Named A 2019 Hunt-Kean Institute Education Policy Fellow

Michael was among only 19 national leaders selected to attend the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows Program in Austin, TX, this Summer.  Co-founded by former NC Governor Jim Hunt, the fellowship is considered the premier bipartisan education policy program in the United States.  Michael has fought tirelessly for the education rights of our children.

​

Michael has also joined the Board of the Hunt Institute.

Michael and firm recognized by 2020 Best Lawyers® and Business North Carolina®

Michael Lee has been selected as the 2020 Best Lawyers ® Commercial Real Estate “Lawyer of the Year” in Wilmington, NC.

​

Michael has also been elected to Business North Carolina ® magazine's "Legal Elite" for 2020.

Michael's law firm, Lee | Kaess, PLLC, has been named by Best Lawyers® as a 2020 Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” for Commercial Real Estate in Wilmington, as well!

Appointed to University of North Carolina Wilmington Board of Trustees

Michael Lee was appointed to the UNCW Board of Trustees in June 2019. “Mr. Lee and Dr. Sayed will be outstanding additions to our Board of Trustees,” Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli said. “Their roles as dedicated public servants set a terrific example for our students in terms of being actively engaged in the community. I look forward to working with them, and the rest of our stellar board, to achieve our collective goals as outlined in UNCW’s Strategic Plan.” 

2018 NC APSE Legislator of the Year - Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

NC APSE (Association for People Supporting Employment First), supports increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.  Senator Lee was awarded NC APSE's Legislator of the Year Award for establishing and co-Chairing the Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which focuses on improving employment and educational opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities   

Other Recent Education & Legislation Awards

• 2019 Exceptional Education for Exceptional Children Award - Parents for Educational Freedom in NC

• 2018 Legislative Champion - North Carolina Public School Options

• 2018 Leadership Award - the College Board

• 2018 First in Teaching: Elevating Educators for Student Success - the Education Innovation Lab

• 2016 Education All Star Award - Education Freedom Alliance

​