Dan Klaff
To his co-workers, Dan Klaff stands out as "the best of the best" in his firm and his field. He is the firm's youngest partner, and his work on affordable housing and community development demonstrates his strong commitment to social justice. He organized the 2014 Chicagoland Community Development Summit, which provided an avenue to discuss the need for healthy communities. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Thresholds, a social services agency. He chairs their real estate committee helping to provide housing and services to those with mental illness.
Dan is also a leader in the Jewish community. As one of the youngest members of the American Jewish Committee board, he helped expand the ACCESS program, which emphasizes the role of younger professionals in the global Jewish community; he makes a concerted effort to visit Jewish communities and their leaders in other cities and countries around the world.
Age:
32
Primary gig:
Partner at Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C., a Chicago-based boutique law firm focused on affordable housing and community development
On the side:
Dad to Asher (15 months) and golden doodle Bogey (3 years) and preparing for the arrival of baby #2 later this summer. I am also a huge Chicago sports fan, love to cook and enjoy skiing and paddle.
Relationship status:
Happily married to my wife, Julie
Celebrity doppelganger/who would play you in a movie:
My wife says Patrick Sharp -- not sure the general public would agree -- but I'll go with that.
Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Continuing to thrive and grow as an increasingly diverse and accepting community. Continuing to provide unwavering support to those in need in our own community, in Israel, and in Jewish communities around the world.
Me in 10 years:
Making a meaningful impact in community development efforts in Chicago and around our region and enjoying life surrounded by my closest family and friends. Planning a trip to Israel with my wife and kids and hopefully sleeping a little bit more and enjoying life with no diapers.
