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Law Man: My Story of Robbing Banks, Winning Supreme Court Cases, and Finding Redemption
Law Man is an improbable-but-true memoir of redemption -- the story of a young bank robber who became the greatest jailhouse lawyer in American history, and who changed not just his own life, but the lives of everyone around him.
Shon Hopwood was a good kid from a good Nebraskan family, a small-town basketball star whose parents had started a local church. Few who knew him as a friendly teen would have imagined that, shortly after returning home from the Navy, he’d be adrift with few prospects and plotting to rob a bank. But rob he did, committing five heists before being apprehended.
Only twenty three and potentially facing twelve years in Illinois’ Pekin Federal Prison, Shon feared his life was already over. He’d shamed himself and his loving family and friends, and a part of him wanted to die. He wasn’t sure at first if he’d survive the prison gangs, but slowly glimmers of hope appeared. He earned some respect on the prison basketball court, received a steady flow of letters from hometown well wishers, including a note from a special girl whom he’d thought too beautiful to ever pay him notice – and, most crucially, he secured a job in the prison law library.
It was an assignment that would prove his salvation.
Poring over the library’s thick legal volumes, Shon discovered that he had a knack for the law, and he soon became the go-to guy for inmates seeking help. Then came a request to write a complex petition to the Supreme Court – a high-wire act of jailhouse lawyering that had never before met with success.
By the time Shon walked out of Pekin Prison he’d pulled off a series of legal miracles, earned the undying gratitude of numerous inmates, won the woman of his dreams, and built a new life for himself far greater than anything he could have imagined.
A story that mixes moments of high-adrenaline with others of deep poignancy, Law Man is a powerful reminder that even the worst mistakes can be redeemed through faith, hard work and the love and support of others.
Shon Hopwood was a good kid from a good Nebraskan family, a small-town basketball star whose parents had started a local church. Few who knew him as a friendly teen would have imagined that, shortly after returning home from the Navy, he’d be adrift with few prospects and plotting to rob a bank. But rob he did, committing five heists before being apprehended.
Only twenty three and potentially facing twelve years in Illinois’ Pekin Federal Prison, Shon feared his life was already over. He’d shamed himself and his loving family and friends, and a part of him wanted to die. He wasn’t sure at first if he’d survive the prison gangs, but slowly glimmers of hope appeared. He earned some respect on the prison basketball court, received a steady flow of letters from hometown well wishers, including a note from a special girl whom he’d thought too beautiful to ever pay him notice – and, most crucially, he secured a job in the prison law library.
It was an assignment that would prove his salvation.
Poring over the library’s thick legal volumes, Shon discovered that he had a knack for the law, and he soon became the go-to guy for inmates seeking help. Then came a request to write a complex petition to the Supreme Court – a high-wire act of jailhouse lawyering that had never before met with success.
By the time Shon walked out of Pekin Prison he’d pulled off a series of legal miracles, earned the undying gratitude of numerous inmates, won the woman of his dreams, and built a new life for himself far greater than anything he could have imagined.
A story that mixes moments of high-adrenaline with others of deep poignancy, Law Man is a powerful reminder that even the worst mistakes can be redeemed through faith, hard work and the love and support of others.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 28, 2013
Law Man is second-year law student Shon Hopwood's memoir of his unusual path to law school, written with Dennis Burke.
Unlike the students who come to law school after 17 years of playing by the rules, kindergarten through college, Shon Hopwood made some significant mistakes. He dropped out of college after less than a year, drank so much while he was in the Navy that he landed in the hospital, had some low-level jobs, and had to get his father to help him with his debts.
And then he made some really big mistakes: he robbed five banks.
In federal prison, Hopwood was assigned to work in the kitchen but was lucky to be reassigned to the prison law library, where he started reading and studying law. Over time, his diligence paid off. He became the go-to guy for inmates who wanted help with a motion or an appeal.
And he was remarkably successful. The great majority of petitions for certiorari are denied, but Hopwood's first cert petition, on behalf of a fellow inmate, was granted. Seth Waxman, the prominent Supreme Court advocate appointed to represent the inmate, kept Hopwood involved with the case. Hopwood's fellow inmate eventually had his sentence shortened. Through his relationship with Waxman and another lawyer, Hopwood got encouragement and more opportunities to learn.
During Hopwood's ten years in prison, he not only took college correspondence courses and taught himself law: he also grew emotionally by forming a strong relationship with a young woman he had known in high school—a woman who is now his wife.
After he was released and was working, Hopwood was profiled in the New York Times: Adam Liptak, A Mediocre Criminal, But an Unmatched Jailhouse Lawyer, Feb. 8, 2010. And last fall, he began studying law the more typical way: in a law school.
Unlike the students who come to law school after 17 years of playing by the rules, kindergarten through college, Shon Hopwood made some significant mistakes. He dropped out of college after less than a year, drank so much while he was in the Navy that he landed in the hospital, had some low-level jobs, and had to get his father to help him with his debts.
And then he made some really big mistakes: he robbed five banks.
In federal prison, Hopwood was assigned to work in the kitchen but was lucky to be reassigned to the prison law library, where he started reading and studying law. Over time, his diligence paid off. He became the go-to guy for inmates who wanted help with a motion or an appeal.
And he was remarkably successful. The great majority of petitions for certiorari are denied, but Hopwood's first cert petition, on behalf of a fellow inmate, was granted. Seth Waxman, the prominent Supreme Court advocate appointed to represent the inmate, kept Hopwood involved with the case. Hopwood's fellow inmate eventually had his sentence shortened. Through his relationship with Waxman and another lawyer, Hopwood got encouragement and more opportunities to learn.
During Hopwood's ten years in prison, he not only took college correspondence courses and taught himself law: he also grew emotionally by forming a strong relationship with a young woman he had known in high school—a woman who is now his wife.
After he was released and was working, Hopwood was profiled in the New York Times: Adam Liptak, A Mediocre Criminal, But an Unmatched Jailhouse Lawyer, Feb. 8, 2010. And last fall, he began studying law the more typical way: in a law school.
March 25, 2018
Truly truly an excellent book! Had me turning the pages. As a public defender, I loved this former federal prisoner’s wonderful story. I was wary of a self published book but this did not disappoint.
August 12, 2012
Don’t let this three buzz rating stop you from reading this book. True, it’s not well written, as often happens when one tells one’s own story (even with the help of a ghost writer). Nevertheless it’s a fabulous tale. If you are a person who has veered off onto a dark path or if you’re the parent or spouse or grandparent or friend of one who has done so, this story will inspire you.
Shon Hopwood held up five banks and was sent to prison. Had he been a typical American prisoner, that would have been the end of his story.
It’s not the end of Shon Hopwood’s story. He is now happily married, with two kids, and is attending law school.
I’ll say it again: An inspiring story.
Shon Hopwood held up five banks and was sent to prison. Had he been a typical American prisoner, that would have been the end of his story.
It’s not the end of Shon Hopwood’s story. He is now happily married, with two kids, and is attending law school.
I’ll say it again: An inspiring story.
December 31, 2012
I loved this book! Probably because I'm a paralegal (although I'm not working as one at this time) and I could relate to Shon learning to love the law. I'm also originally from the Midwest and so is he. Of course I can't relate to the fact that Shon robbed banks and spent over 10 years in prison.
I thought it was funny that Seinfeld reruns are played endlessly in prison! As a huge Seinfeld fan, that made me laugh out loud!
It was very sad that Shon's dad died of cancer while he was still in prison. The passage where Shon wrote that his dad told him,"I want to see you in heaven," brought tears to my eyes.
Law Man is also a touching love story with a happy ending - Shon marries the love of his life and has two children with her. He gets accepted to a prestigious law school and moves to Seattle with his family. I think he will graduate in 2014. He'll be a great attorney!
Here is one of my favorite passages, a letter to Shon -
"Shon,
Just know that I am carrying you in my heart, saying lots of prayers for you and your family, and I promise to be here for you and help you in any way that I can, both now and in the future. Although you haven't asked this of me, I have grieved hard this week, both because of my own sadness and for you. I sobbed so hard and felt such sadness as I also grieved the loss of the hopes and dreams of experiences you were counting on having with your dad after your release. I know that sadness myself as I, too, had to deal with the overwhelming shock of my mom being yanked from my life and the shattering of all the dreams of experiences we would have together throughout my life. It is strangely ironic that five years ago, you were there for me when I lost my mom and now I am here for you as you have lost your dad. We are very blessed to have each other, indeed.
I love you, Shon. And your family loves you. We are all praying for you and looking forward to next October.
Peace and Love my dear friend, Annie"
This book is about friendship, family and overcoming adversity and will restore your faith in human nature. I highly recommend it.
I thought it was funny that Seinfeld reruns are played endlessly in prison! As a huge Seinfeld fan, that made me laugh out loud!
It was very sad that Shon's dad died of cancer while he was still in prison. The passage where Shon wrote that his dad told him,"I want to see you in heaven," brought tears to my eyes.
Law Man is also a touching love story with a happy ending - Shon marries the love of his life and has two children with her. He gets accepted to a prestigious law school and moves to Seattle with his family. I think he will graduate in 2014. He'll be a great attorney!
Here is one of my favorite passages, a letter to Shon -
"Shon,
Just know that I am carrying you in my heart, saying lots of prayers for you and your family, and I promise to be here for you and help you in any way that I can, both now and in the future. Although you haven't asked this of me, I have grieved hard this week, both because of my own sadness and for you. I sobbed so hard and felt such sadness as I also grieved the loss of the hopes and dreams of experiences you were counting on having with your dad after your release. I know that sadness myself as I, too, had to deal with the overwhelming shock of my mom being yanked from my life and the shattering of all the dreams of experiences we would have together throughout my life. It is strangely ironic that five years ago, you were there for me when I lost my mom and now I am here for you as you have lost your dad. We are very blessed to have each other, indeed.
I love you, Shon. And your family loves you. We are all praying for you and looking forward to next October.
Peace and Love my dear friend, Annie"
This book is about friendship, family and overcoming adversity and will restore your faith in human nature. I highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2014
I truly enjoyed this book. There were times where more detail would have been welcome, however, it was a good high level overview of Shon's story. With all the "coincidences" throughout the book, it's hard to argue that God is not great and has a purpose for us all. A refreshing look at rehabilitation versus a life destined to be spent on the inside of prison because life on the outside proves to be foreign. I would recommend for anyone who wants a quick read and enjoys a good tale of redemption.
November 3, 2012
It is amazing what can happen when you have people in your life that never never never give up on you. Who see you thru God's eyes. How Shon went from a bank robber to helping other prisioners with legal work. The writing is conversational. It is not compelling but tells the story in his own words.
February 10, 2018
Dear lord, this is incredible.
March 27, 2019
I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but someone with whom I work recommended this book about a self-taught jailhouse lawyer. He spent 12 years in a maximum-security prison for robbing banks, and while incarcerated, found himself working at the prison law library. This could have been really dense, but I appreciated how accessibly he writes. I'm not sure non-lawyers would enjoy the book as much as I did, but I don't think anyone can get lost based on the clarity of his writing. Separately, it's an interesting meditation on life in prison.
September 12, 2013
First, let's give credit where credit is due: Despite his relative youth, Shon Hopwood has led a fascinating, unconventional, and often-inspiring life. As a convicted felon (5 bank robberies) and as a self-trained "jailhouse lawyer", he petitioned the Supreme Court on a couple of cases that, against all odds, were granted a hearing. And after spending some ten years in prison, Hopkins gained admission to law school, and now -- subsequent to the publication of his book -- he has secured an extremely prestigious clerkship with a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Such a trajectory is astonishing, to say the least.
But here I'm reviewing an autobiography, not a life, and yes, there is a distinction. Perhaps there is already an identifiable literary genre consisting of books ostensibly written by one author (large print byline) but including a co-author (small print byline). In that category, real or imagined, you can often surmise that there may be a story of considerable interest, albeit one that can be read quickly and without much effort because the co-author is adept at simplifying, distilling, and constructing breezy narratives. In many instances it's apparent why the principal party opted for such an arrangement -- s/he simply didn't possess the requisite literary skills. But in the case of Law Man, this is much more of a conundrum since Shon Hopwood is obviously intelligent, and, one would think, fully capable of telling his own tale.
Thanks presumably to co-author Dennis Burke, Law Man is a breathless "page-turner", full of vivid details. But some parts of the book -- especially those concerning the particulars of Hopwood's unprecedentedly successful certiorari petitions to the Supreme Court -- deserve amplification and slower reading times. Unfortunately, the book's intellectually serious content commands less print than do the admittedly interesting descriptions of prison life, e.g., exercise routines, social clans, drug use, and protocols for seating in the dining hall. Hopwood is rather modest about his own accomplishments, but his story is anything but pedestrian. Given that his mental acuity was ultimately the basis for his redemption, it's odd that he allows that aspect of his story to be presented in such a vapid fashion. It deserves a much more sophisticated treatment.
Not only does Hopwood eventually manage to fulfill his intellectual potential; he also manages to win the woman of his dreams (both Shon and eventual girlfriend Annie had seriously problematic histories, but they seem to complement each other pretty well). It would be unseemly to characterize such a genuine love connection as "sappy", but that term does seem appropriate for the religious conversion that Hopwood underwent near the end of this story -- an unsurprising conclusion, given that he has dangling the possibility before his readers for many pages. The basis for Hopwood's conversion seems to be the unexamined assumption that a string of very positive and unforeseen events in one's life couldn't have "just happened". Maybe it's a bit more honest to get God on your side once you've won most of your battles than to enlist him early on and claim subsequently that he personally guided you all the way to your successful outcomes, but in any case God appears to get much of the credit in Hopwood's version. Yet the supportive forces that really seem to have buttressed Shon Hopwood were not invisible spirits, but real-life individuals such as girlfriend Annie, a few prison friends, and Seth Waxman, a Harvard Law professor who recognized Hopwood's abilities after reading his first Supreme Court petition. Presumably, some of Hopwood's buddies, still unfairly languishing in prison, would do well to count on human beings like those rather than wait for divine intervention. Fortunately, Shon himself seems determined to assist, and an inmate living behind bars couldn't hope for much more than that.
But here I'm reviewing an autobiography, not a life, and yes, there is a distinction. Perhaps there is already an identifiable literary genre consisting of books ostensibly written by one author (large print byline) but including a co-author (small print byline). In that category, real or imagined, you can often surmise that there may be a story of considerable interest, albeit one that can be read quickly and without much effort because the co-author is adept at simplifying, distilling, and constructing breezy narratives. In many instances it's apparent why the principal party opted for such an arrangement -- s/he simply didn't possess the requisite literary skills. But in the case of Law Man, this is much more of a conundrum since Shon Hopwood is obviously intelligent, and, one would think, fully capable of telling his own tale.
Thanks presumably to co-author Dennis Burke, Law Man is a breathless "page-turner", full of vivid details. But some parts of the book -- especially those concerning the particulars of Hopwood's unprecedentedly successful certiorari petitions to the Supreme Court -- deserve amplification and slower reading times. Unfortunately, the book's intellectually serious content commands less print than do the admittedly interesting descriptions of prison life, e.g., exercise routines, social clans, drug use, and protocols for seating in the dining hall. Hopwood is rather modest about his own accomplishments, but his story is anything but pedestrian. Given that his mental acuity was ultimately the basis for his redemption, it's odd that he allows that aspect of his story to be presented in such a vapid fashion. It deserves a much more sophisticated treatment.
Not only does Hopwood eventually manage to fulfill his intellectual potential; he also manages to win the woman of his dreams (both Shon and eventual girlfriend Annie had seriously problematic histories, but they seem to complement each other pretty well). It would be unseemly to characterize such a genuine love connection as "sappy", but that term does seem appropriate for the religious conversion that Hopwood underwent near the end of this story -- an unsurprising conclusion, given that he has dangling the possibility before his readers for many pages. The basis for Hopwood's conversion seems to be the unexamined assumption that a string of very positive and unforeseen events in one's life couldn't have "just happened". Maybe it's a bit more honest to get God on your side once you've won most of your battles than to enlist him early on and claim subsequently that he personally guided you all the way to your successful outcomes, but in any case God appears to get much of the credit in Hopwood's version. Yet the supportive forces that really seem to have buttressed Shon Hopwood were not invisible spirits, but real-life individuals such as girlfriend Annie, a few prison friends, and Seth Waxman, a Harvard Law professor who recognized Hopwood's abilities after reading his first Supreme Court petition. Presumably, some of Hopwood's buddies, still unfairly languishing in prison, would do well to count on human beings like those rather than wait for divine intervention. Fortunately, Shon himself seems determined to assist, and an inmate living behind bars couldn't hope for much more than that.
February 12, 2013
It's an impressive tale, no question about that. Shon has clearly done an incredible amount of extraordinary writing and legal research to succeed in getting his arguments to be heard by the Supreme Court -- all while spending time in a federal prison.
Law Man is a memoir of sorts reflecting on Shon Hopwood's time in federal prison for a string of bank robberies in middle-America. While the book reflects as a commentary on prison life, it is a very personal reflection. This is not a story about the system as a whole, not a critique of the prison-industrial-complex, and not a challenge to the impenetrable barriers of the legal world.
From Shon's perspective, the reader hears about making friends in prison, and trying not to make enemies. You learn about the endless boredom, the relentless pressures to cave, and the gratifying pleasures that only a man in a cage could love.
The reflection is certainly interesting, but, I wonder, with so much grave injustice happening throughout the system, on a personal and structural level, could the book have mounted a stronger critique. Or, didn't it need to, because that's just what it was, Shon's story?
[An easy read for "After Guilt" seminal with Prof. Sharon Dolovich]
Law Man is a memoir of sorts reflecting on Shon Hopwood's time in federal prison for a string of bank robberies in middle-America. While the book reflects as a commentary on prison life, it is a very personal reflection. This is not a story about the system as a whole, not a critique of the prison-industrial-complex, and not a challenge to the impenetrable barriers of the legal world.
From Shon's perspective, the reader hears about making friends in prison, and trying not to make enemies. You learn about the endless boredom, the relentless pressures to cave, and the gratifying pleasures that only a man in a cage could love.
The reflection is certainly interesting, but, I wonder, with so much grave injustice happening throughout the system, on a personal and structural level, could the book have mounted a stronger critique. Or, didn't it need to, because that's just what it was, Shon's story?
[An easy read for "After Guilt" seminal with Prof. Sharon Dolovich]
September 11, 2012
Excellent stuff here. I give it 4-1/2 stars. Well written and a pleasure to read. This is an autobiographical story about a young man who robs 5 banks and gets sentenced to 10-1/2 years in federal prison. It is a pretty detailed account of prison life. Hopwood tells us many times over why you don't want to go there. While in prison he works in the library and starts helping others research their cases. Everyone in prison wants to try to find a way to reduce their time there. And they have lots of time. Shon Hopwood reads law books and learns how to help people actually get retrials and some get out early because of his efforts.
Very interesting story.
Very interesting story.
September 30, 2012
Engaging chronicle of how the author went from being a bank robber to serving 10 years in a federal prison to ending up in law school. In prison he had a job in the law library and taught himself enough law that he helped other prisoners with their legal petitions. Amazingly, he had two cases that went to the Supreme Court. He describes life inside the prison, how he got to the point of robbing banks, and how other people helped him turn himself around. Very inspiring story about second chances (and sadly, probably not reflective of most released prisoners, but that's all the more reason it's such a remarkable story).
August 26, 2012
Awesome story of how Shon turned his life around. Loved the familiar references to our hometown and the good people and families that live there. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Best wishes Shon & Annie!
November 6, 2012
Couldn't put this one down--gripping account of a prison inmate who turned his life around. Narration interspersed with anecdotes provides a fascinating glimpse of prison life. Hopwood's story is almost unbelievable.
January 6, 2013
Since Shon went to school with my children and I've known him since he was in Kindergarden, I really enjoyed reading about the life lessons he learned while growing up in the Midwest and how he was eventually able to turn his life around. He is now an inspiration instead of a criminal.
September 17, 2012
Interesting biography. Makes me hope that neither of our boys end up choosing the wrong path.
October 2, 2012
Easy read. Good book for the plane/airport. Nice story of redemption.
October 27, 2018
Fantastic book! Hard to believe it was written by a "novice" author. Very engrossing memoir!
August 20, 2012
Great inspirational story!!!
December 1, 2012
This was a really interesting read and fairly well-written.
December 29, 2012
Good book. Compelling. Redemption. I wish Mr. Hopswood well.
March 11, 2018
I attended a seminar at Washington University in St. Louis where I heard Shon Hopwood speak to a group of law students about our country's prison system. His speech was eye-opening about the number of people that are imprisoned in the U.S. and rather disheartening about the lack of rehabilitation that is offered. Hopwood has a unique perspective on the subject, given his decade-plus incarceration experience after robbing five banks during his youth. Amazingly, Hopwood managed to find redemption while in prison and went on to earn a college degree, a law degree, married and has a family. I purchased his book after the speech, expecting to learn more about our country's prison system. Instead, I learned about Hopwood's story and how he turned his life around while in prison. It doesn't hide the hardships, but the story is really one of redemption - and quite uplifting.
June 18, 2019
This is an incredible story. The narrative is surprisingly engaging and contains a solid mix of despair relating to the disaster that is the federal prison system and hope in the form of the ability for at least one individual to find a way out of it. And as a law librarian, my favorite part was of course the key role played by the prison law library. Never underestimate the power of the library!
November 22, 2019
This was a quick, easy, interesting non-fiction book. The author was a good kid from a good family in Nebraska who became a bank robber, an inmate at a federal prison, a jailhouse lawyer, and after being released a lawyer interested in prison reform. I heard him speak in person, and I had a chance to ask him if he had met Bryan Stevenson, lawyer and author of Just Mercy. He has not, but he and I both highly recommend Just Mercy.
July 13, 2017
Very excellent memoir! I mean, who wouldn't love to hear a true story of a man who robs banks, gets thrown in prison, writes briefs that get accepted by the Supreme Court while in prison, leaves prison and attends a top law school and now practices law and teaches at a top law university? It not only will entertain you but inspire you. Great read!
January 3, 2019
This is a great story but a mediocre memoire. Young man from Nebraska robs banks, goes to jail for 10 years, and teaches himself constitutional law. He succeeds in getting a fellow prisoner’s case to the Supreme Court, and reduced sentences for many.
September 10, 2017
Interesting read, though it's such a shame I had a hard time getting my hands on a copy of this book.
September 24, 2018
3.5 - again with the rating memoirs problem.
August 21, 2019
4.2 - fantastic, inspirational memoir
August 26, 2019
Really enjoyed this unique story and would recommend pairing it with the third season of the Serial podcast.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews