Omicron Boulé Archon Named Dean of Hamline University School of Law

MINNEAPOLIS (March 31, 2008) - Donald Lewis, co-founder of Minneapolis law firm, Halleland Lewis Nilan & Johnson, has been named Dean of Hamline University School of Law. Lewis will assume the post on July 1 while remaining Of Counsel with the law firm.

At Hamline, Lewis will lead a law school where he has served as an adjunct instructor since 2004. He will succeed Jon Garon, who is completing his five-year term as Dean.

"This is an exciting time to become Dean of a law school that continues to build exceptional and innovative programs within a very student-centered culture," Lewis said. "I look forward to leading the law school and becoming its strongest advocate to the Twin Cities' business and legal communities."

Lewis, 55, has been a trial lawyer for nearly 30 years. At Halleland Lewis, his practice centered on employment litigation and white collar criminal defense. He has handled several major cases, including the 1999 investigation of academic fraud allegations involving the University of Minnesota's basketball team.

"We are filled with a mixed sense of pride and sadness over Don's departure," said Brian Johnson, president of Halleland Lewis Nilan & Johnson. "His exemplary litigation skills and steady leadership presence has been invaluable within the development of our firm's trial lawyers and civic contributors. Don has helped cultivate the talent within our firm that enables us to continue the delivery of superior work product and service to our clients. He has much to share with law faculty and students."

Lewis is Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Law Institute, and the American Bar Foundation. He is a co-founder of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers and has served on the Board of Governors of the National Bar Association.

He is also recognized as a champion of diversity efforts within the legal profession, and has co-chaired Halleland Lewis' diversity committee. The Hennepin County Bar Association has recognized the firm with three diversity awards over the past four years, 4 years, including a "special achievement award" for ongoing commitment to diversity in 2006.

Prior to his entering private practice in 1988, Lewis served for six years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, working as a federal criminal prosecutor focusing on economic and tax crimes. He was also a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division for the U.S. Department of Justice. He holds an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and received his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

About Halleland Lewis Nilan & Johnson

Founded in 1996, Halleland Lewis Nilan & Johnson has built its reputation by putting clients first and building a practice centered on values - thus defining the next generation of law firm. Based in downtown Minneapolis, the firm focuses on six areas of practice: commercial litigation, labor and employment, product liability/mass tort litigation, health care, business law and intellectual property litigation.