Stevengshapiro

Steven Shapiro

A tireless advocate for students, Steven Shapiro teaches, writes, and speaks on topics in business law at the American University, Washington College of Law, blending his career in law firm practice, the real estate industry, construction engineering, and academics.  Recognized for innovation in bringing the realities and economics of commercial practice into the classroom and in service to the law school, Steven imagined and proposed the idea of the Hospitality & Tourism Law program.  He has been the director of HTL, the sole law program in the U.S., plus he is a Senior Affiliate in the Program on Law & Government.  Working with students on foundational elements of law and helping to launch their careers, Steven brings a distinct experience in the interplay of complex commercial transactions in law school courses in contract drafting, real estate and hotel development, construction law, and externship studies.

Scholarly Work

In his scholarly work, he is the author of Maryland Real Estate Laws Annotated (West), Maryland Business Laws Annotated (West), and Pennsylvania Construction Law (West), plus a contributor to Hotel Law Transactions (Routledge).  In addition, he is the author of articles published in scholarly and professional journals, has been an invited speaker on panel presentations at national conventions, and has been quoted in the business press.  In 2012, the American Institute of Architects honored Steven with its highest award for distinguished professional contribution by a non-architect.  At the University of Maryland, he has taught in the School of Architecture and also in the School of Engineering, plus he has taught at the Johns Hopkins University School of Business.

Academic Work

Steven earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1984, a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1987, and a Masters of Law degree from Georgetown Law Center in 1991.  In 2001, Steven made a mid-career move from the practice of law to construction, and in 2004, he received a Masters of Engineering Degree from the University of Maryland.

Hobbies

Steven plays competitive racket sports, is an avid reader of contemporary literature, and a fearless baker of bread, but is still looking for the ideal pizza technique.