December 2014 Alumni Highlight

When Jason Kaplan (’07) chose to enroll at Pace as an undergraduate he was unaware that it would be the beginning of a three degree relationship.  Jason first received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and also an M.B.A. in 2004, and straight from there Jason enrolled in Law School, receiving a J.D. from Pace in 2007.  As an undergraduate, Jason received a full academic scholarship to attend Pace University.  It was his positive experience with Pace as an undergraduate and their generous scholarship offer that led him to pursue his studies in law at Pace Law School. 

While at Pace Law School, Jason was an editor on the Pace Law Review and also a Dean’s Scholar in Contracts and Civil Procedure.  After graduating from Pace Law magna cum laude in 2007, Jason began his law career as an associate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP.  He was part of the Global Transportation Finance Group there.  From there, Jason moved to Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP.  He remains there as an associate in the firm’s corporate and equipment finance group based in the New York office.  As part of this group, Jason has a particular focus on aviation finance.  He represents financial institutions, aircraft leasing companies, airlines, and private investors in various international financing and leasing transactions.    

Through his time at Hughes Hubbard, Jason has been involved in various significant matters.  He has represented lenders and borrowers in matters involving billions of dollars in financing.  Jason’s firm has been recognized consistently by trade journals as a leader in the field of aviation finance.  Jason was one of the attorneys who worked on transactions which received industry “deal of the year” awards.

Jason’s experience at the Law School was just as positive as his experience at Pace undergrad.  What he really enjoyed about his time at Pace Law School was the open door policy of the professors.  Each professor was always very willing to take the time to speak to students one on one and provide any guidance necessary.   Jason attributes much of his success to his own personal motivation coupled with his positive experiences with Professor Leslie Garfield.  Jason fondly remembers Criminal Law and Entertainment Law with Professor Garfield.  

Since graduating, Jason has come back to campus for on campus interviewing on two occasions, leading to the successful hiring of a member of the 2013 class (Cara Rosen, who is a valued member of the litigation team at Hughes Hubbard).  Jason looks forward to returning to campus for future on campus interviews and alumni events.

Jason currently resides in White Plains.  In his free time, he enjoys football, baseball and traveling.