger Kaplan is building out a new, modern office in Downtown Miami designed for the hybrid future of law. With Zoom rooms, wellness spaces, and flexible “backpack offices,” the new space reflects how the firm practices today.

Rooted in Community

From the very beginning, giving back has been part of Alan and Abbey’s DNA. Both have long believed that leadership extends beyond the courtroom. Whether through pro bono advocacy, supporting

nonprofits and the arts, or investing in education through scholarships like the H.T. Smith Legal Studies Scholarship, the firm has made community engagement a cornerstone of its identity.

As Alan puts it, “It’s not about giving money. People see how you behave as a leader, and that translates into trust.” Abbey adds, “Being involved with organizations that do good is rewarding in its own right. It’s good for mindfulness, wellbeing, and the community.”

Building for the Future

Alan and Abbey have been intentional about succession planning, bringing in younger litigators as full equity partners who are now helping to lead the firm. This commitment ensures Kluger Kaplan’s legacy will not only endure but grow stronger. Reflecting on the future, Kaplan recently noted: “Things are not going to change. I only think they are going to get better.”

As they reflect on 50 years in practice, both Alan and Abbey admit the milestone feels surreal often asking: “How did that happen so quickly?”. Yet, they remain as energized as ever, driven by the thrill of complex cases, the satisfaction of mentoring young attorneys, and the belief that litigation is as much about fairness as it is about strategy.

For them, the anniversary isn’t just about the past five decades, but about the privilege of continuing to do the work they love with the same drive and integrity that brought them together nearly fifty years ago.

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