James Lewis

**James Lewis** is a recurring character on Peacock's modern-day reinterpretation, *Bel-Air*. He is portrayed by Reno Wilson.

James is Phil's law firm partner.

## Biography

Phil returns to his firm after a failed run for DA. But it wasn't without its benefits, being out there with the people reminded him of why they started the firm. Phil believes there's a lot more they should be doing, like bringing in community leaders to support policy change, but his partner, James, stops him in his tracks and says no one expected him to be back or jump in as quickly as he is.

James is escorted to Phil's home by Geoffrey. There, James reveals that he intends to sell the company. James compares Phil to the Rainmaker. He brought in all the million dollar clients, and he's the one everybody wanted to see, while James was the day-to-day guy who made sure the lights stayed on. "I'm the finder, you're the grinder," Phil remarks. And when Phil left, they took a hit, losing clients and their best attorneys. James is simply doing what he needs to do, and their partners have already agreed, unless Phil can pull off a miracle of some kind.

James informs Phil that the firm has grown nervous. Losing Garrison Automotive as a client put them at a huge disadvantage. James wants to know where Phil is at in reclaiming them, but it's taking longer than anticipated. With it being the only way they can stop the acquisition, Phil assures James that he has it handled and just needs a bit more time. James isn't convinced, but Phil reminds him that they've been friends for over 20 years and that he's always delivered.

The firm is celebrating the life of an old friend and James and Phil's business partner, Derek, who helped them build the firm. James seeks to pay tribute to Derek, but Phil questions if it's a good idea given the acquisition. James remarks that they have to remind people why he, Phil, and Derek started the firm in the first place, but the people need to hear from Phil more than anything. Following Phil's speech, James confronts Phil after learning that he was offered a new position with Carson & Lake. Phil explains that Erika Baker is a partner there. She asked him to come in as an introduction to the team, though Phil would be lying if he said he wasn't considering her offer, which he ultimately turns down.

The acquisition is calling for James and Phil to fire half of their staff. However, Phil refuses to let anyone go. They need a new plan, but James exclaims there is no new plan and that the acquisition is their best chance at survival. Phil questions when did they begin to act from a position of fear, to which James replies they've been in a hole since losing the Garrison account, largely because Phil left. Nevertheless, he refuses to roll over, and much to James' surprise, he manages to win back the Garrison account, but at the cost of Phil leaving the firm to join Carson & Lake.

## Appearances

### Season 2

* A Fresh Start
* Don't Kill My Vibe
* Under Pressure
* Pursuit of Happiness
* Just Like Old Times

## References

1. ↑ Season 2, Episode 1: ***A Fresh Start***
2. ↑ Season 2, Episode 4: ***Don't Kill My Vibe***
3. ↑ Season 2, Episode 7: ***Under Pressure***
4. ↑ Season 2, Episode 8: ***Pursuit of Happiness***
5. ↑ Season 2, Episode 8: ***Just Like Old Times***