CHSSC was invited to this special event honoring Judge Ronald Sing Wai Lew. He was a strong advocate of the Asian American community, who believed in the fair application of the law, regardless of his personal beliefs. He chose to be a mentor, assisting minorities to apply for judicial positions. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity and contagious smile.

Honorable Ronald S.W. Lew Bio

Judge Ronald Sing Wai Lew (劉成威) was born in Los Angeles, the third of nine children. His father was a Chinese launderer who operated the Mandarin Laundry in Downtown Los Angeles. Judge Lew worked his way through school in his father’s laundry business.

After graduation from Loyola University, Judge Lew began Southwestern University School of Law. His legal education was interrupted by the draft into the U.S. Army where he served as a First Lieutenant. Afterwards, he returned to Southwestern and began practicing law in 1971. He worked as a deputy city attorney for two years before going into the private practice of law.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed Judge Lew to the federal bench for the Central District of California. He was the first Chinese American appointed as a United States District Judge in the continental U.S.

Judge Lew was involved in public service for a number of years. Also active in civic, community affairs, Judge Lew helped to establish the Chinatown Service Center, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association.