Gordon Caplan, a former co-chairman of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, has asked for a sentence of no prison time after pleading guilty to conspiracy in the college admissions bribery scandal. Ahead of his Oct. 3 sentencing, Caplan has filed more than 170 pages of letters in support of his request for a light sentence, including requests from prominent attorneys and others in the legal profession.

Among the letter-writers were the dean of Fordham Law School, numerous partners at Willkie and from Kirkland & Ellis, Cravath Swaine & Moore, Goodwin Procter and other firms. Below are excerpts from some of the letters.

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Steven Gartner, partner and chairman of Willkie:

"While no one defended his conduct, his clients were, without exception, extremely appreciative of Gordon's commitment to them, and genuinely concerned about his personal and family's well-being. This support came from people at public companies, regulated institutions, private companies and individuals. … I do not excuse Gordon's actions—they were stupid, albeit motivated solely for the benefit of his daughter whom he loves more than anything in the world. … Knowing Gordon as I do, he will likely make it his life's work to redeem himself in the eyes of his former partners and clients, and his family."

William Fogg, partner at Cravath:

"We first met in 5th grade … He apologized to me for his actions because he knows that many people in the New York legal community know we are friends and he worried that my association with him would somehow damage me. (I don't share his concern.) … He is loved by his family and community and has already paid a very dear price for his actions."

Eric Goldstein, partner at Goodwin:

"I have known Gordon … since I was a junior associate at Willkie … I worked closely with him on many matters and learned how to be a lawyer from him. It did not make a difference whether it was 9 am or 1 am, he was there for support and guidance. … There were times when decisions required more than legal analysis—whether something was the 'right thing to do'—and Gordon always thought of that."

Justin Elliott, partner at Kirkland:

"I found him to be an honest, caring, family-first man. While on one hand, I'm not surprised to hear that he would do anything for his family, on the other hand, I was genuinely shocked to hear about his lapse in judgment … He knows he has done wrong here, and his family will suffer the consequences of his actions for many years to come, no matter what punishment is imposed upon him."

Matthew Diller, dean of Fordham Law School:

I consider any fraud or record falsification in the student admission process to be abhorrent. However, I understand in determining an appropriate sentence, the Court considers and balances many factors and letters … Gordon has been an engaged and active alumnus from the time of his graduation from Fordham Law in 1991.

Danielle Lesser, partner at Morrison Cohen:

"I have known Gordon Caplan for nearly 35 years … We came together when a very close friend of ours was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. She passed away in 2011, but Gordon's kindness and support of our friend during her illness and his outreach to me after her death were a reminder of his thoughtfulness, compassion and humanity."

Gregory Bruch, partner at Bruch Hanna:

"Gordon was a successful business lawyer, but he never pandered to his clients. I saw first-hand Gordon's ability to deliver challenging compliance advice to clients, even when that advice was not welcomed or well-received … Gordon never blinked when his enforcement and compliance lawyers give him their best advice, and he in turn was fully supportive of that advice when it was delivered by other lawyers to his clients."

Robin Flicker, attorney:

"In nearly 30 years of practicing law, defending both white-collar criminal clients and those who faced the death penalty in New York state, I have never known a defendant to so readily admit guilt and express unmitigated remorse for his actions … There is no sentence that can be imposed upon him greater than that which he has imposed upon himself."

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