William R. Shaw

William R. Shaw retired effective December, 2021 after a unique blend of public service and over 40 years of private practice of law. He still regularly consults with the firm's lawyers on matters sharing his extensive experience in civil and criminal litigation, along with extensive advice in commercial transactions, complex real estate, Greek Chapter Law and family legal matters. He remains a Member of our PLLC.

Bill Shaw was born and raised in Ithaca, New York and resides with his wife in nearby Trumansburg. He has Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees from Cornell in government, public administration, and law, respectively.

He concluded a decade of public service in Washington D.C., Tompkins County, and as Mayor of the City of Ithaca in 1982-83, before entering private practice. More recently, he served as a Town Justice in Seneca County.

Bill Shaw practiced in all levels of New York State Courts and certain Federal District Courts. He appeared in County Courts, NYS Supreme Court, and its Appellate Divisions. He conducted trials in State Court, Federal Court, and the NYS Court of Claims.

Bill Shaw handled real estate matters involving single lots and large subdivisions, and residential and commercial transactions of six, seven, and eight figures. He practiced employment law and discrimination for forty years before the NYS Division of Human Rights, USEEOC, State, and Federal courts.

He remains active in select Pro Bono and community service roles, as well as his tree farm, hunting, motorcycle rides and similar outdoor interests.