Jonathan Shapiro Biography: Wife, Net Worth, Goliath, Career, Law, TV Shows, Movies, LinkedIn

Jonathan Shapiro is an acclaimed American television writer, producer, author, adjunct law professor, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, and federal prosecutor, best known for co-creating and executive producing the Amazon Prime series Goliath alongside David E. Kelley.

With a career that bridges high-stakes legal practice and storytelling, he has contributed to iconic shows like The Blacklist, Boston Legal, and The Practice, earning Emmy, Peabody, and Humanitas Awards.

Profile

• Full Name: Jonathan Shapiro
• Stage Name: Jonathan Shapiro
• Born: 25, April 1963
• Age: 62 years old
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Television Writer, Producer, Author, Adjunct Law Professor, Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Former Federal Prosecutor
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. Shapiro, Mrs. Shapiro
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Betsy Borns
• Children: Abraham Shapiro, Sarah Shapiro, Ezekiel Shapiro
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Shapiro was born on April 25, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Shapiro, with no further public details available about their identities or professions.

Information about his siblings remains undisclosed.

He demonstrated early academic promise, earning an undergraduate degree and first master’s degree in history from Harvard University in 1985.

As a Rhodes Scholar, he pursued a second master’s degree at Oriel College, Oxford University, before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 1990.

His Jewish heritage shapes his cultural background, though his religious practices stay private.

Career

Jonathan Shapiro began his professional journey as a legal affairs journalist, contributing to publications like The Recorder and The Ring magazine during law school, which sparked his interest in narrative and advocacy.

After earning his J.D., he served nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor in the Organized Crime & Racketeering Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, handling high-profile cases that honed his storytelling skills in the courtroom.

He transitioned into public service roles, including Chief of Staff to California Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante and Chairman of the California Commission on Government Economy and Efficiency, before pivoting to television in the mid-2000s.

Shapiro’s television career took off with writing and producing stints on The Practice and Boston Legal, where his legal expertise infused authentic drama into David E. Kelley’s scripts.

He expanded his portfolio with episodes of Life, The Blacklist, and Mr. Mercedes, earning acclaim for blending procedural precision with character depth.

As co-creator of Goliath (2016–2021), he earned multiple awards, including a Peabody, for its unflinching portrayal of corruption and redemption.

His play Sisters in Law premiered in 2019, touring nationally and underscoring his talent for historical drama.

Shapiro balances screen work with authorship, publishing Deadly Force (2014), a legal thriller, and nonfiction titles like How to Be Abe Lincoln (2023), which distills leadership lessons from the president.

He teaches criminal law and rhetoric at Loyola Law School and USC Gould School of Law, while advocating for asylum seekers through pro bono work at Public Counsel.

His interdisciplinary approach continues to influence legal education, theater, and television, fostering narratives that illuminate justice and human complexity.

Social Media

• Jonathan Shapiro does not have a verified social media account.

Personal Life

Jonathan Shapiro married television writer and producer Betsy Borns in the early 2000s, and they collaborate professionally on projects like an American adaptation of the ITV series Vera.

The couple has three children—Abraham, Sarah, and Ezekiel Shapiro—and maintains a private family life in Los Angeles, prioritizing their well-being amid demanding careers.

Shapiro draws inspiration from his Jewish roots and prosecutorial past for his writing, while Borns’ comedy background complements their joint ventures.

Filmography

• The Practice (1997–2004)
• Boston Legal (2004–2008)
• Life (2007–2009)
• The Blacklist (2013–2023)
• Goliath (2016–2021)
• Mr. Mercedes (2017–2019)
• The Undoing (2020)
• The Calling (2022)

Net Worth

Jonathan Shapiro has an estimated net worth of $4 million.

His fortune builds from executive producing and writing on acclaimed series like Goliath and The Blacklist, supplemented by book sales from titles such as Lawyers, Liars, and the Art of Storytelling and royalties from his play Sisters in Law.