Experience
With more than 40 years of experience, Scott Lewis serves as a strategic legal advisor to businesses of all sizes — from early-stage ventures to legacy enterprises transitioning to next-generation ownership. Known for his pragmatic and team-focused approach, Scott offers nuanced counsel that balances legal complexity with the emotional cadence often embedded in business transactions.
As outside general counsel to numerous organizations, Scott is valued for his responsiveness, clarity of communication, and commitment to tailoring solutions that align with each client’s operational goals and company culture.
Scott provides comprehensive legal guidance in:
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Business Succession Planning
- Corporate Governance
- Capital Raises & Debt Financing
- Executive Compensation & Equity Incentives
- Commercial & Industrial Real Estate
- Franchise Law (Franchisors, Franchisees & Area Developers)
- Intellectual Property (Trademark & Copyright Licensing, Registration, and Enforcement)
Notable Results
- Professional Softball League– Franchising, sponsorship contracts & operations manual development
- Steel Service Company– Public-private financing, real estate acquisition & renovations
- Digital Marketing Startup– Lifecycle guidance through exit negotiation
- Regional Nonprofit Affiliation– Structured legal merger of large service organizations
- Insurance Brokerage Sale– Represented firm in sale to national agency
- Succession Planning– Designed mechanisms for second-generation leadership transfer
Presentations and Thought Leadership
- “Negotiating the Business Brokerage or Investment Banking Agreement: A Client’s Perspective”, Northern Ohio Business Brokers Association, 2025
- “Beware the One-Stop Shop Business Broker”, CMBA Bar Journal, 2009
- “Bargain Basement Buying: Identifying the Targets and Structuring the Deal”, CMBA Bar Journal, 2015
- “When the Trademark Office Says ‘No,’ There’s Always the Supplemental Register”, White Paper, 2015
- “IOIs and LOIs: How to Use Them Effectively”, White Paper, 2018
Professional and Civic Engagement
- Member, LawPact®
- Trustee, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, 2013–2016
- Trustee, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, 2019–2025
- Co-Chair, Corporate and Securities Law Committee
- Member, Northern Ohio Business Brokers Association
- Member, Orange Village Planning & Zoning Commission, 2006–2025
- Contributor, Orange Village Parks, Recreation, and Arts & Culture Committees
- Board Member, Albert Rees Davis Endowment Fund
- Volunteer, McGregor Gardens & Cedarwood Plaza Nursing Homes
- Former Member, International Hockey League Board of Governors (Alternate)
- Former Board Member, Cleveland Sight Center
Recognition and Honors
- Crain’s Cleveland Business, General & In-House Counsel Award, 2013
- Ohio Super Lawyers®, 2015 – 2025
- AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers® in America, Mergers & Acquisitions, 2016–2020
Outside of law, Scott is a passionate performer and lifelong music enthusiast. A member of multiple adult vocal groups, including church and synagogue choirs, he’s sung the national anthem at major Cleveland venues and regularly entertains residents at local nursing homes — often accompanied by Rosie, his beagle and unofficial office mascot. Scott enjoys piano, golf, jogging, weight training, basketball, reading, and gardening.
He’s lived in Orange Village for over 30 years with his wife and enjoys spending time with his two adult children and grandchild.
Contact Info
Education
University of Chicago, J.D., with Highest Distinction
University of Michigan, B.A., magna cum laude
