Probably best known for his role in the O.J. Simpson murder trial or his appearance on television for his legal service, Legal Zoom, Trial Attorney Robert Shapiro has been practicing law since his graduation from Loyola Law School in 1968; serving as both prosecutor and defense attorney. In addition to representing O.J. Simpson, other clients Shapiro represented include former Major League Baseball players Daryl Strawberry, Vince Coleman and Jose Canseco, legendary talk show host Johnny Carson and music producer Phil Spector. His trial skills and legal experience have allowed Shapiro to be named as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers by the Los Angeles Daily Journal. The New York Times also featured an article about Shapiro, listing him as one of America’s best attorneys.
Not commonly known, Shapiro actually was a replacement attorney on the O.J. Simpson trial, filling the void of Howard Weitzman. Shapiro tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a deal between the Los Angles Police Department and Simpson, asking the police not to arrest Simpson if he surrendered voluntarily. During the trial, Shapiro was often the representative from the defense team who would issue press statements.
While representing various entertainment industry celebrities, Shapiro has been subject to legal proceedings involving his own clientele. In 1998 Shapiro was forced to sue former client Daryl Strawberry due to allegations of unpaid legal fees. The case was eventually settled for an undisclosed amount. In another Shapiro versus former client situation, this time Shapiro, himself, was sued by a former client. Music producer Phil Spector unsuccessfully sued Shapiro for a return of his legal retainer. Once representing Spector during his murder trial, Spector replaced Shapiro with another criminal defense attorney, Leslie Abramson.
Most known for his proceedings involving Criminal Law, Shapiro has also worked with legal matters in the fields of Family Law and International Law. His worldwide recognition has allowed him to work on cases in China and Denmark. He also provides consultations regarding international child custody issues.
An author of several books, one of Shapiro’s works, The Search for Justice, has been a New York Times Bestseller and his other book, Misconception, is in the process of becoming a feature film. When not writing novels, Shapiro pens numerous legal articles; one which was recognized by the California State Bar Journal as being one of the ten best legal articles of the decade.
Starting a foundation of great meaning, Shapiro formed the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness after his son passed away. His other charitable works have earned Shapiro recognition within the legal community including being named Nevada’s Pro-Bono Lawyer of the Year.
Resources Used
- Robert Shapiro Bio in Wikipedia
- Glaser, Weil, Fink, Jacobs, Howard & Shapiro, LLP website
