Philip Kaplan

Biography: Philip Kaplan, age 85 passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023, surrounded by his immediate family having valiantly fought protracted complications associated with a hemorrhagic stroke. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he is preceded in death by both his parents Myer and Marion Kaplan as well as his younger brother Gary. Phil experienced the opportunities and challenges facing first and second-generation Jewish families who immigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe which shaped his Jewish identity and moral convictions.
A lifelong learner and educator, Phil graduated from Harvard College in 1959 as well as University of Michigan Law School and taught both law school and friends as a teacher and student through his affiliation with LifeQuest of Arkansas.
Originally licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he and his family moved to St. Louis for a brief period as a field attorney for the National Labor Relations Bureau. Following his true calling as a civil rights attorney and social activist, the family moved to Little Rock in 1967 where he founded the State's first integrated law firm with partners Richard Mays and John Walker. He later founded Kaplan, Brewer & Maxey with partners and friends Joann Maxey and Silas Brewer.
Over the course of his career as a litigator, he successfully tried several landmark lawsuits, the most notable being representing the inmate population of the Arkansas prison system as well as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) which challenged a law requiring equal treatment for creationism any time evolution was taught in the classroom. Phil was recognized as one of the state's best trial attorneys as documented by a front cover story in Super Lawyers magazine and was a honored member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.
A proud and committed Arkansan and Little Rock resident for over 55-years, Phil was a civic leader that understood the importance of giving back to his community. He proudly served on many civic, religious and philanthropic boards, which included The Jewish Federation, Temple B'nai Israel, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas PBS, KUAR Public Radio and served as the Chairperson of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Commission. Many will fondly remember his annual co-hosting of the Two Jewish Guys Hanukkah radio program with his dear friend, Leslie Singer.
Phil is survived by Ruthe his wife and lifelong partner of 62-years, along with daughter Julie and son Andrew (Sheryl). His grandchildren Alex (Corey), Emily and Matthew will forever be one of his proudest accomplishments each of whom held a special place in his heart and were a source of immense pride. Funeral services will be held at Congregation B'nai Israel, 3700 North Rodney Parham, Little Rock, Arkansas on Monday at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Congregation B'nai Israel or Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
Our family, the legal community and Phil's many friends and colleagues will forever remember his intellect, passion for learning and commitment to those less fortunate than himself. May he rest in peace for a life well lived devoted to his wife, family, friends and the community he called home.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Congregation B'nai Israel, 3700 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock AR 72212, at 1 p.m. on Monday June 26, 2023. A private burial will be held at Oakland Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com