Ilya Shapiro is a constitutional scholar and legal commentator known for his work on judicial nominations, free speech, and constitutional law. Currently, he serves as a Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies at the Manhattan Institute, a position he has held since 2022.
Ilya Shapiro has held prominent positions in several influential legal think tanks throughout his career. He served as the Vice President and Director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, where he also acted as the publisher of the Cato Supreme Court Review. Additionally, Shapiro was the Executive Director and Senior Lecturer at the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. Later, he joined the Manhattan Institute as a Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies.
In January 2022, Shapiro was hired by Georgetown University Law Center to lead its Center for the Constitution. However, prior to starting his position, he tweeted that President Biden’s Supreme Court nominee would be a “lesser black woman,” a comment that sparked controversy and led to a 122-day investigation by the university. Georgetown reinstated Shapiro on a technicality, noting that he had not formally begun his duties. Despite this, Shapiro resigned, citing concerns over the university’s commitment to free speech.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Ilya Shapiro was born in Moscow, Soviet Union, to Jewish parents who were both engineers. Seeking better opportunities and freedom, his family emigrated to Canada in 1981 when Shapiro was just four years old. Growing up in Toronto, he was instilled with values emphasizing individual rights and the importance of limited government.
Academic Pursuits
Shapiro’s academic credentials are impressive and diverse. He earned an A.B. from Princeton University, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was a Tony Patiño Fellow. His education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in constitutional law and policy analysis.
Career Trajectory
Early Legal Experience
After completing his legal education, Shapiro clerked for Judge E. Grady Jolly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He then practiced law at Patton Boggs and Cleary Gottlieb, focusing on international, political, commercial, and antitrust litigation. Additionally, he served as a special assistant/adviser to the Multi-National Force in Iraq on rule-of-law issues, providing him with firsthand experience in legal reforms in a complex geopolitical context.
Roles in Legal Think Tanks
Shapiro has held prominent positions in several influential legal think tanks. He served as the Vice President and Director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, where he also acted as the publisher of the Cato Supreme Court Review. Later, he joined the Manhattan Institute as a Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies. His work across these institutions has significantly contributed to the development of constitutional scholarship and legal discourse.
Academic Involvement
In addition to his roles in think tanks, Shapiro has been actively involved in academia. He was the Executive Director and Senior Lecturer at the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. He has also lectured at institutions such as George Washington University and the University of Mississippi, further influencing the next generation of legal minds.
Publications and Media Contributions
Books
Shapiro is the author of several influential books:
- Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America’s Highest Court (2020): This work examines the politicization of Supreme Court nominations and its implications for the judiciary.
- Lawless: The Miseducation of America’s Elites (2025): In this book, Shapiro critiques the ideological leanings of American law schools and their impact on legal education and society.
Articles and Commentary
Shapiro has contributed to a variety of academic, popular, and professional publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, National Review, and Newsweek. He also regularly provides commentary for various media outlets and writes the Shapiro’s Gavel newsletter on Substack.
Public Speaking and Appearances
He has testified before Congress and state legislatures and has filed more than 500 amicus curiae “friend of the court” briefs in the Supreme Court. Shapiro lectures regularly on behalf of the Federalist Society and has appeared on various media platforms, including the Colbert Report.
Personal Life
Family and Personal Background
Shapiro is married and has children, though specific details about his family life are kept private. His personal experiences, including his family’s emigration from the Soviet Union, have influenced his perspectives on freedom and governance.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest that Ilya Shapiro’s net worth is around $3 million. This wealth is attributed to his roles in legal think tanks, book sales, and media appearances.
Controversies and Public Perception
In January 2022, Shapiro was hired by Georgetown University Law Center to lead its Center for the Constitution. However, prior to starting his position, he tweeted that President Biden’s Supreme Court nominee would be a “lesser black woman,” a comment that sparked controversy and led to a 122-day investigation by the university. Georgetown reinstated Shapiro on a technicality, noting that he had not formally begun his duties. Despite this, Shapiro resigned, citing concerns over the university’s commitment to free speech.
Conclusion
Ilya Shapiro’s career reflects a deep commitment to constitutional principles, individual liberty, and the rule of law. Through his scholarly work, public commentary, and involvement in legal education, he continues to influence discussions on judicial nominations, legal education, and the broader landscape of American law.
FAQs
What is Ilya Shapiro’s educational background?
Shapiro holds an A.B. from Princeton University, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.
Has Ilya Shapiro held any significant positions in legal think tanks?
Yes, he has served as the Vice President and Director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute and as a Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies at the Manhattan Institute.
What are some of Ilya Shapiro’s notable publications?
Has notable books include Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America’s Highest Court and Lawless: The Miseducation of America’s Elites.
Has Ilya Shapiro been involved in academia?
Yes, he has been the Executive Director and Senior Lecturer at the Georgetown Center for the Constitution and has lectured at institutions such as George Washington University and the University of Mississippi.
What is Ilya Shapiro’s stance on legal education?
In his book Lawless, Shapiro critiques the ideological leanings of American law schools and their impact on legal education and society.
Has Ilya Shapiro faced any controversies?
Yes, in 2022, he faced controversy over a tweet regarding President Biden’s Supreme Court nominee, leading to an investigation by Georgetown University and his subsequent resignation.
Is Ilya Shapiro active on social media?
Yes, he maintains an active presence on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where he shares insights on law and liberty.
Has Ilya Shapiro contributed to any media outlets?
Yes, he has contributed to publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, National Review, and Newsweek.
What is Ilya Shapiro’s current role?
As of now, Shapiro serves as a Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies at the Manhattan Institute.
