Michael Lee is a 41-year-old Republican and Wilmington attorney who is committed to getting state government back to doing basic governmental functions well and prioritizing the issues that are important to North Carolina's citizens. Michael was born November 29, 1968 in Kingston, New York. He moved to Dunn, North Carolina in 1978 and lived there until graduating from Triton High School in 1986. After graduating from high school, Michael initially attended UNCW and graduated from UNC-CH in 1991. After graduation, Michael moved back to Wilmington to work with his brother and parents in several small business ventures. In 1994, Michael left Wilmington for Wake Forest Law School where he graduated, with honors, in 1997. After practicing law in Raleigh for several years, Michael decided to come back home to live in Wilmington.

While living in Wilmington, Michael has been involved in charitable and civic organizations. Previously, Michael was an adjunct professor at UNCW, a member of Rotary, a volunteer with the North Carolina Society to Prevent Blindness, a graduate of the Wilmington Leadership Institute, a member of the Chamber of Commerce Local Government Affairs committee, a member of the City of Wilmington Board of Adjustment and the Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Adjustment.

Currently, Michael is the Managing Partner of Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP's Wilmington Office. He is a member of the North Carolina, South Carolina and New Hanover County Bar Associations. Michael has been honored to be named by Business North Carolina Magazine as one of North Carolina’s Legal Elite and selected by Law & Politics Magazine for inclusion in North Carolina Super Lawyers. Also, Michael earned an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating system, meaning attorneys and members of the judiciary who are familiar with his work have rated him among the best in the legal profession in terms of ethical standards and legal ability.

Michael and Heidi have been married for ten years and have four wonderful children - Miles, Sydney, Samuel and Sawyer. The Lees reside in Wilmington and are active members of St. John's Episcopal Church.