Roberta Kaplan is a famous American lawyer known for civil rights cases. Her full name is Roberta Ann Kaplan. In 2026, she is 60 years old. She was born in 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio.
She stands about 5 feet 6 inches tall. She weighs around 140 pounds. She founded Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP in 2017. She won United States v. Windsor in 2013. Her estimated net worth is $15 million in 2026.
She co-founded the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund. She represented E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump. She married Rachel Lavine in 2005. She has 1 child.
Roberta Kaplan Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Roberta Ann Kaplan |
| Stage Name | Robbie Kaplan |
| Date of Birth | 1966 |
| Age in 2026 | 60 |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Lawyer, Civil Rights Litigator |
| Category | Lawyer |
| Education | Harvard University, Columbia Law School |
| Partner / Spouse | Rachel Lavine (m. 2005) |
| Children | 1 |
| Career Start | 1991 |
| Company / Label / Team | Kaplan Martin LLP |
| Major Works | United States v. Windsor, E. Jean Carroll v. Trump |
| Achievements | National Public Service Award |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Primary Income Source | Law practice, speaking, books |
| Social Media Presence | X, LinkedIn |
Roberta Kaplan Real Name
Roberta Kaplan was born as Roberta Ann Kaplan. She uses Robbie Kaplan professionally. Her full name appears on all legal documents. She has no stage name or pseudonym.
Her real name reflects her Jewish heritage. She was raised in a Jewish household. She is known as Roberta Kaplan in legal circles. Her identity is tied to her legal career.
Kaplan is often called a “civil rights lawyer.” She is also known as a “litigation superstar.” Her name is synonymous with landmark cases. She has used this name for over 30 years.
Her real name is rarely discussed in public. Roberta Kaplan is her professional identity. She has no known nicknames from childhood. Her identity is inseparable from her legal legacy.
| Full Name | Roberta Ann Kaplan |
|---|---|
| Professional Name | Robbie Kaplan |
| Nickname | “Civil rights lawyer” |
| Name Origin | Birth name |
Roberta Kaplan Early Life and Education
Roberta Kaplan grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. She was raised in a Jewish household. She graduated from Hawken School in 1984. She was a closeted high school student.
She earned a BA from Harvard University in 1988. She studied Russian history and literature. She spent a semester abroad in Moscow. She discovered a passion for law there.
Kaplan earned her JD from Columbia Law School in 1991. She was an editor of the Columbia Law Review. She excelled in her legal studies. Her education shaped her legal mind.
She clerked for Judge Judith Kaye. This was on the New York Court of Appeals. She then clerked for Justice on the US Supreme Court. Her education built her career.
| Stage | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Hawken School | 1984 |
| College | Harvard University (BA) | 1988 |
| Law School | Columbia Law School (JD) | 1991 |
Roberta Kaplan Parents and Siblings
Roberta Kaplan was born to a Jewish family. Her parents raised her in Cleveland, Ohio. Her father was a doctor. Her mother was a homemaker. Her family valued education.
Her parents supported her education. They encouraged her academic excellence. Her family was middle-class. Her upbringing shaped her discipline.
Kaplan has no siblings publicly confirmed. She was an only child. Her parents invested in her future. She relied on scholarships for college. Her family remains private.
Her grandmother influenced her life. She credited her grandmother for her success. Her family is important to her. Her parents remain private individuals.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Father | Doctor |
| Mother | Homemaker |
| Grandmother | Influential Figure |
Roberta Kaplan Before Fame
Roberta Kaplan worked hard before her fame. She started her career as a law clerk. She clerked for Judge Judith Kaye. She then clerked for a Supreme Court Justice. These clerkships built her reputation.
She joined Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. She became a partner at the firm in 1999. She built a national reputation there. She handled complex commercial litigation.
She represented Edith Windsor in 2009. She took the case pro bono. She argued before the Supreme Court in 2013. This case made her nationally known.
She founded her own firm in 2017. The firm was called Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP. She built a strong foundation. Her before fame years were productive.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerkships | 1991–1993 |
| Joined Paul Weiss | 1994 |
| Became Partner | 1999 |
| Founded Own Firm | 2017 |
Roberta Kaplan Career
Roberta Kaplan began her legal career in 1991. She clerked for Judge Judith Kaye. She then clerked for a Supreme Court Justice. She joined Paul, Weiss in 1994. She became a partner in 1999. Her career spans 3 decades.
She represented Edith Windsor in United States v. Windsor. She won the case before the Supreme Court in 2013. The Court struck down a key part of DOMA. This case made her nationally known.
She represented E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump. She won 2 federal trials. Juries awarded Carroll over $88 million in damages. She continues to represent Carroll in appeals.
She founded Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP in 2017. The firm is now called Kaplan Martin LLP. She handles high-stakes litigation and public interest cases. Her career is historic.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Graduated from Columbia Law School |
| 1994 | Joined Paul, Weiss |
| 1999 | Became partner at Paul Weiss |
| 2013 | Won United States v. Windsor |
| 2017 | Founded Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP |
| 2024 | E. Jean Carroll v. Trump verdict |
Roberta Kaplan Family
Roberta Kaplan is married to Rachel Lavine. They married in 2005 in Toronto, Canada. They have 1 child together. Their family is close-knit.
Kaplan is openly gay. She married her partner in 2005. She is Jewish. Her faith is part of her heritage. Her family is important to her.
She values her wife’s privacy. They live in New York. They raise their child together. Their marriage is stable. Their partnership is strong.
Kaplan credits her family for her success. She spends time with her wife and child. Her family keeps her grounded. Her family is private.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Rachel Lavine | Wife |
| 1 Child | Child |
Roberta Kaplan Wife, Girlfriend or Partner
Roberta Kaplan is married to Rachel Lavine. They married in September 2005 in Toronto, Canada. She is openly gay. Their marriage has lasted over 20 years.
Rachel Lavine is private about her life. She does not have a Wikipedia profile. She focuses on her family. She supports her wife’s career. Their relationship is strong.
Kaplan values her wife’s privacy. They live in New York. They raised their child together. Their marriage is stable. Their partnership is solid.
She has no public boyfriends or partners. She has been married to Rachel for decades. She is not linked to any scandals. Her personal life is private. Her marriage is stable.
| Partner | Relationship | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Rachel Lavine | Wife | 2005–present |
Roberta Kaplan Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Roberta Kaplan is 60 years old in 2026. She was born in 1966. She stands about 5 feet 6 inches tall. She weighs around 140 pounds. She has a slim and athletic build.
She has brown eyes and brown hair. Her hair is often styled short. She has a fair skin tone. Her appearance is professional and polished. She often wears suits in public.
She maintains a healthy lifestyle. She exercises regularly to stay fit. She does not publicize her fitness routine. Her physique is average for her height. She is energetic for a 60-year-old.
She is often seen in courtrooms and on television. Her visual presence is commanding. She speaks with authority and confidence. Her physical presence is part of her legal persona.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 140 pounds |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Slim / Athletic |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Roberta Kaplan Social Media Presence
Roberta Kaplan is active on X and LinkedIn. She uses X to share legal insights. She posts about civil rights cases. She also comments on current events. Her X presence is influential.
She has a large following on X. She uses the platform for advocacy. She often criticizes injustice. She also praises legal victories. Her posts are widely shared.
Kaplan is also on LinkedIn. She shares professional updates there. She posts about her cases and books. She also highlights her media appearances. Her LinkedIn is professional.
She appears frequently on news networks. She is a legal analyst for various channels. She also writes for major publications. Her social media and media presence are linked. She is a prominent legal voice.
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| X | Legal insights and commentary |
| Professional updates | |
| News Networks | Legal analyst appearances |
| Publications | Op-ed articles |
Roberta Kaplan Awards and Achievements
Roberta Kaplan has won many prestigious awards. She received the National Public Service Award from Stanford Law School in 2013. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Law Journal. She was named one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers by The National Law Journal.
She was named Litigator of the Year by The American Lawyer. She was named Lawyer of the Year by Above the Law. She was named Most Innovative Lawyer of The Year by The Financial Times. She received the George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award in 2023.
She received the WNBA Inspiration Award in 2018. She has honorary doctorates from Johns Hopkins University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. She was named Constitutional Law Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation in 2026.
She was named to the Legal 500 U.S. Elite Commercial Disputes list. She is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers for commercial litigation, employment litigation, and higher education. Her achievements are historic. She is a legal icon.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| National Public Service Award | 2013 | Stanford Law School |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Not publicly confirmed | New York Law Journal |
| 100 Most Influential Lawyers | Not publicly confirmed | National Law Journal |
| Litigator of the Year | Not publicly confirmed | The American Lawyer |
| Most Innovative Lawyer | Not publicly confirmed | Financial Times |
| Constitutional Law Litigator | 2026 | Benchmark Litigation |
Roberta Kaplan Net Worth
Roberta Kaplan has an estimated net worth of $15 million in 2026. Some sources estimate it between $10 million and $15 million. Her income comes from law practice, speaking, and books. She is one of the highest-paid lawyers in America.
Her law firm generates millions in revenue. The firm handles high-profile cases. This adds to her wealth. She charges high fees for her services. Her legal work is lucrative.
She also earns from book royalties. She wrote “Then Comes Marriage” in 2015. She appears on television frequently. She earns from speaking engagements. Her income is diverse.
Her net worth is substantial for a lawyer. She owns property in New York. She lives in Manhattan. Her wealth reflects her success. She is a legal icon.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Practice | Kaplan Martin LLP |
| Books | “Then Comes Marriage” |
| Speaking | Engagements |
| Media | TV appearances |
Roberta Kaplan Nationality and Religion
Roberta Kaplan is an American citizen. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds American nationality. She is proud of her country. She has lived in the US her entire life.
Her religion is Jewish. She was raised in a Jewish household. She is openly gay and Jewish. Her faith is part of her heritage. She is a member of the Jewish community.
She is a member of the Democratic Party. She is politically active. She supports civil rights and equality. Her political views are liberal.
Her nationality is American. Her heritage is Jewish. Her religion is Judaism. Her political affiliation is Democratic. Her background is Cleveland.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Heritage | Jewish |
| Political Party | Democratic |
Roberta Kaplan Public Image
Roberta Kaplan has a complex public image. She is seen as a brilliant lawyer. She is respected by peers and judges. She is known for her legal acumen. Her image is mostly positive.
She is also a controversial figure. She represented E. Jean Carroll against Trump. She faced criticism for her work with Time’s Up. Some questioned her judgment. Her public image is layered.
She is known as a workaholic. She works long hours. She is dedicated to her cases. She is seen as formidable in court. Her public image is that of a skilled advocate.
She is also seen as a champion of civil rights. She fought for marriage equality. She represented victims of assault. Her public image is mixed. She is a complex figure.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 1990s–2000s | Rising litigator |
| 2010–2015 | National prominence |
| 2015–2020 | Time’s Up co-founder |
| 2020–2026 | Civil rights champion |
Roberta Kaplan Legacy and Impact
Roberta Kaplan has a significant legal legacy. She argued landmark cases. She defended civil rights for decades. She won marriage equality in Windsor. Her legacy is secure.
She changed how lawyers handle civil rights cases. She is known for her preparation and strategy. She inspired many young lawyers. She showed that hard work pays off. Her impact is generational.
She founded a major law firm. Kaplan Martin LLP employs many attorneys. The firm handles high-profile cases. She built a lasting institution. Her legacy is institutional.
She continues to practice law in 2026. She mentors young lawyers. She writes and speaks about legal issues. Her legacy is still growing. She is a legal icon.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Landmark Cases | United States v. Windsor |
| Law Firm | Kaplan Martin LLP |
| Advocacy | Civil rights |
| Mentorship | Young lawyers |
Roberta Kaplan Future Plans and Goals
Roberta Kaplan continues her legal career in 2026. She is 60 years old. She still practices law. She remains active in high-profile cases. She has no plans to retire.
She continues to represent E. Jean Carroll. She argues before the Supreme Court. She mentors younger attorneys. Her future is busy. She prepares for potential Supreme Court review.
She plans to write more books. She may write another bestseller. She wants to spend time with family. She values her wife Rachel. Her goals are personal and professional.
She aims to protect civil rights. She fights for equal rights. She defends victims. She inspires future lawyers. Her future is bright. She is at the top of her field.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Practice | Kaplan Martin LLP |
| Writing | More books |
| Media | TV appearances |
| Family | Time with wife Rachel |
Roberta Kaplan Legal Career
Roberta Kaplan began her legal career in 1991. She clerked for Judge Judith Kaye. She then clerked for a Supreme Court Justice. She joined Paul, Weiss in 1994. She became a partner in 1999. Her career spans 3 decades.
She represented Edith Windsor in United States v. Windsor. She won the case before the Supreme Court in 2013. The Court struck down a key part of DOMA. This case made her nationally known.
She represented E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump. She won 2 federal trials. Juries awarded Carroll over $88 million in damages. She continues to represent Carroll in appeals.
She founded Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP in 2017. The firm is now called Kaplan Martin LLP. She handles high-stakes litigation and public interest cases. Her career is historic.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Graduated from Columbia Law School |
| 1994 | Joined Paul, Weiss |
| 1999 | Became partner at Paul Weiss |
| 2013 | Won United States v. Windsor |
| 2017 | Founded Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP |
| 2024 | E. Jean Carroll v. Trump verdict |
Roberta Kaplan Notable Cases
Roberta Kaplan has argued many landmark cases. She represented Edith Windsor in United States v. Windsor. The Supreme Court struck down a key part of DOMA in 2013. This case paved the way for marriage equality.
She represented E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump. She won 2 federal trials. Juries awarded Carroll over $88 million. She continues to represent Carroll in appeals.
She represented plaintiffs in Sines v. Kessler. She won a $26 million verdict against white supremacists. The case was about the Charlottesville rally in 2017. This case established civil liability for extremist conduct.
She represented the New York MTA in congestion pricing cases. She successfully defended the program. She represented a leading beverage company in a class action. Her cases are historic.
| Case | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| United States v. Windsor | 2013 | Represented Edith Windsor |
| Sines v. Kessler | 2021 | Represented plaintiffs |
| E. Jean Carroll v. Trump | 2023–2024 | Represented E. Jean Carroll |
| MTA Congestion Pricing | 2024 | Lead counsel |
Roberta Kaplan Books and Publications
Roberta Kaplan wrote “Then Comes Marriage: United States v. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA.” The book was published in 2015. She co-wrote it with Lisa Dickey. The book explores the Windsor case. It became a notable publication.
She has authored articles in multiple law review journals. These articles cover legal topics. She has written about civil rights and litigation. Her writings are influential. She is a respected legal scholar.
She has lectured widely on civil rights. She speaks at universities and conferences. She shares her legal expertise. Her publications are part of her legacy. She is a prolific writer.
Her book influenced the legal debate. Her articles are cited by lawyers. Her lectures inspire students. Her publications are part of her legacy. She is a legal icon.
| Title | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| “Then Comes Marriage” | Book | 2015 |
| Law Review Articles | Scholarly | Various |
| Lectures | Speaking | Various |
Roberta Kaplan Hobbies
- Playing tennis
- Reading legal thrillers
- Watching documentaries
- Spending time with family
- Teaching law
- Appearing on TV
- Debating legal issues
- Traveling
- Exercising
- Writing
Roberta Kaplan Favorite Things
- Favorite Book: Legal thrillers
- Favorite Case: United States v. Windsor
- Favorite Food: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite City: New York
- Favorite Law School: Columbia
- Favorite Sport: Tennis
- Favorite Quote: “Equal justice under law”
- Favorite Hobby: Writing
- Favorite Activity: Practicing law
- Favorite Color: Blue
Roberta Kaplan Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | She was born in Cleveland, Ohio. |
| 2 | She was raised in a Jewish household. |
| 3 | She graduated from Hawken School in 1984. |
| 4 | She studied Russian history at Harvard. |
| 5 | She spent a semester abroad in Moscow. |
| 6 | She earned her JD from Columbia in 1991. |
| 7 | She clerked for Judge Judith Kaye. |
| 8 | She became a partner at Paul Weiss in 1999. |
| 9 | She represented Edith Windsor pro bono. |
| 10 | She won United States v. Windsor in 2013. |
| 11 | She founded her own firm in 2017. |
| 12 | She co-founded the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund. |
| 13 | She represented E. Jean Carroll against Trump. |
| 14 | She won a $26 million verdict in Sines v. Kessler. |
| 15 | She married Rachel Lavine in 2005. |
| 16 | She has 1 child. |
| 17 | She wrote “Then Comes Marriage” in 2015. |
| 18 | She was named Constitutional Law Litigator of the Year in 2026. |
FAQs
Q1: What is Roberta Kaplan’s net worth in 2026?
Roberta Kaplan‘s net worth is estimated at $15 million in 2026. Her income comes from law, books, and speaking.
Q2: How old is Roberta Kaplan in 2026?
Roberta Kaplan is 60 years old in 2026. She was born in 1966.
Q3: Who is Roberta Kaplan’s wife?
Roberta Kaplan is married to Rachel Lavine. They married in 2005 in Toronto.
Q4: What is Roberta Kaplan’s height and weight?
Roberta Kaplan is about 5 feet 6 inches tall. She weighs around 140 pounds.
Q5: What is Roberta Kaplan’s real name?
Her real name is Roberta Ann Kaplan. She has no stage name or pseudonym.
Q6: What cases is Roberta Kaplan known for?
She is known for United States v. Windsor, E. Jean Carroll v. Trump, and Sines v. Kessler.
Q7: Does Roberta Kaplan have children?
Yes, she has 1 child with her wife Rachel Lavine.
Conclusion
Roberta Kaplan is a legendary American lawyer. Her real name is Roberta Ann Kaplan. In 2026, she is 60 years old. She was born in 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio. She stands 5 feet 6 inches and weighs 140 pounds.
She started her career in 1991. She founded Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP in 2017. She wrote “Then Comes Marriage” in 2015. She won United States v. Windsor in 2013. Her net worth is $15 million in 2026.
She married Rachel Lavine in 2005. She has 1 child. She won the National Public Service Award in 2013. Her legacy is historic. She is a legal icon.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Roberta Kaplan‘s journey from Cleveland to legal superstardom.
