appeared and committed myself to learning the work,” he says.
In 1998, Lewis and several partners left the security of that larger firm to start what would become Metz Lewis Brodman Must O’ Keefe, LLC. The entrepreneurial journey was challenging, but it provided a perspective that continues to benefit his clients today.
“ When I advise business owners who are buying, selling or preparing companies for sale, I understand not only the legal issues but also the pressure, opportunity and risk that come with owning and operating a business,” says Lewis.
Lewis focuses on mergers and acquisitions, representing private equity firms and business owners buying or selling companies. While the work involves legal analysis, negotiation and financial considerations, he says the most rewarding aspect is helping clients navigate a major life event with confidence.
“ Selling a business is not just a transaction,” he says.“ It can involve identity, legacy, family dynamics and a lifetime of work.”
Lewis believes relationships are at the heart of successful legal practice and emphasizes the importance of understanding clients’ businesses, goals and concerns rather than simply providing legal advice.
“ Clients do not hire a lawyer because the lawyer knows the law,” he says.“ They hire a lawyer because that person understands their business, understands the pressure they are under and can help get them to the right result.”
The firm has a strong commitment to recruit, hire and develop minority candidates and create opportunities for minority law students to experience a law firm setting.
“ Many talented students are dedicated, hardworking and smart, but they may not have had the same exposure to business, professional networks or the business world
as students who grew up with greater financial or social advantages,” says Lewis.“ Giving those students an opportunity is not charity. It is a way of making sure ability has a chance to be seen, developed and valued.”
Lewis also serves on the boards of five different nonprofit organizations and is currently doing pro bono work with BEAM Collaborative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping black entrepreneurs become successful in buying and owning businesses.
“ BEAM matters to me because entrepreneurship can change the trajectory of a family and a community, but access to capital, networks and experienced professional advice is not evenly distributed. If my experiences can help close that gap in some way, that is meaningful work.”
He is also involved with Pittsburgh Hardball Academy, which uses baseball and softball to help underserved youth prepare for college and future careers.
Lewis has received numerous professional honors, including recognition from Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers in America and Worth Magazine’ s Top 100 Lawyers in America, but he remains humble.
“ The things that matter most to me are my family, my partners, my clients and the firm we have built,” he says.
Currently, Lewis and his wife live in Pittsburgh, and he enjoys spending most of his free time with his family.
While Lewis no longer resides in West Virginia, it is still an important part of who he is.
“ Many of the values I associate with West Virginia— humility, personal relationships, hard work and being grounded— have stayed with me throughout my career,” he says.“ Growing up in Morgantown shaped the way I relate to people and the way I approach clients. I learned very early that reputation matters, people remember how you treat them, and success should never cause you to forget where you came from.” •
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