William D. Shapiro

William D. Shapiro is Of Counsel to Shapiro Law Firm, PC and a veteran plaintiff’s trial lawyer who has served the Southern California community for more than four decades. Over the course of his career, he has represented thousands of injured individuals and families in personal injury, wrongful death, and complex civil litigation matters, earning a reputation for disciplined advocacy, credibility with courts and opposing counsel, and unwavering professionalism.

William founded the Law Office of William D. Shapiro early in his career with the goal of building a client-centered practice grounded in preparation and integrity. That practice later evolved into William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., which served the Southern California public for more than forty years. Today, William serves as Of Counsel to Shapiro Law Firm, PC, providing strategic guidance, institutional knowledge, and mentorship while supporting the firm’s next generation of leadership.

Practice Philosophy

Civility, mastery of the fundamentals, and disciplined preparation anchor William’s approach to the practice of law. He believes effective advocacy begins with meticulous attention to facts, command of the governing law, and professional conduct in every interaction. Credibility, in his view, is earned through consistency, judgment, and respect for the court, opposing counsel, and the client. These principles have guided his practice for decades and continue to shape the culture of the firm.

Professional Experience, Leadership, and Recognition

Serving as National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2026, William exemplified the leadership, professionalism, and trial excellence for which the organization is known. His service at the national level reflects a career-long commitment to disciplined advocacy, ethical practice, and the advancement of civility within the legal profession.

William’s talent and commitment to the legal community have been widely recognized. Over the course of his career, he has received multiple Trial Lawyer of the Year honors and lifetime-achievement awards from trial-lawyer organizations throughout California. In recognition of his lasting impact on the profession, the San Bernardino County Bar Association named its newly established lifetime-achievement award in William’s honor in 2025.

Throughout his career, William has handled a broad range of high-stakes civil matters, with a primary focus on personal injury and wrongful death litigation. He has tried cases to verdict, resolved complex matters through negotiation and mediation, and guided clients through every phase of the litigation process. In addition to his trial work, he has played a central role in mentoring attorneys, shaping litigation strategy, and setting professional standards within the firms he has led.

Over the course of his career, William has earned numerous professional distinctions and accreditations, including long-standing recognition by trial lawyer organizations and peer-reviewed honors reflecting both results and reputation. He has received innumerable trial-lawyer awards, is consistently recognized by his peers for excellence in advocacy, and is frequently invited to speak at legal conferences, bar programs, and professional functions on trial practice, ethics, and civil litigation.

Education and Admissions

William earned his Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law, where he has remained an active and committed alumnus. Over the years, he has championed the school’s interests and has been recognized for his contributions with induction into its Alumni Hall of Fame. William is admitted to practice in multiple state jurisdictions, including California, where he began his legal career representing injured clients and has continued that work throughout the nation.