Born in Los Angeles, Lew graduated from Loyola High School.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University in 1964.

He received a Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law in 1971.

[2][3] Lew was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on February 2, 1987, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Central District of California vacated by Judge Laughlin E. Waters.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 7, 1987, and received commission the same day.