Her Story
About Susan
Susan Hito-Shapiro has pursued parallel careers in filmmaking and law for four decades while maintaining her identity as a painter and artist throughout her life. She owns an organic permaculture art farm that she has operated since 2016, where she combines her creative and environmental interests. As an attorney, she is on the edge of retirement after focusing on environmental protection cases, often succeeding at the appellate level due to her unique outsider perspective gained from years in film rather than traditional legal practice. She earned her BA from the University of Pennsylvania and BFA from NYU Film School, studied physics at Columbia, and received her law degree in 1984-1986 before joining the New York State Bar. Additional credentials include LEED-certified Accredited Professional status and membership in the Producers Guild of America. Her work as a filmmaker includes recent festival shorts and projects on Netflix, and she attributes her legal successes to strategic thinking over conventional problem-solving.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
My outsider perspective has helped me win a lot of cases that other lawyers wouldn't even think about taking on. I'm more of a strategist than a problem solver.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't do it unless you have no choice but to do it. Make sure that whatever you're choosing to do, you really believe in. And that you'll see it through to the end. Your success is when you complete things. Also knowing when something is no longer viable, just let it go.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If your family's behind you, you have a 95% chance of success. If they're against you, it's an uphill battle. But don't give up.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
We win cases but then they are back at it again. The polluters don't care. The government is corrupted by the polluters. People don't care about their health, they care more about a quick dollar.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity. Perseverance.
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