In 2007, Shapiro's advertisements were cited by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle as partial inspiration for a new set of rules the New York State Court System has implemented that limit attorneys' advertisements. The new rules prohibit, among other things, nicknames such as "The Hammer". The constitutionality of the rules was called into question when Judge Frederick Scullin of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York permanently enjoined some of the provisions in July 2007.New York Law Journal, "Upset of Few Attorney Advertising Rules Could Signal Return of 'Heavy Hitters'", Joel Stashenko, July 27, 2007
