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In Memoriam — Scott Lichtig

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our former partner and friend Scott Lichtig on May 24, 2025. As a beloved member of Lewis Brisbois since the firm’s inception in 1979, Scott was an exceptional lawyer, mentor, trailblazer, and advocate who contributed significantly to the firm’s success – through both his work with clients and his leadership in promoting inclusivity at the firm.

Upon graduating with honors from UC Berkeley Law, Scott joined Lewis Brisbois’ Los Angeles office as one of the firm’s first associates. Throughout his tenure as a member of the Professional Liability Practice, Scott zealously defended major insurance carriers and their insureds in dozens of complex matters. He developed a decades-long track record of successes and important relationships with clients who trusted him to provide sound counsel on a variety of issues. 

Outside of his practice, Scott was at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ movement, particularly during the 1980s when law firm environments were typically more challenging for members of the LGBTQ+ community than they are today. He advocated strongly for recruiting attorneys and staff from historically underrepresented groups. For the duration of his tenure with the firm, Scott worked tirelessly to create an environment where every individual felt welcomed and appreciated. Scott also was passionate about educating the nation’s youth on the U.S. Constitution, government processes, and how to become active and responsible members of society. He served on many civic boards, including on the board of the Constitutional Rights Foundation.

After practicing law for more than 30 years, Scott retired and spent much of his time traveling the world with his husband, David. Scott always stayed in touch with his colleagues at Lewis Brisbois, though, and enthusiastically participated as a panelist during the firmwide 2024 Pride Celebration. In preparation for last year’s event, Scott fondly reflected upon his time at Lewis Brisbois, noting, “I was very lucky to connect in life with such amazing people.” He recalled that he enjoyed the “tone of respect for individuality” at Lewis Brisbois and that “the personality and uniqueness of [the] firm flourished,” because “no one was asked to clip their wings.” Scott also offered his insight that “love and respect” were “basic for all good relationships,” whether professional or personal.

In reflecting on their experiences knowing and working with Scott, several of his colleagues remarked about his warm and welcoming personality as well as his love of life. Los Angeles Co-Managing Partner Jana Lubert noted, “Scott was a person whose personality and energy took over a room when he walked in. He always had a big smile and wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. He had a great zest for life, going on great vacations and adventures. His clothing and his office reflected his eclectic taste. There was nothing ‘ordinary’ about Scott, and that was what made him so special.”

San Bernardino Partner Dean McVay explained, “Scott was such an inspiration for me as a young, closeted LA attorney over 22 years ago when I first joined the firm. He made me feel safe to come out and be myself. I’ll always be grateful to him for that, and to the current partners at Lewis Brisbois who continue that legacy of acceptance and inclusion.”

Los Angeles Partner Joe Campo recalled, “I met Scott in May of 1989 when I became his summer associate. He was only 36 and fit a New Yorker’s stereotype of the laid back, Californian surfer dude. (He even appeared in the 1976 film “Lifeguard.”) He sat at an almost bare round desk in an eclectically furnished office. He didn’t wear a tie. His boundless energy and infectious laugh were a constant. This was akin to anarchy. It was also a beacon of personal expression. You could be yourself and still earn the respect of your peers. The fact that he was openly gay to most co-workers and had navigated a business world much less hospitable than today, obviously played a part in his inclusive and iconoclastic personality. We handled cases together for the next 21 years, until he retired in 2011. The early years in any job leave an enduring mark on one’s life but this was something more. He lived a vibrant kaleidoscope of a life and allowed me to take part in it. The memories will always stay with me, as will that laugh of his.” 

Orange County Partner Esther Holm noted, “Scottie was the best partner, person, and a good soul. He was happy, loving, upbeat, and one of the most positive people I have ever known. He was a wonderful mentor, kind, generous, and funny! Even with all he went through in recent years, he looked at the upside. Health challenges did not stop Scottie from doing what he most wanted to do: travel with the love of his life, David. Those who knew him at the firm will remember his office that was full of antiques and artifacts from all around the world. In fact, if you wanted to sit, it would have to be on some hard bench from a far-away country. Scottie never officially retired. Even though he had long since stopped practicing law, he remained an active member of the bar and would always let me know that he had been on every one of my monthly webinars. We would have deep and sometime embarrassing ‘TMI’ talks. I fondly remember our trips to New York. Scottie liked huge dinner parties. One such time, we went on a food pairing with weird foods that I just could not eat, but the wine was always good! He was spontaneous. I don’t know why it sticks with me, but I have a fond memory of walking down Water Street when Scottie decided he had to have an ice cream cone, which he devoured in seconds flat. Wish I could find that photo! We would text on his birthday, and often his reply would come from some foreign country. Last year, it was from Fashion Week in Paris! Of course it was. Scottie loved life. He was big on saying, ‘hugs.’ So, hugs to you, my friend.”

We are grateful to have known Scott and we will miss him. We aspire to carry on his legacy of acceptance, authenticity, and compassion always.