Blake Lively Hires Former CIA Expert for Legal Battle Against Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively is gearing up for her upcoming legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni.

The 37-year-old actress has hired a legal expert to help her prepare for the trial set to begin in March 2026.

Lively’s legal team has brought in Nick Shapiro, a former CIA deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to John Brennan, as her legal communications strategist.

Shapiro’s resume includes high-level roles, including serving as President Obama’s National Security Spokesperson and as a Senior Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Aide on the National Security Council.

According to Lively’s legal team, Shapiro will focus on advising the actress on her legal communication strategy in the ongoing sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Baldoni. The case is currently being handled in the Southern District of New York.

Lively and Baldoni have been in a legal dispute since December 2024, when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating an uncomfortable work environment during the filming of their movie.

Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds.