From San Diego to Paris

Almost 25 years after he graduated from California Western, Jeff Lewin ’75 was pleased to see that the school still pushed first-year students to their limits as he watched his son, Eric ’03, go through the rigors of civil procedure, contracts, and torts.

“I remember being amused that Eric found law school very challenging. I guess I was relieved that he didn’t find it a breeze,” says Jeff. “I know that I had the same experience my first year.”

An accomplished trial lawyer who focuses on business disputes in San Diego, throughout California, and elsewhere, Jeff watched Eric grow as a law student and pursue a career path very different from his. As an undergraduate at Colgate University, Eric continued to pursue his interest in French culture and language, and California Western was a launching point for his desire to practice law in France.

“Once I completed the first semester of my first year of law school, I went to career services to put together a CV and cover letter, and I identified certain firms in Paris and applied to them,” says Eric.

“The summer after my first year of law school, I worked as a law clerk for two months with one firm and then for two months with another firm. During the summer falling between my second and third years of law school, I obtained a position as a summer associate with a third French firm that acted as the French correspondent for a large Canadian firm that also had offices in the U.S.”

Today, Eric works for Mayer Brown in Paris, where he focuses on asset and acquisition finance, but also advises on private placements and regulatory issues. “My experience has vastly surpassed any expectation about what I would do,” says Eric. “Being a part of the diverse student body at California Western has greatly benefited my career because it increased my sensitivity to others - all of my work involves cross-cultural aspects.”

For Jeff Lewin, a longtime California Western board member, watching his son identify and pursue his goals has been a truly satisfying experience.

“I’m proud that Eric was able to attend law school and practice law following such an unusual career path. California Western took us as very raw material and shaped us, trained us, and stimulated us to practice law,” says Jeff. “I take great pride that California Western enabled us to do what we do.”