In this Q&A with The Texas Lawbook, Jeff Kaplan discusses the traits he seeks in outside counsel, what outside counsel need to know when working with him and more.
Texas Lawbook: What are the factors you consider when deciding about hiring outside counsel?
Jeff Kaplan: I give most of the hiring responsibilities to the lawyers who have to work with outside counsel. I find it helpful that they have “skin in the game” rather than being told who to hire. That said, my philosophy is that we want the right lawyer for the particular job. Experience, service level and value are how one is distinguished from another. And it is extremely important that you like to spend time with the lawyer you hire.
Lawbook: What does outside counsel need to know about you?
Kaplan: It is important to me to understand what differentiates you and your firm from others. Houston has a very large number of great lawyers, so just being one of them is not enough. There are hidden costs in hiring a new law firm, such as educating you on our business and how we like to do things, so if we are going to make that investment, then you need to be worth the cost.
Lawbook: How is AI impacting your work?
Kaplan: Each member of our department has at least one AI goal for 2026, whether it is as sophisticated as creating an agent to help with tasks or just spending time each week getting familiar with the technology. Our IP team has led the way with several sophisticated use cases, and they are helping our other practice areas find their use cases. For many people, it is a productivity tool at the outset, so I don’t see AI replacing lawyers any time soon. But soon lawyers who use AI will replace those who don’t.
Lawbook: How is AI impacting your work and relationship with outside counsel?
Kaplan: It has not yet.
Lawbook: What has been your best day working at LyondellBasell during the past 16 years?
Kaplan: Several years ago, we had a global meeting of lawyers, and the 85 to 90 lawyers that were part of the department came to my house for dinner. Seeing the entire cadre of lawyers in the department all together, having fun, was extremely rewarding and memorable.
Click here to read the Lawbook profile of Jeff Kaplan.