Michael G Caplan KC (born1953[1] in Wandsworth, London) is an English solicitor.
Caplan read law at King's College London (LLB, AKC), before undertaking study at The College of Law in London. Articled at Lickfolds Wiley & Powles, he qualified as a solicitor in 1977 and joined law firm Kingsley Napley in 1978, where he was a partner for 30 years and now serves as a Consultant. Caplan specialises in international criminal law and regulatory work. Taking silk in 2002, he is one of eight solicitors to have been appointed as King's Counsel.[2]
One of the first Solicitor Advocates in the United Kingdom in 2002, and the first solicitor from a criminal law background to be made a KC, Caplan was one of those who contended that solicitor advocates should be entitled to wear the same wig and gown in court as barristers.[3]
Caplan has commented on the proposed changes to the UK's Corporate manslaughter laws.[4] He has also contributed to The Times Legal supplement. Caplan sits as a Recorder (judge) in the Crown Court, is a chairman of the police disciplinary appeal tribunal; and used to be chairman of the Solicitors Higher Courts Advocates Association.
Caplan's work has included acting for: