APABA Mourns the Passing of Hon. Ronald S.W. Lew, A Trailblazer in the Legal Profession and Mentor to the AAPI Community

Los Angeles, CA - APABA is saddened to hear the news of the passing of Senior Judge of the United States District Court Ronald S.W. Lew, and offers condolences to Judge Lew’s family, friends and colleagues. Among his many accomplishments, Judge Lew was a co-founder of the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association (SCCLA) and was the first Chinese American appointed to the federal bench outside of Hawaii. He dedicated half of his life to serving on the bench, was a mentor and friend to many within the API legal community, and was a supporter of APABA and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).

“I feel so lucky to have known Judge Lew and to be part of the ‘Chambers family’ that he nurtured over the years,” shared former judicial extern to Judge Lew and APABA Executive Vice President Jennifer Tsao. “No one gave advice quite like Judge Lew. Always cutting straight to the point, always delivered with a dose of humor, always leading with kindness. He was such an inspiration to me, not only because of his accomplishments after starting out with humble beginnings, but because he modeled for us how to build up our community and how give back.” 

APABA Board Member and Chair of the Public Appointments & Judicial Endorsement Committee Roger Hsieh notes: “Judge Lew was a trailblazer and an incredible person. He served as a role model and mentor to countless people, including those in the API legal community who would go on to become leaders and judges. Judge Lew’s legacy will continue through the many lives and careers that he helped shape.”

Judge Lew was key to the development of the Los Angeles Chinatown Service Center, the Chinese American Museum, SCCLA, NAPABA, and the National Asian Pacific American Judges Association.

Judge Lew was well-loved for his kindness, clever jokes, and devotion to his family, including his wife Mamie, his four children and his grandchildren. Judge Lew will be dearly missed by many within the APABA community and will always be remembered.