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. A four-time “Top Gun” Trial Lawyer of the Year honoree of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, he has represented thousands of injured individuals and families in personal injury, wrongful death, and complex civil litigation matters. He has earned a reputation for disciplined advocacy and unwavering professionalism.
William founded the Law Office of William D. Shapiro early in his career to build a client-centered practice grounded in preparation and integrity. That practice later became William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. Today, he provides strategic guidance, institutional knowledge, and mentorship while supporting the firm’s next generation of leadership.
Professional Experience, Leadership, and Recognition
William is one of the most honored trial lawyers in California. The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association has named him “Top Gun” Trial Lawyer of the Year four times: in 2013, 2016, 2022, and 2025. He also received the 2025 California Lawyer of the Year (CLAY) Award from the Daily Journal. In recognition of his lasting impact on the profession, the San Bernardino County Bar Association named its lifetime achievement award in his honor in 2025, and Western State College of Law established the William D. Shapiro Advocacy Award in 2023. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the International Society of Barristers.
As 2026 National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), William exemplifies the leadership, professionalism, and trial excellence for which the organization is known. His service at the national level reflects a career-long commitment to excellence in trial advocacy, ethical practice, and the advancement of civility within the legal profession.
William has handled a broad range of high-stakes civil matters. He has tried cases to verdict, resolved complex matters through negotiation and mediation, and guided clients through every phase of the litigation process. He has also helped shape litigation strategy and professional standards within the firms he has led. He is frequently invited to speak at legal conferences, bar programs, and professional functions on trial practice, ethics, and civil litigation.
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.
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.