The Kelley Drye community mourns the passing of our friend, former partner, and former Firm Managing Partner, Lewis M. Rose, who died February 20, 2024.

Lew was larger than life, and in his years as Managing Partner guided the firm with foresight and compassion. His impact on people was remarkable; he was a friend and mentor to many who sought his advice and guidance on professional and personal matters both.

Esteemed in his field, Lew’s legal practice focused on consumer protection, advertising, and consumer product safety law. He represented clients before federal and state law enforcement agencies and self-regulatory bodies, such as the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. Throughout his extensive career, Lew represented numerous clients in high-profile investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorneys General, including enforcement actions involving the substantiation of advertising claims, compliance with trade regulation rules, and a broad spectrum of marketing practices.

Lew served previously as chair of the Advertising and Marketing practice group and then as Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office. Lew communicated his leadership philosophy and vision for Kelley Drye through five “mantras”: inclusion, transparency, that each person be “all in,” a culture of marketing, and the importance of having fun. Lew emphasized clear communication and a culture of openness and involvement at all levels of the firm. Colleagues note that Lew encouraged them, and gave them confidence, with a sincere belief in their ability to succeed.

A proud graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law, Lew and his wife Jacqui Ross Rose established the Lew and Jacqui Rose Fund for Clinics to support the school’s clinical legal education program, embodying values and priorities – continuous learning and helping the community – which Lew demonstrated throughout his career.

Lew loved life – music, food, wine, golf, his sons, his loyal dogs and his beloved wife Jacqui – and he loved his Kelley Drye family. Whatever he did, Lew was “all in”.

He will be missed dearly by his many friends and past clients.

To read Lew’s obituary click here.

In Memoriam – Lewis M. Rose