A drum major for justice, Michael K. Lee was a nationally
known civil rights and labor attorney with offices in Southfield,
Michigan. Among his many clients were the teachers and
school employees represented by the Michigan Education
Association.
A graduate of Precious Blood School and the University of
Detroit Jesuit High School, he graduated from Northwestern
University in Evanston, Illinois, with a degree in Communication
Studies in 1982. In 1985, Michael earned a Juris Doctorate
degree in Contract Labor Law from the University of Texas at
Austin School of Law.
In 1986, Michael joined the law firm of Hiller, Hoekenga, and
Amberg, P.C. of Southfield, Michigan. In 1989, he became a Founding Shareholder and
Vice President of Amberg, Firestone and Lee, P.C. Michael established his private
practice, Lee and Associates, P.C. in Southfield, Michigan in 2004.
In 2012, he served as Chair of the Michigan Black Caucus. He became the President of
the Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter in 2013. Michael
served as the Board Chair of the Detroit Urban League, where he gave many years of
service and held a special place in his heart for its youth development programs. He
also served on the National Urban League Board of Trustees.
An avid reader who loved going to the movies, he traveled extensively in the United
States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Always generous with his time, he would mentor
young attorneys who had a desire to pursue the legal profession. He was also devoted
to helping today’s youth through mentoring and public speaking engagements.
Passionate about injustice, he was a strategic problem-solver and staunch advocate for
civil rights, political and labor principles, and shared his numerous talents with the
Michigan Democratic Party, the Michigan Black Caucus, the Oakland County Bar
Association, the D. Augusta Straker Bar Association, the Wolverine Bar Association, and
the State of Michigan. Over the years, Michael was also a strong supporter of the
National Black Staff Network. In 2014, he made a significant financial contribution to
help offset some of the cost of the National Conference.
Throughout his career, Michael was honored by many distinguished organizations and
received prestigious awards in recognition of his exemplary service, leadership and
commitment.
Michael passed away suddenly on November 4, 2014. He will be greatly missed.