YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – One of our local attorneys has been recognized by the Arizona Public Defenders Association.

Yuma Assistant Public Defender David Shapiro received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Shapiro has served as a public defender for 23 years in rural Arizona counties including Yavapai, Cochise and now Yuma.

“I was very happy to receive the award, but I didn't think I deserved it, but it's nice,” said David Shapiro, deputy attorney and recipient of the award.

Before becoming a lawyer, Shapiro also led an adventurous life.

“I think it's funny that he received a lifetime achievement award, but the truth is, his life before he became a lawyer was even more interesting,” said attorney Bill Fox. “He was a cowpuncher. He was a stage and screen actor. He skied with Billy Kidd. He was a semi-pro baseball player, even playing for the Oakland Athletics.”

Shapiro began his career as a cowboy in the western United States, including New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Shapiro then joined the Shakespeare Company Conservatory and later became an actor in Los Angeles.

In fact, he says that a conversation with a co-star inspired him to become a lawyer through his acting career.

“I actually said, in the most unlikely of ways, 'Why don't you play me as a lawyer?'” Shapiro says. “They said, 'You've played a lawyer, so people will think you look like one.' And I've been stuck with that idea ever since.”

Shapiro studied law at Southwestern University School of Law.

“I think all of that has led him to be the attorney he is now,” public defender Bill Fox said, “someone who can stay calm in front of people, who can give people information and does it well.”

Congratulations on your award, Mr. Shapiro.