It is with profound sadness that Lawtons Africa mourns the passing of Arnold Shapiro, a distinguished attorney, respected mentor, and one of South Africa's foremost authorities in the field of wills, trusts, and deceased estates.
Arnold was admitted as an attorney in 1979 after completing his B.Proc and LL.B degrees at the University of the Witwatersrand. His legal career spanned more than five decades and was marked by exceptional expertise, unwavering professionalism, and an enduring commitment to the development of the legal profession.
From 1981, Arnold dedicated himself to educating future legal practitioners, lecturing students preparing for admission examinations through the Jenny Weinstein Law School and later through the Law Society's training programmes. He became a highly regarded lecturer and examiner in wills and estates law, and generations of attorneys across South Africa studied from his renowned lecture notes through Practical Legal Training (PLT/LEAD).
His distinguished career included leadership roles at Routledge Modise, where he headed the Wills and Deceased Estates Department and became a partner, and later at Hogan Lovells South Africa following the firms' merger. His expertise earned him repeated recognition in Best Lawyers South Africa for Trusts and Estates, including being named Lawyer of the Year in 2022. He also served the fiduciary profession with distinction as a member and Chairperson of the disciplinary committee of the Fiduciary Institute of South Africa (FISA) and, in 2024, was honoured with the FISA Chairperson's Award for his outstanding contribution to the profession.
Arnold later joined Lawtons Africa as Special Counsel and Consultant, continuing the specialist practice to which he devoted his life's work. During his more than two decades with the firm, he built and nurtured a formidable team, generously sharing his knowledge, experience, and wisdom with those around him. His influence can be seen in the many practitioners he mentored and inspired, and in the standards of excellence he instilled in the next generation of fiduciary and estates professionals.
While Arnold's professional achievements were extraordinary, it is his character that will be remembered most fondly. Since news of his passing, countless messages have been received from colleagues, peers, former students, and clients, all echoing the same sentiment: Arnold was an exceptionally kind and gracious human being. He was a true gentleman, always willing to share his time, knowledge, and guidance. His warmth, humility, wit, and unique eccentricities endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Arnold faced his health challenges with remarkable courage and dignity, continuing to serve his clients and support his colleagues with characteristic dedication. He can rest knowing that the team he mentored with such patience, generosity, and care will continue his work, guided by the same compassion, integrity, and commitment for which he was so widely respected.
Arnold's passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched, the practitioners he trained, the clients he served, and the profession he helped shape.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him. May his memory be a blessing.
Practices
Corporate
Education
BProc
LLB
Fiduciary Practitioner South Africa (FPSA)
Awards/Rankings
2019–2024 Recognised in The Best Lawyers in South Africa for Trusts & Estates
Languages
English
Afrikaans
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