University of Illinois College of Law

About

Lena Shapiro is the inaugural director of the new First Amendment Clinic, supported by The Stanton Foundation. The First Amendment Clinic will focus on defending and advancing freedoms of speech, press, and assembly across the Midwest.

Prior to joining the Illinois faculty, Lena spent seven years as a litigator representing clients in a variety of commercial, intellectual property, and information privacy disputes. She has resolved conflicts pre-suit as well as guided clients through active litigation. Managing all stages of litigation, including fact and expert discovery, Lena has drafted and argued dispositive motions, prepared and submitted clients for deposition, and led all aspects of trial and appeal. She has first- and second-chaired trials in federal and state courts, including successfully defending a client in a multi-million dollar jury trial, and argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Born in Ukraine, Lena was raised in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs. A proud double Illini, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Education

BA, JD University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign