About Evelyn C. Lewis

After graduating from law school, I decided to accept a position at Bryan Cave, a very prestigious corporate law firm in downtown St. Louis . In fact, Bryan Cave was one of the most prestigious law firms in the state of Missouri, as well as the country. I had a beautiful office overlooking the St. Louis Arch and a large salary, but something was missing—my passion.

Although corporate litigation was very impressive and paid well, it simply was not what I am called to do. It was not my passion. I had a voice. I had “fight” within me and I wanted to use that fight to help real people, the underdogs in life--not big corporate entities. So in 1995, I made the decision to leave the corporate world to follow my heart. I wanted to pursue criminal defense work and I wanted to do it in the trenches—the Public Defenders Office. So I took a position with the Missouri Public Defenders Office in St. Louis City. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I worked everyday defending indigent clients in criminal cases and I loved it.  

Nevertheless, in the spring of 1999, I decided it was time to expand my reach. So I left the public sector to pursue defense work in the private sector, outside the confines of a government office. Back in law school, I knew I wanted to one day open a law firm. So, that’s was I did. In 1999, I founded the Law Office of Evelyn C. Lewis, LLC. Unlike some law firms that do a little bit of everything, I wanted to make sure that my firm focused its energy and resources on criminal defense work. The work that I am called to do in life. The work that I know the community needs.

As an African-American attorney, I am personally disturbed about the disproportionate numbers of African-Americans who are impacted by the criminal justice system. I am well aware that too many young men get into the system and can’t find their way out of it. I have witnessed too many families being torn apart by prison incarcerations and cycles of court proceedings that seem to never end. To that end, I have committed my career to making a difference in the lives of those who find themselves being prosecuted in the criminal courts.

I believe that we, as defense attorneys, must fight for these people—the accused, the underdogs, the people that society sometimes overlooks. I also believe the criminal justice system is imperfect and that people can be falsely accused. I also believe that some people make mistakes in life—they are still good people, even though they may have committed a bad act. What I know for sure is that whether they are guilty or innocent, they still need help.

I believe by helping individuals get out of the criminal justice system, we help the community at large. The commitment my firm makes is a serious one. We will zealously fight for each and every client that comes into the firm. Every client is important—no matter what race, age, status, or class. Every client deserves excellent, aggressive representation. If you are in trouble, we want to help you get out of trouble.

I believe in second chances—and even third and fourth chances. I believe people do better when they are taught better. And I am proud to report that over the years, many of my clients have overcome their legal problems and have moved on to have positive, successful lives. I want you to have the opportunity to rebuild your life—free from incarceration and without the stigma of criminal convictions. If we give you that opportunity, my hope is that you will take it and run with it.

I am Evelyn Lewis. Keeping People Out of Jail Since 1995.