The Membership Committee is proud to announce Jonathan Lewis as our March Member of the Month! Jonathan is the current co-chair of the Social Committee, and he has done an outstanding job planning the Membership Mixer as well as the Annual Holiday Party. We are privileged to have him as one of our Members and leaders. Congratulations Jonathan!
1. Tell us about yourself.
Jonathan is a native of New Orleans. He is an associate attorney in the New Orleans office of Davillier Law Group. He is a 2012 graduate of Loyola University with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, and a 2016 graduate of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law with a focus in Civil Law Division, Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Technology. His practice focuses primarily on general commercial litigation and, more specifically, in products liability, toxic torts, construction and intellectual property/trademark infringement matters. Jonathan’s legal experience further involves immediate response, assessment and defense of catastrophic incidents and natural disasters. In addition to his litigation practice, he has also represented numerous clients in the entertainment business in contractual negotiations and in the areas of trademark, copyright and other general entertainment law practice concerns. Mr. Lewis has handled and resolved matters for individual performers, record labels and their representatives. While in law school, Jonathan was an active member of the Student Bar Association, Black Law Student Association, Sports & Entertainment Law Society and Student Ambassadors. He also was an active member of the Loyola Moot Court Program and served as an Oralist for the Civil Rights & Liberties moot court team. Mr. Lewis is active in the New Orleans community and passionate about charity work. He is also an active member of his local church and other community service organizations.
2. Why did you choose to become an attorney?
I actually had no intentions on becoming an attorney or pursuing a legal career. I initially started my undergraduate career out as a pre-dental biology major. I had every intention on becoming a dentist and establishing a thriving black owned practice here in New Orleans. It wasn’t until my junior year in undergrad that i even gave thought to a possible legal career. My sister, who at the time was a current student at LSU-law , encouraged me to take a pre-law elective course during my junior year. She had often thought Jonathan would be an excellent attorney. However, the thought never dawned on me for a second. Needless to say, after taking that one elective course, i quickly changed my major to criminal justice and the rest was history. Something about my pre-law classes constantly drew my interest. Reading about the countless individuals who have shaped and changed history through the practice of law intrigued me. As I sit here today, I can honestly say that I am so glad I became an attorney and I absolutely love what i do.
3. What are the benefits of being a member of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society?
Martinet has allowed me to be exposed to opportunities that i otherwise would not have been able to be exposed to. The networking, mentoring and legal community relationship building opportunities that Martinet offers is unmatched. It is not often that you find a selfless organization that constantly works to increase the number of culturally responsible black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
4.What is your favorite Martinet event and why?
The annual holiday party. This event has great vibes and accurately displays the family aspect of the Martinet legal community. It’s an opportunity to set work aside for a moment and actually enjoy the relationships/friendships that the members have developed throughout the years. I also thoroughly enjoy helping with Pathway and Pipelines program. It is an excellent program with positive results.
5. Tell us about other organizations you are involved in and other causes you support, and why?
I am currently a youth mentor with the Son of a Saint organization, active member of the New Orleans Bar Association, and a member of the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans. I enjoy being a part of any organization that allows me an opportunity to give back and encourage others. That is one of the many reasons why I became an attorney.