Lewis was born in 1940 in Atlantic City, New Jersey and educated at the Peddie School where he was student body president.
He also participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps while in university and upon graduation, joined the United States Army.
After completing his army service, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and graduated in 1963.
After leaving law school, Lewis became an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.
In 1973, President of the United States Richard Nixon nominated Lewis as General Counsel of the Navy and, after Senate confirmation, he held this office from August 1, 1973, until April 21, 1977.