Law360 Quotes Balch’s Debra Lewis on Mentorship and Shaping the Next Generation of Attorneys

Debra Lewis, partner in the Birmingham office and member of the Banking & Financial Services Practice, was quoted in Law360 in an article highlighting the motivations behind senior attorneys continuing to practice law and the role mentorship plays in their work. 

In the article published April 3, 2026, Debra highlighted mentorship as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career, particularly in supporting young attorneys entering the profession. Her mentorship is grounded in decades of experience advising clients on transaction, commercial contracts, and banking and financial services matters, allowing her to provide both technical insight and strategic perspective.

“To me, it’s more about feeling good and having the energy and wanting to make a difference and help people,” she said of continuing to work as an attorney. “And I’ll continue until I don’t feel that way anymore. 

Debra explained that she regularly mentors younger attorneys and summer associates, offering practical, experience-based guidance to help them develop professionally and build confidence in their careers. She is focused not only on skill development, but also on fostering long-term success and continuity—for both clients and the firm—by preparing the next generation to take on increasing responsibility and leadership.

In her practice, Debra serves as counsel to various corporations including, national, regional, and community banks, indenture trustees, real estate developers, and owners. She is recognized for her sophisticated approach and dedicated awareness of emerging trends that impact her clients’ industries. Debra’s experience includes a wide array of state and federal regulatory matters, and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, real estate lending and development, bank facilities transactions, and public and municipal finance issues.