David A Lewis

David A Lewis

Even Lawyers Need a Lawyer | Legal Ethics Advisor and Bar Admissions Attorney
  • Legal Malpractice
  • New York
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Biography

When a lawyer needs a lawyer, David is the one to call.

An eminent authority on disciplinary complaints, malpractice suits, and the panoply of disputes between lawyers, their firms, and their clients, David’s credentials include a three-year term as chair of the New York City Bar Association’s prestigious Professional Responsibility Committee. He has also served on the state level, with the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Standards of Attorney Conduct (COSAC). These committees are at the vanguard of the legal ethics field, studying and recommending changes to rules and procedures that directly affect the practice of law.

David’s own practice reflects this experience. He represents lawyers and firms wherever the Rules of Professional Conduct come into play — from partnership disputes to privilege and confidentiality issues — from conflicts of interest to bar admission problems. He defends clients in disciplinary matters, disqualification motions and other court matters.

David’s approach to legal ethics — a field known for its rigidity, is to keep an open mind. He prefers to think through his client’s entire situation, looking for other — possibly better — options than what is immediately evident.

For his clients — those lawyers and firms that may have strayed from the rules, thereby putting their careers and businesses at risk — David’s thorough and carefully considered approach provides the guidance that puts those clients on the right track.

Practice Area
    Legal Malpractice
Additional Practice Area
  • Legal Ethics, Professional Liability and Bar Admissions
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New York
New York State Office of Court Administration
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Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Chair Professional Responsibility Committee
New York City Bar Association
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Education
Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. (2001) | Law
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Georgetown University Law Center Logo
Colgate University
B.A. (1998)
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Honors: Konosioni Senior Honor Society (recognizes outstanding leadership, dedicated service to the community, and the preservation of tradition).
Colgate University Logo
Awards
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating for High Ethical Standards and Professional Ability by Martindale-Hubbell
Martindale-Hubble
Empire State Counsel
New York State Bar Association
Pro Bono Publico Award
Legal Aid Society of New York
Recognized for outstanding advocacy on behalf of Children's Rights.
Super Lawyers Rated
Super Lawyers Magazine
Professional Associations
Kaufman & Company
Of Counsel
Current
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New York City Bar Association
Past Chair of the Professional Responsibility Committee
Current
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New York State Bar Association
Former Member of Committee on Standards of Attorney Conduct
Current
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New York State Bar Association Non-Lawyer Ownership Task Force
Vice-Chair
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Activities: The Task Force was comprised of leading practitioners, academics, legal ethicists, retired jurists and other attorneys representing a broad spectrum of the legal profession. It was charged with thoroughly and objectively considering the nonlawyer ownership proposals made by the Ethics 20/20 Commission, evaluating whether the proposed changes will advance the core values of the profession – loyalty, independence and confidentiality – and reporting back to NYSBA.
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Nike In-House Lawyer Met With Avenatti Over Alleged Extortion Demands—Then Notified Law Enforcement
Law.com | Corporate Counsel Magazine
Could AMI's Deputy General Counsel Face Extortion Charges? Probably Not but NY Ethics Violations Look Likely
Law.com | Corporate Counsel Magazine
ABA/BNA Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct
A ‘Safe Harbor’ for Future Conflicts Waivers
Speaking Engagements
“Legal Ethics Presentation for Members of the New York State Legislature, Brooklyn Bar Association, Brooklyn, NY
New York County Lawyers' Association
Ethics of Labor and Employment Law, New York, NY
New York County Lawyers' Association
What Administrative Law Judges Need to Know About the New Rules of Professional Conduct, New York City Administrative Judicial Institute, New York, NY
New York County Lawyers' Association
Ethical Issues in Immigration Practice, New York, NY
New York County Lawyers' Association
Ethics in the Electronic Age: Be Careful When Using That Smart Phone, Blackberry, Tablet, Blog, Social Network . . ., New York, NY
New York City Bar Association
Report of Task Force on Nonlawyer Ownership, New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting, Saratoga Springs, NY
New York State Bar Association
Litigation Financing — Understanding the Industry and Potential Risks for Law Firms, General Counsel Roundtable, Denver, CO
New York State Bar Association
Challenges in Courtroom Interpretation: Effectively and Ethically Securing Language Access for Your Client, New York
New York State Bar Association
The Ethics of International Practice, Global Law Week, New York
New York State Bar Association
Ethical Pitfalls, Bridging the Gap, New York
New York State Bar Association
Ethics and Technology for IP Lawyers, Intellectual Property Law Section Meeting, New York
New York State Bar Association
Civility and Professionalism, First Department Committee on Character & Fitness Bar Admission Orientation, New York County Lawyers' Association
NYS Supreme Court Appellate Division
Periodic ethics panelist for the orientation program for over ten years
Websites & Blogs
Website
David A. Lewis Law PLLC
Contact & Map
David A. Lewis Law PLLC
43 West 43rd Street
Suite #116
New York, NY 10036
Telephone: (212) 951-1819
Kaufman & Company PLLC
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2733
New York, NY 10170