Mortimer Caplin, lawyer and educator, is the founder of Caplin & Drysdale, one of the nation’s leading tax law firms. He holds B.S. and LL.B. degrees from University of Virginia and Doctor of Juridical Science from New York University.
First in his class at UVA School of Law and Editor-in-Chief of Virginia Law Review, Mr. Caplin served as a law clerk to U.S. Circuit Judge Armistead M. Dobie. He then practiced law in New York City from 1941 to 1950, with time out for military service in the U.S. Navy. During the Normandy invasion he served as U.S. Navy beachmaster, cited as member of initial landing force on Omaha Beach.
In 1950, Mr. Caplin returned to UVA as professor of law, specializing in tax and corporate law and publishing extensively in these fields. He also engaged in practice as counsel to a Virginia law firm.
Government Experience Following President John F. Kennedy's election, Mr. Caplin served on the President's Task Force on Taxation and in January 1961 was appointed U. S. Commissioner of Internal Revenue. He remained in that post until July 1964 when he resigned to form the law firm of Caplin & Drysdale.
In his law practice, Mr. Caplin uses his broad experience dealing with U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Justice Department, and the tax committees of Congress. He represents a broad range of clients in tax planning, dispute resolution, trials and appeals.
Professional Activities
- Served as trustee of many educational and charitable entities: UVA Board of Visitors; UVA Law School Foundation; George Washington University; University of the Virgin Islands; Arena Stage; Shakespeare Theatre; Wolf Trap Foundation
- Chair of the UVA Council for the Arts for over ten years and is now Honorary Chair
- Member, Governing Council of UVA Miller Center of Public Affairs
- Member, Board of Directors, Environmental & Energy Study Institute
- Chair, Board of Advisors, The Hospitality & Information Service (“THIS”)
Awards and Honors
Mr. Caplin has deep commitments to public service, teaching and the educational process itself. His contributions have been recognized by numerous organizations.
- The University of Virginia presented him the William J. Brennan Jr. Award from its National Trial Advocacy Program as well as the Thomas Jefferson Medal in Law, the university’s highest honor
- Named a “Chevalier” of the Legion of Honor by the President of the French Republic for his contributions to the United States’ decisive role in the liberation of France during World War II
- The Maryland General Assembly issued an official citation in recognition of his appointment as “Chevalier” of the Legion of Honor by the President of the French Republic
- Also presented with the Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty authorized by the Governor of the Normandy Region
- On leaving the U. S. government, he received the Alexander Hamilton Award, the highest award conferred by the Secretary of the Treasury for his "distinguished leadership”
- He is also the recipient of the Achievement Award, Tax Society of New York University; Judge Learned Hand Human Relations Award, American Jewish Committee; Tax Executives Institute Distinguished Service Award; The Kenneth S. Liles Award; The Elizabeth Scott Award; Federal Bar Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars Public Service Award; Virginia State Bar and Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants Award
- Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia, after having served as Professor of Law (1950-1961) and Visiting Professor of Law (1965-1987)
- Listed in the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the specialty of Tax Law
Selected Recent Publications
Mr. Caplin is frequently quoted in the media. Most recently, he was mentioned by Kenneth S. Abraham, Harrison Distinguished Law Professor at UVA in his remarks to the Class of 2009. Other media mentions include:
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