Keith J. Shapiro

Keith J. Shapiro, a distinguished lawyer and influential figure in the bankruptcy law community, has left an indelible mark on Emory Law School and the greater legal world. As the Founding Chairman of the 170-lawyer Chicago office and former Vice President of the 2000-lawyer Greenberg Traurig, LLP, he has spent over three decades making significant contributions to the insolvency industry and supporting those in need.

A 1983 graduate of Emory Law School, Keith Shapiro has always maintained strong ties with his alma mater. During his time at Emory, he was a member of the inaugural Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal, which played a pivotal role in his legal career. Recognizing the value of the Journal, Keith has served as its Alumni Advisor for more than 25 years and generously funded the Keith J. Shapiro Awards for Excellence in Consumer and Corporate Bankruptcy Writing. To ensure the awards’ perpetuity, he endowed the fund with a substantial contribution.

Throughout his career, Keith has been at the forefront of major bankruptcies and restructurings, working with prominent businesses like United Airlines, Conseco Finance Corp., Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, Kmart Corporation, ICO Global Communications, and Montgomery Ward. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in shaping the Bankruptcy Code, being the lead draftsman of Senate Bill 1914, which introduced the Bankruptcy Code’s first-ever healthcare bankruptcy provisions.

Keith’s commitment to academic discourse is commendable, as evidenced by his leadership roles with the American Bankruptcy Institute, his service as President of the ABI from 2000-2001, and as Chairman of the Board from 2002-2003. Moreover, he has been a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy since 2000 and has contributed to various legal associations.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Keith is an active philanthropist and community leader. He has been involved in charitable boards and has received numerous awards, including the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award and the Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award from the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership organization. In 2015, he was appointed Co-Chairman of the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner.

Keith J. Shapiro’s impressive accomplishments and dedication to advancing the practice of bankruptcy law, supporting Emory Law School, and fostering academic excellence have earned him the Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award is a testament to his contributions and influence in the field and his continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.