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Lewis Powell

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description Lewis Powell Overview

Lewis F. Powell Jr. was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1972 until 1987. Before joining the Court, he practiced law in Richmond, Virginia, led the American Bar Association, and served on the Richmond school board and Virginia Board of Education.

On the Court, his moderate and case specific approach frequently placed him between its more liberal and conservative blocs.

help Lewis Powell FAQ

What did Lewis F. Powell Jr. do before joining the Supreme Court?

He practiced law in Richmond, Virginia, and held national and civic leadership roles before becoming a justice. His pre-Court career included leading the American Bar Association. [Federal Judicial Center](https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/powell-lewis-franklin-jr)

When did Lewis F. Powell Jr. serve on the Supreme Court?

He served as an associate justice from January 7, 1972, to June 26, 1987. President Richard Nixon nominated him, and the Supreme Court roster lists Virginia as his state. [Supreme Court roster](https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/members_text.aspx?stream=top)

How long did Powell practice law in Richmond?

The Federal Judicial Center lists his private practice in Richmond from 1932 to 1971. That was nearly four decades of Virginia legal work before his 1972 Court service. [Federal Judicial Center](https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/powell-lewis-franklin-jr)

What was Lewis Powell's role in the American Bar Association?

Powell served as president of the American Bar Association in 1964 and 1965. This national legal leadership came before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1972. [American Bar Association timeline](https://www.americanbar.org/about_the_aba/timeline/)