Who is Alexandra Shapiro? Ex-Diddy Lawyer Now Representing Justin Baldoni in Blake Lively Case

On September 2025, Alexandra Shapiro made headlines after joining the legal team of actor and director Justin Baldoni in his ongoing case against Blake Lively. Court documents reviewed by People Magazine confirmed her notice of appearance.

Shapiro is one of the most respected criminal defense lawyers in the United States, known for handling cases involving celebrities, CEOs, and high-profile trials. She has also defended music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried in major federal cases.

Alexandra Shapiro’s Early Legal Career

Alexandra Shapiro started her career with a prestigious clerkship at the U.S. Supreme Court under Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Later, she joined the Southern District of New York as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. There, she served as the Deputy Chief Appellate Attorney, gaining strong recognition for her work.

In 2009, she co-founded the New York-based litigation boutique Shapiro Arato Bach LLP, a firm well-known for its expertise in appeals, civil litigation, and complex criminal cases.

Major High-Profile Cases

Sean “Diddy” Combs Case

In 2025, Alexandra Shapiro defended Sean “Diddy” Combs in his federal sex trafficking trial. She filed multiple motions for dismissal and fought for his acquittal, earning her national attention.

Sam Bankman-Fried Case

Before that, she represented Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of collapsed crypto exchange FTX. Her defense highlighted her deep understanding of financial and white-collar crimes.

Role in Justin Baldoni vs Blake Lively Case

According to People Magazine, Shapiro is now defending Justin Baldoni, who faces allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation by Blake Lively during the production of It Ends With Us (2024).

Baldoni denies the claims and previously filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation. However, the court dismissed that suit in June 2025. The next hearing is set for October 2025.

Author and Legal Influence

Shapiro is also the author of Presumed Guilty (2022), a book about wrongful white-collar prosecutions in the U.S. Her writing reflects her experience in defending high-stakes criminal cases.

Over the years, she has built a reputation for winning appellate reversals, protecting clients’ rights, and taking on some of the toughest legal battles involving public figures and corporate leaders.

Alexandra Shapiro’s career proves her status as one of the top defense lawyers in America. From Wall Street executives to Hollywood stars, she continues to play a leading role in shaping outcomes of high-profile trials. Her entry into the Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni case ensures the legal battle will remain one of the most closely watched in 2025.