About Jeff Lewis
About California Defamation Defense Lawyer Jeff Lewis
Growing up in Southern California, I attended public schools before earning my undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and my law degree from Loyola Law School. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I worked tirelessly to put myself through school and make that dream a reality.
After law school, I initially planned to work as a prosecutor. When that path closed due to the economic climate, I entered civil litigation, and what began as necessity quickly became purpose. I learned how civil cases actually unfold, how power can be misused through the courts, and how skilled advocacy can restore balance.
I never looked back.
Early in my career, I took appellate cases for the California Appellate Project, representing indigent prisoners who needed help challenging unjust convictions. That work taught me something that has stayed with me ever since: the need for strong legal representation is greatest when the odds feel stacked and shortcuts are most tempting.
If the system fails to protect the unpopular or the vulnerable, it eventually fails everyone.
“Mr. Lewis is a shining example of what an attorney should be. I was sued for writing a truthful negative online review of a business. I contacted Mr. Lewis because of his expertise in first amendment / Anti-SLAPP cases. From our first conversation, I knew he was the perfect attorney for me. If someone is trying to use the legal system to bully you for exercising your right to free speech, Mr. Lewis is the perfect attorney to defend you. ”
– Mary S.
*Results are based on facts and law of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee as to your legal matter.
Today, my practice focuses on First Amendment litigation, Anti-SLAPP motions, appeals, and select civil litigation matters. I am a certified appellate specialist by the California State Bar.
My favorite clients are often first-time defendants – people who have never been sued before and suddenly find their homes, businesses, or livelihoods on the line because of something they said online. When the law protects their speech against defamation, libel, or slander claims, I work to get those cases dismissed early and, when possible, to recover their attorneys’ fees so they are made whole.
One of the most rewarding outcomes in my work is not just winning a case, but stopping an abuse of the legal system before it causes lasting damage.
Anti-SLAPP laws exist for a reason; without them, many people would feel forced to retract truthful statements or opinions simply to avoid financial ruin. Enforcing those protections is deeply gratifying.
I do not accept every case. When I do, I take that responsibility seriously. I believe clients deserve honesty about their options, efficiency in execution, and clear communication throughout the process. Litigation is not always the right answer, but when it is, my goal is to resolve matters as decisively and strategically as possible while minimizing disruption to my clients’ lives.
Outside of my practice, I value my time with my family and dogs. I enjoy landscape photography and staying active, and I remain engaged in my community.
I am truly committed to the work I get to do everyday: defending the right to speak freely, even when doing so is uncomfortable or unpopular.
That work matters. And I am proud to do it.
EDUCATION & SPECIALIZATIONS
- Certified Appellate Specialist,
- California State Bar
Loyola Law School, J.D. - University of California Santa Barbara, B.A
- Business Economics
ADMISSIONS
- State Bar of California
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth and Sixth Circuits
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts of California
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
MEMBERSHIPS
- Orange County Bar Association, member
- Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee, member
- Los Angeles County Bar Association, member
- California Appellate Defense Counsel, former member
- Rancho Palos Verdes Traffic and Safety Commission, former member
- Rancho Palos Verdes Planning Commission, former member
- Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations, former president