Law School Mourns the Passing of Herbert Lee Caplan, AB’52, JD’57
The University of Chicago Law School notes with sadness the passing of Herbert Lee Caplan, AB’52, JD’57, a distinguished alumnus, accomplished attorney, and dedicated advocate for the arts and humanities. He died on June 16, 2025, at the age of 93.
A veteran of the Korean War, Caplan enjoyed a long and respected legal career, marked by a deep commitment to public service, civic life, and cultural preservation. He served as first assistant to the Illinois attorney general and later as corporation counsel for the City of Chicago.
A generous supporter of the Law School, he established two writing awards for students. The Herbert L. Caplan Prize for Creative Legal Thinking, established in 2015, is given for the best original student paper discussing an issue of contemporary interest and concern and advancing creative legal solutions. The Herbert L. Caplan Prize for Reform in Public & Constitutional Law, established in 2017, is given to the outstanding student paper that proposes a creative and feasible solution to a critical issue in the public law. These awards ensure that his Caplan's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal minds.
In addition to his contributions to the Law School, Caplan was a passionate leader of community-benefit initiatives. He was deeply committed to civic education and to preserving Chicago’s public green spaces.