The legal world mourns the passing of one of its trailblazers, Lew Rose, an internet pioneer who played an instrumental role in revolutionizing digital legal practices. Lew Rose led an illustrious career – building an early web presence as a lawyer and ascending to the helm of advertising and consumer law, before concluding his remarkable journey as the managing partner of Kelley Drye.
Among the many titles held by Lew, he was recognized as one of the earliest attorneys with a website. Back in 1994, a time when only a handful of lawyers had ventured online, Lew founded his Advertising Law Internet Site, creating one of the first platforms dedicated to simplifying a legal field for the general public.
Lew’s expertise was later harnessed by his firm, Arent Fox, to develop their online presence. He was pivotal in the creation of Arent Fox InfoNet – an interactive section of the firm’s website inviting site visitors and attorneys to exchange ideas on legal topics. Preserved within the annals of the Internet Archive, his contributions to online legal discussions can still be accessed today on the advertising forum.
His journey with Kelley Drye began in 2001 where he led the firm’s advertising law practice. This was followed by his appointment as the managing partner of the D.C office in 2013, and firm-wide managing partner in 2015, a position he held until his retirement in 2019.
Despite retirement, Lew remained actively involved in shaping the future of the legal industry. In 2022, in a significant act of philanthropy, he and his wife, Jacqui, donated $1 million to the University of Buffalo School of Law, his alma mater, to support clinical programs providing students with practical training in civil rights, domestic violence, criminal justice, and more.
The firm’s tribute to Lew speaks volumes about his personality and his impact on people. In addition to his captivating professional life, he was also a mentor and friend to many within the legal community.
Loss of such a dynamic persona at just 66 marks a poignant moment in the legal world, leaving many heartbroken. Lew Rose was not just an early internet pioneer in the legal world, but also a guiding light whose strides in law and generosity continue to inspire many.