The William and Susan Shapiro Scholarship, established by William D. Shapiro and Susan Shapiro, is awarded yearly to students who demonstrate exceptional achievement, leadership, and financial need at Western State. With a scholarship of $5,000, it provides critical support for law students to help them achieve their goals. This year, two outstanding recipients, Gabrielle Eka-mma Eshiet and Mirella Farias Martinez, are making their mark on the Western State community and beyond.
Gabrielle Eshiet: Leading with Purpose
Gabrielle Eshiet, a 2L law student set to graduate in December 2025, is interested in employment and corporate law. She serves as the President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Secretary of the Student Bar Association (SBA), and Dean’s Fellow. Gabrielle is passionate about building community and advocating for her peers, particularly Black students, to ensure they feel supported. Sharing her experience at Western State and having access to clubs like BLSA, she explains, “I felt like I had a community. So I wanted to be that community for other students.”
For Gabrielle, the Shapiro Scholarship is an opportunity to focus entirely on her studies and leadership positions without the added financial stress of juggling multiple part-time jobs. She explains, “The scholarship means I can breathe. It allows me to focus on school and leadership without worrying about gig work to pay my bills. I can now dedicate my time to preparing for the bar and opportunities that will make me a better attorney.” With the bar exam being an integral part of the journey of any law student, Gabrielle says the scholarship will allow her to focus on studying for the pivotal exam.
Gabrielle is grateful for Western State’s supportive environment, which has played a significant role in her success. “The faculty and students here genuinely care about each other,” she said. “I’ve always felt like I’m more than a number, like a person.” Gabrielle also boasted about how dedicated the faculty are to student success. “The faculty here pour so much light into us,” she said. “They make you feel seen and supported, and they genuinely want us to succeed. That makes all the difference.”
Gabrielle encourages Western State students who are interested in leadership roles with the clubs on campus to find their passion. “Get involved in something that makes your heart happy, something you’re genuinely passionate about. It won’t feel like work, and you’ll find balance and purpose even when law school gets tough.”
Mirella Farias: Discovering Leadership through Opportunity
Mirella Farias Martinez, a full-time 2L law student studying business law, discovered her passion for corporate law while attending law school at Western State. She serves as captain of one of Western State’s Mock Trial teams, a role she never thought she would take. “I never saw myself as a leader, but stepping into this role showed me the importance of structure and organization. It pushed me to develop skills I didn’t know I had,” she said.
Mirella says the Shapiro Scholarship is a crucial part of her journey. “This scholarship means opportunities,” she explained. “It reduces financial stress and allows me to participate in networking events, like the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association gala, which are key to building connections in the legal field.” Mirella, who plans to open her own law firm in the future, says the scholarship keeps her on track and allows her to focus on her coursework.
Like Gabrielle, Mirella praised Western State’s culture of collaboration and support. “What I love about Western State is how everyone wants each other to succeed. It’s a culture of collaboration, not competition,” Mirella explained, highlighting the close-knit culture of Western State as a strength, where students can depend on each other for support.
Mirella had the courage to step outside her comfort zone when she became the captain of her Mock Trial team. “I didn’t think I had the qualities to be a captain,” she shared. Nevertheless, she took on the role of leading her team. For Western State students curious about leadership roles, Mirella encourages taking a similar approach. “Even if you don’t think you’re a leader, you truly are. You just need to develop those skills,” she asserts. She stresses the importance of applying for all available scholarships. “Apply, even if you think you don’t meet the criteria,” Mirella advises. She explains that being open about experiences, and having a passion for law, can be an advantage.
A Bright Future Ahead
Both Gabrielle and Mirella have boasted about Western State’s tight-knit community. The encouragement of faculty, the support of students, and having access to initiatives like the Shapiro Scholarship have helped them thrive academically and personally. With students like Gabrielle and Mirella paving the way, the legacy of excellence and support at Western State continues to grow.
Congratulations to Gabrielle and Mirella on their well-deserved awards. They are shining examples of Western State’s supportive community and the bright future of our budding lawyers.
About William D. Shapiro
William D. Shapiro, a distinguished trial attorney and alumnus of Western State College of Law (Class of 1978), has dedicated over four decades to personal injury and catastrophic law. He has earned numerous accolades, including multiple “Trial Lawyer of the Year” honors. A Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of Western State’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Shapiro has demonstrated excellence in the legal field. As the founder of William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. and President-elect of the national American Board of Trial Advocates, his leadership and dedication have significantly shaped the field.
Beyond his courtroom achievements, Shapiro is an educator and mentor. As an adjunct professor at Western State since 2012, he has inspired many budding lawyers. As he envisioned, the scholarship is not just financial aid. It is an investment in the future of law students who embody integrity, passion, and purpose. Through their generosity and dedication, William and Susan Shapiro have created a lasting legacy for students at Western State.