Carl Shapiro

Carl Shapiro Carl Shapiro, a distinguished if colorfully unorthodox progressive lawyer once described as "Marin's liberal lion in winter," died January 29 at his home in Fairfax at the age of 100. He practiced law for 65 years, finishing his last case in 2016. As a criminal lawyer, he was known for representing low-income clients or no-income clients, including more than 20 death-row inmates. Mr. Shapiro was a native of Cleveland and the son of a lawyer who expected him to follow in his footsteps. In 1942, he married his wife, Helen, who would later become his law partner. Mr.Shapiro was drafted into the Army during World War II. After his discharge, he worked during the day as a carpenter, serving on the boards of the carpenters local and the central labor council. At night, he studied law at the University of San Francisco, graduating in 1949. He passed the bar exam the following year and opened his first law office in Fairfax. Mr. Shapiro is survived by his daughter, Sylvia, of Fairfax; his son, Joseph, of Hopland, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen and his son Toby. The family would like to thank Mr. Shapiro's caregivers including Albert, Ted and Prancie. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 19th at the American Legion Hall in San Anselmo from 1pm-4:00pm. (MarinIJ photo /Alan Dep)