Willkie Farr co-chair on leave after arrest

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP co-chair Gordon R. Caplan has been placed on leave following his arrest in an alleged college admissions scheme, the firm announced Wednesday. Co-chairs Steven J. Gartner and Thomas M. Cerabino will continue to manage the firm.

"This is a personal matter and does not involve Willkie or any of its clients. In light of the seriousness of the matter, Mr. Caplan has been placed on a leave of absence from the Firm and will have no further Firm management responsibilities," a firm statement read.

Caplan was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud for allegedly paying $75,000 to have his daughter's ACT score improved by a proctor, according to an FBI affidavit. He was released Tuesday on a $500,000 bond. He is represented by Patrick J. Smith of Smith Villazor LLP and Peter S. Cane of Cane and Associates LLP.

Caplan is scheduled to appear in District of Massachusetts federal court on March 29. United States v. Caplan, 19-mj-02400 (S.D. N.Y., filed March 12, 2019).