School of Law

The School of Law is saddened to announce the death, on 12 September 2026, of Mrs Esmee E Shapiro, at the age of 92.   

Esmee began her study of law at Glasgow in 1950, before taking a pause from University to marry and raise a family. She returned to her studies in the early 1960s, graduating with a BL in Scots Law in 1965. On completion of her degree she was offered a role as Assistant Lecturer at Glasgow, before going on to become a Lecturer.  

From 1965 – 1992, Mrs Shapiro was a mainstay of the Private Law Department, led by Professor DM Walker, and lectured principally in Delict. Her lectures were valued highly, her excellence in teaching and her care for her students notable, and her appearance always elegant. After more than thirty years in the role, Esmee retired in 1992, but continued some tutoring until 1995.  

Esmee's years in the Law Faculty meant a great deal to her. Only very recently she listened with interest to the news of the forthcoming re-opening of the Law Workshop, and said she wished she could be there. At the removal of the Law Faculty from 63 Hillhead Street to the Stair Building, she donated the fine clock which still hangs in the foyer of No 8.  

Esmee remained lively and engaged in legal and cultural matters throughout her long life, and retained a great fondness for the West End and enthusiasm for lunching with former colleagues at the University or on Byres Road. Many present or former members of staff, some of whom were her students, and many former students, will remember Esmee with affection and respect.   

This piece tells Esmee’s story in the law in her own words:  https://womeninlawproject.org/esmee-shapiro/ 

---

First published: 21 September 2026