Born in Jackson, Tennessee, Shaw received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harris Stowe State College in 1966, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri in 1971, and a Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in 1974.

He was an attorney with the appellate branch of the Division of Enforcement for the National Labor Relations Board from 1974 to 1976.

He then became a state court judge in Missouri's 22nd Judicial Circuit from 1987 to 1993.

On October 25, 1993, Shaw was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, created by 104 Stat.

He assumed senior status on December 31, 2009 and died on April 12, 2020, aged 75.