Atty. Jonathan Shapiro
Jonathan Shapiro graduated from Northwestern University in 1971 and from American University, Washington College of Law in 1974. He has been litigating cases ever since, with a three-year break to serve as a Clinical Instructor at the Criminal Justice Clinic, and as Director of the Institutionalized Persons Clinic at Washington College of Law.
Appellate Practice & More Attorney · Serving Fairfax, VA · 52+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Jonathan Shapiro at a Glance
Jonathan Shapiro is an Attorney based in Fairfax, Virginia, practicing at Greenspun Shapiro Ginsberg & Yang PC. They have 52+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1974. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, federal crimes, white collar, violent crimes, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1974), U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia (1974), U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1974), and U.S. Supreme Court (1994). Educated at American University (J.D., 1974) and Northwestern University (B.A., 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Fairfax, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Jonathan Shapiro
- Jonathan Shapiro graduated from Northwestern University in 1971 and from American University, Washington College of Law in 1974
- He has been litigating cases ever since, with a three-year break to serve as a Clinical Instructor at the Criminal Justice Clinic, and as Director of the Institutionalized Persons Clinic at Washington College of Law
- In 2001 he was honored by his law school with the Peter Cicchino Alumni Award for "Outstanding Advocacy in the Public Interest Within the United States
- Jon has handled countless criminal cases in the state and federal courts including conspiracies and white collar crimes, and has extensive appellate experience
- He has also litigated a number of civil rights cases involving jails, prisons and institutions for the mentally disabled
- Along with his partners Peter Greenspun and Christie Leary, he handled the defense of John Muhammad, the accused "Beltway Sniper
- He handled the defense of Jim Nicholson, a CIA Station Chief, and of Brian Regan, an NSA employee, both charged with espionage
- He has been listed for years in the Best Lawyers in America, Washingtonian magazine's Best Lawyers, and is always included in The Washington Post Magazine's yearly listing of The Washington DC Area's Best Lawyers
- Jon was the long-time chair of the Criminal Law Committee of the Alexandria Bar Association and is a frequent speaker at CLEs (continuing legal education)
- He was selected as a Faculty Member for the Virginia State Bar Professionalism Course
- Jon handles complex criminal law at the trial and appellate levels in the state and federal courts
- Clinical Instructor, Criminal Justice Clinic, Washington College of Law of the American University, 1986
- Adjunct Professor, Washington College of Law, 1989-1991 and 1998
- Director, Institutionalized Persons Clinic, Washington College of Law, 1987-1989
- Faculty Member, Virginia State Bar Professionalism Course, 1996-1998
Practice Areas Explained
Jonathan Shapiro's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jonathan Shapiro handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Fairfax.
Criminal Defense in Fairfax
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Jonathan Shapiro is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Virginia →
Federal Crimes in Fairfax
Jonathan Shapiro is one of 6,716 federal crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse federal crimes attorneys in Virginia →
White Collar Crimes in Fairfax
Jonathan Shapiro is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Virginia →
Violent Crimes in Fairfax
Jonathan Shapiro is one of 4,147 violent crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse violent crimes attorneys in Virginia →
Civil Litigation in Fairfax
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Jonathan Shapiro is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Virginia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Fairfax
Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Fairfax are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Fairfax Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Fairfax-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Fairfax or all attorneys in Virginia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Fairfax Choose Jonathan Shapiro
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Jonathan Shapiro's practice in the field of criminal defense, federal crimes, white collar, violent crimes, and litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Jonathan Shapiro brings 52+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Virginia, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, Jonathan Shapiro can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense, federal crimes, and white collar, Jonathan Shapiro can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Fairfax
A Fairfax-based practice means Jonathan Shapiro attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Jonathan Shapiro's Practice Areas & Specializations
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