2024 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Nicholas M. Clabbers
Nicholas M. Clabbers
Partner
Kaplan Kirsch LLP
Age 36
Nicholas M. Clabbers, 36, has swiftly risen in the airport legal field, becoming one of the youngest partners at Kaplan Kirsch LLP. Beginning his career with no industry experience, Clabbers has become a respected authority on airport legal matters, focusing on regulatory compliance and transactional negotiations for airport operators across the U.S. His client base spans from small regional airports to major hubs, where he addresses complex issues that include FAA compliance, internal investigations, and negotiations on challenging airport operational agreements.
“In the aviation world, there are always lots of new and interesting technologies, business models, and projects that present novel legal issues,” he said. “I love working through those issues and helping airport clients achieve their goals, and that’s always going to be my first priority. But, I often also get to do so in a way that has a real impact on our national transportation system.”
Clabbers’ accomplishments include guiding the City of Avon Park through the landmark privatization of Avon Park Executive Airport, expected to be the first transaction under the FAA’s Airport Investment Partnership Program. Additionally, he assisted the City of St. Louis in negotiating an airline use agreement essential for advancing a new terminal at St. Louis Lambert International. As general counsel for Telluride Regional Airport, Clabbers helped procure a multi-million-dollar hangar project to drive revenue and expand capacity, showcasing his capability in fostering growth.
Outside his legal practice, Clabbers shares his expertise through industry publications and presentations at national conferences. Committed to mentorship, he actively supports the development of young professionals in the field, ensuring the future strength of airport industry expertise. Clabbers values his firm’s collaborative culture, where each team member contributes to achieving exceptional client outcomes. His commitment to shaping industry solutions and building future leaders reflects his passion for advancing both the airport sector and his firm.
