February 24, 2025 – The Brewer Foundation today announced attorney and community advocate Ian Shaw as its president. Mr. Shaw will have oversight of all aspects of the 501(c)3 Brewer Foundation, the charitable affiliate of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. Mr. Shaw was most recently with Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C, where he practiced commercial litigation, labor employment, and personal injury defense.
Today’s announcement marks Mr. Shaw's return to the Brewer team. He previously worked in the consulting group in the firm’s New York office and was an associate in the firm’s Dallas office.
“Ian is a committed community advocate and trusted leader – with a background in team leadership, public service, and educational issues,” says William A. Brewer III, chairman of the Brewer Foundation. “His role as president of the Brewer Foundation represents the growth of the Foundation and its programs, and the need to invest more in managing them for the future.”
Founded in 1995, the Brewer Foundation supports a range of community initiatives, with a special emphasis on developing, overseeing, and funding a growing array of educational programs. Among these are the Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program (FLP) and Brewer Foundation/New York University International Public Policy Forum (IPPF).
The FLP is an academic and leadership development program that benefits more than 200 students, ages 12 to 18, from urban communities within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Through year-round academic courses, leadership training, and exposure to a wide array of cultural programs, the FLP helps prepare its “future leaders” for success in college and beyond.
Since its inception in 2001, the FLP has graduated hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to be first-or second-generation college students. FLP graduates have earned more than $20 million in scholarship offers. Seven FLP students have been named QuestBridge Scholars, and three have been named Gates Scholars – some of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships. The program has been recognized by the Texas State Board of Education and the Texas Governor’s Office.
“I am excited to join the Brewer Foundation and help build the FLP’s blueprint for the future,” Shaw says. “We are eager to explore new partnerships, continually improve our academic offerings, and help these students realize their visions for success. The program is a testament to the power of education and the belief that every student deserves equal opportunity.”
The IPPF is the only competition that gives high school students around the globe the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. Thousands of students participate each year. During the 2024-25 competition, 283 teams representing schools in 26 countries and 30 U.S. states submitted qualifying round essays affirming or negating the contest topic. Now in its 24th year, the IPPF will host the “IPPF Finals” in May at the Harold Pratt House in New York City.
Over its history, the Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to more than 60 charities in areas such as medicine, the arts, and human rights. All the firm’s professionals are given the opportunity to support the Foundation – and its impact on future generations.
Mr. Shaw will also contribute to the Brewer Storefront, the firm’s community service legal affiliate. Founded in 1995, the Storefront tackles local and national issues, providing legal assistance to a wide range of individuals, businesses, and community entities in need. The Storefront is currently handling several Voting Rights Act cases in North Texas – advocating for voting equality and giving a voice to minority communities.
Outside of his professional duties with the Brewer Foundation and Storefront, Mr. Shaw is a member of the Dallas Bar Association of Young Lawyers, JL Turner Association, Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Council. He is currently in the middle of a term with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, as appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.