Eric L. Lewis

For individuals, corporations, and even sovereign governments in the District of Columbia navigating the complexities of international finance, high-stakes fraud, and intricate cross-border disputes, finding legal counsel with both profound expertise and global reach is paramount. In this demanding arena, Eric L. Lewis, a prominent attorney based in Washington, DC, stands out as a preeminent figure. His practice extends far beyond local borders, encompassing some of the most significant international financial collapses and human rights challenges of the last quarter-century.

Eric L. Lewis is a partner at Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC, a firm renowned for its sophisticated approach to complex financial litigation and international matters. Mr. Lewis's career is marked by his central role in disputes arising from virtually all major international fraud and financial collapses, from Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) to Madoff International. He brings a unique blend of litigation prowess, deep understanding of financial systems, and an unwavering commitment to justice, whether recovering proceeds of corruption for sovereign governments or advocating for human rights.

His expertise is not confined to the courtroom; Mr. Lewis has a distinguished record as an expert on international extradition and enforcement of judgments, and he advises major international banks and their owners on regulatory and sanctions challenges. Beyond his extensive corporate and financial work, he has been a leading figure in international human rights, notably representing Guantánamo detainees for over a decade in various legal proceedings. This article will explore his firm's strategic location, the breadth of his specialized services, the notable achievements that define his career, and why his unique capabilities make him an invaluable resource for locals and international clients alike operating out of Washington, DC.

Eric L. Lewis practices with Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC, whose Washington, DC office is centrally located at: 1101 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA. This address places the firm in one of the most prestigious and accessible areas of downtown Washington, DC, within the city's primary business and legal district.

The office on New York Avenue NW benefits from exceptional connectivity via the District's public transportation network. It is situated within a very short walking distance of several major Metro stations, providing convenient access from across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The closest Metro stations typically include Metro Center (Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) and McPherson Square (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines), both offering extensive transit options. Numerous Metrobus routes also operate along New York Avenue NW and the surrounding thoroughfares, with stops located conveniently near the building, further enhancing accessibility for clients and visitors.

For those who prefer to drive, while street parking in this bustling downtown area can be limited, there are a multitude of paid parking garages in the immediate vicinity of 1101 New York Ave NW. The building itself is a modern, professional facility, reflecting the caliber of legal services provided within. This prime location underscores the firm's prominence and ensures that clients, both local and international, can easily access expert legal counsel in the heart of the nation's capital.

Eric L. Lewis specializes in complex, high-stakes litigation with a significant international component. His practice areas at Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC are highly specialized and cater to individuals, corporations, and governments facing sophisticated legal challenges. His services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• International Litigation and Arbitration: Representing clients in cross-border disputes, including those involving international contracts, investment treaties, and multi-jurisdictional conflicts. He is particularly adept at navigating the complexities of international legal systems.

• Serious Fraud and Asset Recovery: Acting as counsel in cases arising from major international fraud and financial collapses. He has a proven track record in assisting liquidators, government bodies, and trust beneficiaries in tracing, freezing, and recovering assets hidden across various jurisdictions. This includes obtaining multi-billion dollar judgments.

• Banking and Financial Services Litigation: Advising and representing international banks, their owners, and other financial institutions facing complex regulatory challenges, sanctions issues, and disputes related to banking resolution entities.

• Complex Securities Litigation: Handling intricate cases involving collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), other complex asset-backed securities, and major class action litigation in the securities arena (e.g., Enron, WorldCom, TFT-LCD Flat Panel Litigation).

• International Insolvency: Providing legal expertise in cross-border insolvency matters, working with liquidators and other parties to manage and resolve international bankruptcies and financial distress.

• Sovereign Representation: Advising sovereign governments on the recovery of proceeds of corruption, defense of ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) proceedings, and issues related to the attachment of sovereign assets.

• White Collar Criminal Defense: Representing clients in high-profile investigations and prosecutions involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), allegations of sanctions violations, and other white-collar criminal matters. This includes advising on and litigating complex investigations involving both U.S. and international authorities.

• Public International Law Disputes: Representing financial institutions and international charities in significant disputes governed by public international law.

• Human Rights Litigation: A leading figure in international human rights, he has notably represented Guantánamo detainees for over a dozen years in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and habeas corpus petitions, and acted on behalf of Afghan prisoners held by the U.S. military.

• Expert Witness Services: Serving as an expert on international extradition and the enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards.

Mr. Lewis’s practice is characterized by its global reach and a focus on high-stakes, intricate legal challenges that demand a sophisticated and strategic approach.

Eric L. Lewis's career is marked by an impressive array of features and highlights that underscore his exceptional standing in the legal community, particularly in Washington, DC, and internationally:

• Globally Recognized Expertise: He is consistently recognized as a leading attorney in international litigation, arbitration, serious fraud, banking, international insolvency, and complex securities litigation. His involvement in virtually all major international fraud and financial collapses of the last quarter-century (e.g., BCCI, Laker Airways, Carlyle Capital, Madoff International) demonstrates unparalleled experience.

• Landmark Victories and Settlements: Mr. Lewis has served as lead counsel in numerous significant cases, including obtaining a $1 billion racketeering judgment against a Saudi national and working with a multinational team to achieve the first recognition in Saudi Arabia of a non-Arab League judgment. His work has led to the repatriation of over 90% of funds to creditors in complex insolvencies like BCCI.

• Dual Role in Human Rights Advocacy: Beyond his commercial litigation work, Eric Lewis is a leading figure in international human rights. He has dedicated over a dozen years to representing Guantánamo detainees in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and habeas corpus petitions, and has acted on behalf of Afghan prisoners. This commitment highlights his dedication to justice beyond financial matters.

• Distinguished Accolades and Rankings: He has been repeatedly selected by Washington DC Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition (from 2007-2025) for Business Litigation, recognizing him among "The Top Attorneys" in the Washington, D.C., area. He is featured in Who's Who as an expert in international insolvency and included in The Best Lawyers in America© for Commercial Litigation. Chambers and Partners also recognizes him for his work in asset tracing and recovery.

• Thought Leadership and Media Presence: Mr. Lewis is a regular contributor to prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, The New York Law Journal, Law360, and Esquire. He is also a frequent opinion columnist for The Independent and a Director of Independent Digital News and Media Limited, demonstrating his influence beyond legal practice.

• Sophisticated Client Base: His clientele includes international banks, hedge funds, large family-owned conglomerates, and major international clients across industries like automobile, energy, aviation, hospitality, and beverage, showcasing his ability to handle complex matters for diverse and high-profile clients.

• Expert in Cross-Border Challenges: He possesses particular expertise in assisting foreign clients navigating the complexities of U.S. civil and criminal proceedings, including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations and sanctions challenges.

These highlights affirm Eric L. Lewis's position as a top-tier attorney capable of handling the most challenging and internationally significant legal issues.

Given the highly specialized nature of Eric L. Lewis's practice in international litigation, serious fraud, and complex financial disputes, the firm Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC, where he is a partner, does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The engagement of legal counsel at this level is usually based on the specific, high-stakes needs of the client and the unique expertise required to navigate such complex legal landscapes.

However, what the firm does provide, which serves as a critical initial benefit, is an opportunity for prospective clients to engage directly with their highly experienced team. While a "free consultation" in the typical local business sense might not be explicitly advertised for cases of this magnitude, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to discuss their specific circumstances.

• Direct Engagement for Complex Matters: Prospective clients with sophisticated legal challenges that align with Mr. Lewis's areas of expertise can initiate contact to explore potential representation. The process would involve a detailed discussion to determine the fit between the client's needs and the firm's capabilities, leading to a tailored engagement plan.

For legal services of this caliber, the "offer" is the unparalleled expertise, global reach, and proven track record in handling some of the world's most intricate financial and human rights cases. Fees are typically structured to reflect the complexity, scope, and potential value of the litigation, often involving retainers and hourly rates. Clients seeking to understand how Mr. Lewis and his firm can assist with their specific, high-level international or complex domestic legal issues are advised to directly contact their Washington, DC office to begin a confidential dialogue.

To inquire about legal services or to discuss a potential case with Eric L. Lewis and his team at Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC, you can reach their Washington, DC office using the following contact details:

• Address: 1101 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA

• Phone: (202) 833-8900

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-833-8900

Given the international and complex nature of Mr. Lewis's practice areas, it is advisable to provide a brief overview of your legal inquiry when you contact the firm, allowing their team to direct your call appropriately and facilitate an initial discussion that is as efficient and productive as possible.

For residents of the District of Columbia, particularly those involved in high-level business, international affairs, or complex financial sectors, Eric L. Lewis and Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC represent an exceptional and uniquely suitable legal resource. While his practice extends globally, his physical presence in Washington, DC, provides a crucial advantage for local clients navigating intricate legal landscapes.

Firstly, DC's status as a global capital means many local businesses, non-profits, and individuals are inherently exposed to international financial transactions, regulatory oversight, and complex disputes. Mr. Lewis's unparalleled expertise in international litigation, serious fraud, banking, and complex securities litigation directly addresses these sophisticated needs. His experience in major global financial collapses and cross-border asset recovery is precisely what DC-based entities require when facing multi-jurisdictional legal challenges.

Secondly, his profound understanding of white-collar criminal defense and interactions with U.S. and international regulatory bodies is invaluable for local executives, businesses, and government employees operating under intense scrutiny. In a city where government investigations and regulatory challenges are frequent, having an attorney with Mr. Lewis's deep experience provides robust protection and strategic guidance.

Finally, beyond the corporate realm, Mr. Lewis's significant work in international human rights, including representing Guantánamo detainees, reflects a commitment to justice that resonates with DC's diverse and often civically engaged population. This dedication to fundamental rights underscores a broader ethical framework that can provide reassurance to clients seeking a lawyer who operates with integrity and a strong moral compass. In essence, for any local in Washington, DC, facing a legal challenge that transcends typical domestic boundaries or involves high-stakes financial and governmental complexities, Eric L. Lewis offers not just legal representation, but a world-class strategic partner.