About
Edward Shaw Obituary
A lifelong advocate for fairness and inclusion, Mike was a man of deep intellect, wit, and compassion.
Born on April 27, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts, Mike spent his childhood in nearby Beverly. He attended Exeter Academy and went on to earn both his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. This academic path laid the groundwork for a legal career that would span decades.
Mike began his legal work at the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1963. He later became a white-collar defense attorney and trial lawyer, serving as a partner at his own firm Stillman, Friedman & Shaw. He went on to work closely with his friend and colleague, Mike Dowd. Even after retiring from full-time practice, Mike continued his commitment to justice-offering pro bono legal support to women in domestic violence cases and representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay. His ongoing work reflected his deep empathy for those most in need.
Mike spent much of his professional life in New York City and raised his kids, Kate and Sam, in Brooklyn Heights. In 2008, he moved to Jupiter, Florida, and in 2018, relocated to Thousand Oaks, California, to be closer to family.
Mike found joy in the natural world-especially through bird photography, which became a peaceful passion in his later years. He loved animals deeply and took great care in fostering cats during the final chapter of his life.
Tall and white-haired, Mike was hard to miss. He was known for his humor, unwavering support of the underdog, love of singing music from musicals, poetry recitations, political discourse, love for dessert, and awe-filled appreciation of nature's beauty-Mike remained joyful and funny until the very end.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kate Kripke, and her husband, Jamie Kripke; his son, Sam Shaw, and daughter-in-law, Lila Byock; his grandchildren, Kinley (18), Bridger (16), Philo (12), and Winslow (9); his sister, Polly; nephews, Gordon and Ted, along with their families; and many others who were touched by his warmth, humor, and generosity.
May the memory of Edward McMichael "Mike" Shaw be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved him.
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6 Entries
Robert J. McGuire
Yesterday
I served in the US Attorneys Office with Mike and was proud to call him a colleague and friend. I have never met a more decent, caring person with a great joy for life and a great concern for those less fortunate than he. Mike was truly a Man For All Seasons. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace. Bob McGuire.
Scott Himes
Yesterday
I, too, was privileged as a young lawyer to work with Mike. He was not only a great lawyer, but a great teacher as well. He always took the time to explain carefully the "why" of legal strategy. And Mike had a great sense of humor, always being loads of fun to be around. Heartfelt condolences to all of Mike´s family members. May his memory be a blessing.
Riopelle, Roland Riopelle
Yesterday
I was lucky enough to work for and with Mike early in my career, when I was an associate at Stillman, Friedman & Shaw. Mike was brilliant and a hard worker whom I tried very hard to emulate. To this day, I think of him as a model lawyer and person whose shining example I will never quite reach, and I will miss him, even though I have not seen him in years. To this day I sometimes ask myself "What would Mike say" about a particularly difficult problem, and I always get a good answer to that question when I imagine how he would answer me. I give my condolences to his family, for whom I am sure he was a wonderful patriarch. May he rest in peace.
Marjorie Peerce
Yesterday
Mike was one of my first mentors, he was a great lawyer, and an even better person. May Mike's memory be for a blessing, Margie Peerce
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Charles A Stillman
Yesterday
A great lawyer, partner, father, friend. May his memory be for a blessing to his loved ones.
Geri Gretan
July 27, 2025
Mike adored his cat and his cat learned to adore him. We will all miss this wonderful man. Rest in peace, Mike.
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