Introduction
For over 30 years, Judge Joan Lewis has been committed to serving the legal community with compassion, deference, and toughness. During her 20-year judicial career as a Superior Court Judge, she spent five years in the Family Law Division and then presided over a Civil Independent Calendar for the last 15 years until her retirement. Throughout her time on the bench, she handled a multitude of settlement conferences in both the Civil and Family Law divisions. Prior to her appointment, Judge Lewis tried civil cases in private practice for 10 years, focused on representing health care professionals in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Judge Lewis has been consistently active in leadership positions on judicial committees, including serving on the court’s Executive Committee and as chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee. She has received numerous awards, including the Friend of the Community Award by the Tom Homann LGBT Law Association in recognition of her commitment to LGBTQ rights and, most recently, the Witkin Award for excellence in the practice of law and advancing access to justice.
Judge Lewis is well known for her thoughtful and fair command of the courtroom. A true people person, she is empathetic and compassionate while maintaining a position of neutrality. While there were many who did not want to see her leave the bench, it is a testament to her abilities and the amount of immense respect the legal community holds for her to see that she is being actively sought out as a neutral in the private sector.
Practice Areas
- All types of Medical Negligence
- Catastrophic Personal Injury
- Business/Contractual
- Employment
- Class Action
- Family Law
Hobbies & Interests
In her spare time, Judge Lewis enjoys theatre, travel, tennis, and overall physical fitness activities.
Testimonials
"She did a great job with this case especially in light of the COVID restrictions and issues we all faced. Her great temperament and level-headed guidance set the stage for this matter to resolve sooner rather than later which was in the best interest of everyone."
- Attorney on an Employment Wrongful Termination Matter
"Judge Lewis boiled down the dispute to its essential elements, addressed those head-on, and pushed firmly for a realistic resolution. The different Zoom rooms worked effectively and we were able to communicate efficiently."
- Attorney on a Comerrical Employment Sexual Harassment matter
"Judge Lewis did an excellent job bringing the parties to a settlement in a matter that had very sensitive issues and very disparate views on what the facts were. She saved both sides from a long, grueling litigation path that neither would have been happy to go down. Judge Lewis is an extremely capable mediator."
- Attorney on an Employment Sexual Harassment Matter
"Judge Lewis went above and beyond. This matter would have never been settled without her."
- Attorney on a Neighbor Dispute Matter
"Joan Lewis did the impossible in our case. She is remarkable. She has the perfect personality for handling mediations."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Auto case
"Focused on material liability issues and was patient to allow the process to unfold."
- Attorney on an Employment Disability Matter
"Judge Lewis worked every angle and was very persistent in getting the parties together to resolve the blank. She was fantastic."
- Attorney on an Employment Discrimination case
"She explained the process clearly to my client and did a good job listening to my client’s concerns."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Auto matter
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