The William and Susan Shapiro Scholarship was generously founded by William D. Shapiro (Class of 1978 | Hall of Fame) and his wife, Susan Shapiro, several years ago. It was established to support students who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and financial need. This scholarship provides two law students at Western State College of Law with a scholarship each every year.
Bill Shapiro, a trial attorney with over 40 years of experience in personal injury and catastrophic law, has significantly influenced the field of law. He has also led initiatives that have improved community safety through freeway enhancements and traffic regulation changes. Throughout his career, he has received many awards, and he is an inductee of the Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Western State. A strong leader, he is the founder of William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. and the President-elect of the national American Board of Trial Advocates.
Bill’s involvement in the law has had a lasting impact on his family, leading his sons, Brian (Class of 2016) and Matt (Class of 2019), to follow in his footsteps and attend Western State. Brian continued on to work with William at his firm, while Matt currently works at Doyle Law in Beverly Hills. The Shapiro family’s enduring ties to Western State highlight the school’s role in cultivating legal professionals.
Bill is also a mentor for aspiring lawyers. Since 2012, he has been an adjunct professor at Western State, motivating and educating students with his experience and knowledge. Through their generosity, William and Susan Shapiro have established a lasting legacy of support for Western State students.
Meet the 2025 Spring Shapiro Scholars.