IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Lewis

Lewis Wiener Profile Photo

Wiener

August 30, 1962 – April 29, 2024

Obituary

Lewis S. Wiener, beloved husband of Alisa Wiener, devoted father of their son Zachary and of their daughters Jillian and Lindsay of blessed memory, died on April 29, 2024. A native of Williston Park, NY, Lew was the son of Joan Wiener, and Stanley Wiener of blessed memory. He was brother to Cindy Abrams (Yaakov Abrams), a special son-in-law to Jerome and Barbara Lichtman and Elaine Lichtman of blessed memory, a loving brother-in-law to Aron Lichtman and Aviva Woodland, an adoring uncle, cousin and dear friend to many who cherished his wisdom, knowledge of practically everything, passion for life, service to the community, golf, travel, history, and fine wine. Despite the profound grief from the tragic loss of his daughters and his valiant four year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, Lew's remarkable strength and determination shone brightly as he navigated the darkest of times with Alisa and Zachary, drawing strength from their enduring love and cherished memories together. Their family bond was the bedrock upon which Lew built his life, finding solace and strength in their unwavering support.

A graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and American University Washington College of Law, Washington, DC, Lew's legal career was highlighted by remarkable achievements and leadership. He represented a broad array of clients in state, federal, and appellate court litigation throughout the United States and demonstrated exceptional expertise in navigating a broad range of complex legal matters. Lew was one of the firm's leaders, as reflected in his service on the Executive Committee, where he made substantial contributions to strategic decision-making and the firm's overall direction.

As Partner and Co-Chair of Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP's Global Financial Services Disputes and Investigations (FSDI), Lew played a pivotal role in shaping and directing the firm's global FSDI practice group. Lew also led the domestic (US) Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) counseling and defense group, addressing crucial issues in telecommunications law. In addition to his financial services litigation work, Lew defended and counseled businesses on web accessibility and ADA compliance, particularly in response to the surge of class-action lawsuits that emerged in 2016. His extensive trial experience stemmed from his tenure as a former prosecutor and senior trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice.

Throughout his illustrious career, Lew garnered widespread recognition for his extraordinary contributions. He was twice selected by the Attorney General to serve as lead government counsel in the largest class action ever filed against the United States and was honored for special achievements in handling significant litigation matters on behalf of his country. In private practice, Lew twice served as President of the US Court of Federal Claims Bar Association, in 2002 and 2014. He was also appointed chair of the Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council (2016-present). In recognition of his contributions to that court, he received the Golden Eagle Award for sustained exemplary service, the prestigious Randolph Thrower Award for distinguished service to the Bar Association of the Court, and the James Madison Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, last year the Court announced the naming of a new award after him, The Lewis S. Wiener Public Service Award, to be presented annually to a lawyer or law clerk who fully embraces public service.

Lew's recognition for his public service extended beyond the courtroom. Lew was the recipient of AJC Washington's 2018 Judge Learned Hand Award, recognized for his outstanding leadership reflecting AJC's commitment to its values of American pluralism, the advancement of democratic values, and the Jewish tenet of tikkun olam.

He held prominent leadership positions in national and local organizations, including serving as co-chair of the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (2013-2015). A towering figure in the realm of disability justice and civil rights, he was bestowed with the esteemed Wiley A. Branton Award, the pinnacle of recognition from the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC), in June 2023. This honor underscored his tireless efforts in advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities.

His dedication to education and community engagement was evident through his roles at the State University of New York at Albany. Lew co-chaired the Advisory Board of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy (2002-2011) and chaired the Advancement Advisory Council to the President. He has also been a member of and served as vice-chair of the University's Foundation Board since 2011. Lew has been awarded The Distinguished Alumni Award (2002), The Excellence in Alumni Service Award (2014), and The Distinguished Service Award (2017). He was further honored by being invited to serve as the University's commencement speaker in 2007. In 2010, he endowed The Lewis S. Wiener '84 Scholarship to be presented annually to an undergraduate student(s) pursuing a degree at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University of Albany. Lew also served on the Boards of the Norwood School and Holton-Arms School. In 2009 and 2010, Lew was recognized as the Montgomery Country Baseball Association (MCBA) coach of the year. In addition, Lew found immense fulfillment in his roles within his religious community. Lew served as President of the Board of Trustees (2022-present), member of the Board of Trustees and General Counsel for the Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, DC, where he was a member for over 30 years.

Lew Wiener's life was a testament to the power of relentless advocacy, unwavering leadership, and boundless compassion.

Funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2024, 11:30am at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC with interment to follow at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park, 14321 Comus Rd, Clarksburg, MD.

The Wiener family will be observing shiva, beginning at 7:00pm on Thursday, at the Julia P. Bindeman Suburban Center, located at 11810 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD, with minyan at 7:30pm, on Saturday at 7:00pm with minyan at 7:30pm at the Julia P. Bindeman Suburban Center, and on Sunday at 7:00pm with minyan at 7:30pm at Julia P. Bindeman Suburban Center, located at 11810 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD. Contributions can be made in Lew Wiener's memory to The Washington Lawyers Committee ( washlaw.org/giving-in-memory-lew-wiener ) or to the Washington Hebrew Congregation Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund ( whctemple.org/annualfund ).

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